Marks & Spencer unveils five new ready-to-drink cocktails for 40th anniversary range

Marks & Spencer is celebrating four decades since it pioneered canned cocktails on British high streets, having first introduced the concept back in May 1986.

The retailer has released what it calls "The United Tin-dom" report, examining the nation's preferences for ready-to-drink cocktails ahead of World Cocktail Day.

M&S now shifts more than 15 million canned cocktails annually, a figure that equates to roughly one sale every second.

If placed end to end, that quantity of tins would stretch all the way from London to Greece, the report states,

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The findings reveal a nation divided by its tinnie tastes, with regional preferences varying considerably across Britain.

Mojitos prove most popular in over a quarter of UK regions, claiming top spot in Bristol, Bath, East Anglia and the West Midlands.

Northern cities have embraced the Spritz trend with particular enthusiasm, with Hugo Spritz leading in Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow, whilst Limoncello Spritz dominates in Leeds, Newcastle and Sheffield.

Southern regions and parts of Scotland display a fondness for tropical flavours, with the Piña Colada reigning supreme in Essex, Southampton, South Wales and across North and East Scotland.

Northern Ireland favours fruitier options, with the Pink Passion Star Martini taking first place.

Despite the regional variations, one classic cocktail that has maintained its position as Britain's undisputed favourite is the Extra Dry Gin & Tonic.

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The drink gained particular cultural prominence in 2019 when Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Andrew Scott were seen enjoying the cans during the BBC series Fleabag, prompting a 24 per cent surge in sales.

The G&T also proves the preferred choice for travellers, topping sales at railway stations, airports and service stations.

Jenny Rea, Lead Product Developer for cocktails at M&S Food, said: "We know the nation loves a cocktail in a can and it's safe to say our tinnies have achieved cult status over the last four decades."

To commemorate the milestone, M&S has unveiled a limited edition Gin & Tonic featuring retro St Michael packaging inspired by the original archive design.

The retailer is also capitalising on the growing appetite for tequila, with Foodhall sales of the spirit up 50 per cent year on year and margarita sales climbing 75 per cent.

Three new tequila-based products are joining the range: a Tequila & Tonic, a Tequila Spritz with grapefruit, and The Marksologist Tequila Selection three-pack.

Additional launches include a Peach Bourbon Smash and an alcohol-free Lime Margarita for those seeking non-alcoholic alternatives.

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