One in five men shun cocktails in public, and a staggering 42 per cent refuse to sip beer from a half-pint glass, opting instead for a full pint. A survey of 2,000 adults who enjoy a tipple revealed that a third of men avoid cocktails in social settings for fear of ridicule.
However, it’s not just the gents who fret over their drink choices. While a mere 14 per cent of women feel uneasy sipping cocktails, 12 per cent have steered clear of ordering a full pint, opting for a half-pint instead to avoid judgement. The research discovered that 35 per cent of participants select their drinks based on perceived masculinity or femininity, with a quarter steering clear of certain beverages due to concerns about others’ perceptions.
Despite a significant number of men feeling self-conscious about drinking cocktails, 56 per cent actually confess to enjoying them. Interestingly, half of the respondents revealed they have tried or would consider trying such a drink if it contained ale.
And while only 13 per cent of women consume cask ale, a third who haven’t sampled it are open to the idea.
The study was commissioned by Greene King Brewery, which has collaborated with mixologists ‘Soulshakers’ to concoct four ‘casktails’ – cocktails made from ale and other ingredients – in honour of Cask Ale Week [September 18 to September 28].
Jack Palmer, head brewer for the pub and brewing company, said: “Cask ale is often seen as a traditional drink, but as brewers we know that it offers so much variety when it comes to styles and flavours – there is something for everyone.
“We are always looking for ways to introduce customers to new tastes and experiences with cask beer and trying a sample is a really important part of that. The research found many men find cocktails problematic, yet the vast majority of women enjoy cocktails – although very few currently drink cask.
“So the casktails are a perfect opportunity to bring people together over a drink and make drinking cask and cocktails accessible to all drinkers.”
It transpired that avoiding specific beverages varies by region, with those based in London (68 per cent) most concerned with how they’re perceived.
In contrast, just 29 per cent of those residing in Yorkshire and the Humber have the fewest such preoccupations – fewer than anywhere else in the UK.
The survey, conducted by OnePoll, also revealed that cask ales are generally perceived as being consumed by men and those who are more knowledgeable about beer.
Greene King’s Jack Palmer added: “Cask ale is starting to become favourable among younger generations and wider demographics, however there is more to be done to really give cask ale the recognition it deserves and to show that it has something to offer all drinkers.
“It is time to that the unique drink is truly celebrated by everyone and we let go of old-fashioned perceptions. Whether in a pint, a half, or even included in a cocktail, cask ale deserves to be enjoyed by everyone.”