🔗 Share this article Is 'Coasting' the Perfect Way to Enjoy an Alcoholic Drink on New Year's Eve? Christmas and New Year's Eve gatherings traditionally would culminate in a next-day headache, but with temperance now the order of the day, the emerging beverage sector trending term is “coasting”. This means opting for a white wine, lager, or even a cocktail that is approximately half the alcohol content of the traditional version – meaning you can enjoy the equivalent amount of drinks without experiencing the negative effects. The Emergence of Mid-Strength Alternatives As the name implies, “mid-strength” drinks occupy the middle territory between no and low-alcohol (nolo) and full-strength options. While there is no firm industry guideline yet, typical ABVs are: Beers and ciders: Around 2-3% alcohol by volume. Wines: Typically 3-9% alcohol by volume. Spirits: Generally 15-20% alcohol by volume. This rise of coasting aligns with data showing UK adults drinking less alcohol in the past. The average UK adult had around 10.2 alcoholic drinks a week in 2024. This is the lowest figure since records began in 1990 and is down from a high of 14 weekly drinks two decades ago. It is worth noting that total avoidance is not on the rise, which suggests more mindful drinking habits are driving this shift. Changing Habits and Market Demand Major supermarkets are tapping into the country's changing drinking culture by carrying more mid-strength brands. These encompass options like a rosé at 9%, a sauvignon blanc at 3.4%, and a spirit at 15%, alongside alcohol-free alternatives. Web searches for nolo brands spiked in the run-up to the festive period. Popular in-demand items have included UK-made non-alcoholic aperitifs inspired by Italian classics, as well as a spicy ginger drink. There is also significant excitement around a new brew co-founded by a famous actor. “Consumers still want full-bodied experiences from nolo drinks,” commented an industry buyer. “They want options beyond just gin alternatives.” Sales of alcohol-free cocktails and wines in cans are also reportedly “booming,” leading to new product ranges on shelves to meet this growing appetite. Wider Move and Consumer Behaviors To make mid-strength drinking “mainstream,” a group of specialist drinks brands has formed a “group”. A study of drinking habits revealed that: 21% of consumers are still drinking alcohol but having less in total. 13% regularly “coast” through their nights out. 6% practice “alternating” – rotating between alcoholic, mid-strength, and alcohol-free drinks during the same gathering. “The way consumers consume alcohol is transforming,” stated a consumer insight director. “While some are opting for alcohol-free alternatives, a growing segment is embracing mid-strength alcohol as the ideal balance.” This approach is seen as allowing them to prolong their evenings without sacrificing on flavor, quality, and the social ritual.
Christmas and New Year's Eve gatherings traditionally would culminate in a next-day headache, but with temperance now the order of the day, the emerging beverage sector trending term is “coasting”. This means opting for a white wine, lager, or even a cocktail that is approximately half the alcohol content of the traditional version – meaning you can enjoy the equivalent amount of drinks without experiencing the negative effects. The Emergence of Mid-Strength Alternatives As the name implies, “mid-strength” drinks occupy the middle territory between no and low-alcohol (nolo) and full-strength options. While there is no firm industry guideline yet, typical ABVs are: Beers and ciders: Around 2-3% alcohol by volume. Wines: Typically 3-9% alcohol by volume. Spirits: Generally 15-20% alcohol by volume. This rise of coasting aligns with data showing UK adults drinking less alcohol in the past. The average UK adult had around 10.2 alcoholic drinks a week in 2024. This is the lowest figure since records began in 1990 and is down from a high of 14 weekly drinks two decades ago. It is worth noting that total avoidance is not on the rise, which suggests more mindful drinking habits are driving this shift. Changing Habits and Market Demand Major supermarkets are tapping into the country's changing drinking culture by carrying more mid-strength brands. These encompass options like a rosé at 9%, a sauvignon blanc at 3.4%, and a spirit at 15%, alongside alcohol-free alternatives. Web searches for nolo brands spiked in the run-up to the festive period. Popular in-demand items have included UK-made non-alcoholic aperitifs inspired by Italian classics, as well as a spicy ginger drink. There is also significant excitement around a new brew co-founded by a famous actor. “Consumers still want full-bodied experiences from nolo drinks,” commented an industry buyer. “They want options beyond just gin alternatives.” Sales of alcohol-free cocktails and wines in cans are also reportedly “booming,” leading to new product ranges on shelves to meet this growing appetite. Wider Move and Consumer Behaviors To make mid-strength drinking “mainstream,” a group of specialist drinks brands has formed a “group”. A study of drinking habits revealed that: 21% of consumers are still drinking alcohol but having less in total. 13% regularly “coast” through their nights out. 6% practice “alternating” – rotating between alcoholic, mid-strength, and alcohol-free drinks during the same gathering. “The way consumers consume alcohol is transforming,” stated a consumer insight director. “While some are opting for alcohol-free alternatives, a growing segment is embracing mid-strength alcohol as the ideal balance.” This approach is seen as allowing them to prolong their evenings without sacrificing on flavor, quality, and the social ritual.