Brits look to tropical drinks to combat Blue Monday
According to non-alcoholic ‘spirit’ brand Caleño, nearly three million adults in the UK are creating weekly ‘tropical escape’ moments to counter the British winter and mounting cost-of-living pressures.
The study by Caleño, which is B Corp-certified, also found that around 2.8 million people are expected to book holidays to tropical destinations on Blue Monday today (20 January), while 13% are considering permanent relocation to warmer climates.
Ellie Webb, founder of Caleño, commented: “We’re witnessing a fundamental transformation in British work-life philosophy. Tropical environments and all that they bring, from food and drink flavours to interiors and warmer weather, are increasingly viewed as essential to wellbeing rather than mere luxury.”
The trend has reportedly sparked a broader cultural shift, with 33% of those surveyed agreeing there is a boom of ‘tropical escapism’ in the UK.
Webb continued: “This isn’t just about holidays – it’s about daily escapism. From tropical home offices to sunset cocktail rituals, Britons are reinventing their daily routines to bring tropical escapism into our daily lives. In fact, we could rebrand Blue Monday to Tropical Monday this year as so many people will be booking their holidays on this date.
“We have seen this trend in the drinks sector with the continual rise of the rum-based cocktail during 2024 and the increase of flavoured rums such as White Coconut and fruit flavours.”
According to the survey, the movement particularly resonates with younger demographics, with 76% of Gen Z regularly creating tropical moments.
More than half of 16- to 24-year-olds have ordered or made Mojitos (55%), Piña Coladas (57%) and Daiquiris (53%) in the past 30 days.
‘Tropical escapism’ initiatives
Waitrose’s drinks buyer Sarah Holland predicts that “tropical flavours will become the drink trend of 2025.”
National hospitality chains, such as Revolution Bars and Revolución de Cuba, have responded to the trend by increasing the selection of tropical non-alcoholic cocktails on the menu by 160% in 2025, including Piña Coladas, Mojitos, and Pineapple Spritzes.
To celebrate the trend, Caleño has partnered with Revolución de Cuba to create eight non-alcoholic Caleño cocktails. Subscribers to the bar group’s newsletter can win a complimentary Caleño cocktail at one of its bars.
With tropical cocktails at the top of mind, national café bar operator Loungers, which operates more than 240 sites, offers a Piña Colada in its non-alcoholic cocktail selection.
Caleño is also partnering with travel brand Kilroy to offer one winner a trek through Colombia, worth £1,000 (US$1,220). The promotion launches today (20 January) across Caleño’s social media platforms.
At The Low & No Masters 2025, Caleño’s Mango & Passion Fruit dark ‘spirit’ was recognised with a Gold medal.
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