Sipping on gin and...seaweed

• Asda’s drink expert, Ed Betts, offers his top tips for drink trends in 2017 to help you stay ahead of the curve
• Craft beers hopping along strong, with 60% growth in 2016
• The G&T continues to reign as the drink of choice, growing 15%

2017 looks set to be the year of the beer, the G&T is tipped to continue its reign and health trends will make the leap into the drinks arena, according to Asda’s alcohol expert Ed Betts.

Ed Betts predicts that 2017 will be the era of beer. Craft beer sales soared by 60% in 2016, something that looks to continue well into next year.

The slimline Gin & Tonic is also continuing to grow and prove itself as the drink with staying power. Sales of gin grew 15% over the past year, and consumers’ appetites don’t seem to be waning with sales reaching £1bn[1] across the UK.

Betts commented: “January is a key time to consider the months ahead and the trends that will begin to emerge. Given the popularity of certain tipples in 2016, we’re expecting continued growth with craft beer and also the nation’s beloved spirit, gin.

“The ones to watch are at-home mixologists who are crafting new ways for us to enjoy cocktails at home. Whether it’s the flat white martini using Irish cream or boutique gin with unique additions like rosemary or seaweed, a lot of trends can start with your own experimentation.

“The wine that’s en vogue for 2017 is sparkling Italian Rosé, said to be the next Prosecco. Rosé wine has been increasing in popularity over the years with a 56% increase YoY. This coupled with the popular trend of Prosecco, which has seen 34% growth, has led to this particular wine being the next big thing.”

Asda’s official expert on top tipples, Ed Betts, has offered his top eight predictions for drinks that will be big in 2017:

1) Getting Crafty with Beer
There are now around 1,500 craft breweries across the UK as people continue to appreciate the traditionally crafted, smaller batch beers. Beer is typically enjoyed by 53% of people, and Punk IPA is leading the way following a 60% surge in sales last year.

2) Health Life
With the health food trend set to continue its reign over Instagram feeds in 2017, Ed suggests that this will infiltrate drinking habits, too. Watermelon water is tipped to be a huge trend and Ed thinks it could become the mixer du jour. He recommends a splash of vodka, tons of ice and lashings of watermelon water.

3) Sipping Seaweed
Gin & Tonic has seen a massive growth over the past 12 months, which looks set to continue into 2017. However, the big tip for this year is Gin and seaweed. Used as a garnish, or a flavouring within the gin, the iodine rich algae is the must-have addition to any beverage.

4) G&T Love
Continuing with the Gin & Tonic theme, UK wide sales topped the £1 billion mark in 2016 and the nation looks set to continue its love affair with the drink in 2017. When it comes to gin, serve in a balloon glass with a slice of orange peel.

5) Coco for Coconuts
This year will be the year of the coconut, from pina coladas to Malibu, the coconut will infiltrate drinking habits as well as cooking habits.

6) The Fizzy Stuff
While Prosecco is likely to continue to fizz in 2017, a top tipped bubble is Pinot Noir Rosé. Generally giving a bright and deep colour, as well as a delicate taste, it is a very drinkable alternative.

7) Nation of Mixologists
Asda has reported an increase of 20% in its cocktail sets as people recreate their favourite cocktails at home. Sales of cocktail staples have also soared, with the backbone of the aptly named Aperol Spritz rising 82%. Sales of Chambord, of Kir Royale fame, have risen by 12%. The brandy sour also appears to be tickling taste buds, with Angostura Bitters up 7%.

8) Rum
While gin is one of the favoured tipples of the year, rum is also seeing great growth in popularity. Whether ginger beer or cola is your preferred combination rum (and rum bars) will be the drink of the year. Yo, ho, ho and a bottle of rum, as the Pirates would say.

ENDS