One in five men steer clear of drinking cocktails in public, while 42 per cent refuse to sip beer from a half-pint glass – preferring to pour it into a full pint instead, new research reveals.
A poll of 2,000 adults who drink alcohol found that a third of men who avoid cocktails when out do so because they fear being mocked by others. But it’s not just men who worry about how they’re perceived: while only 14 per cent of women say they feel uncomfortable drinking cocktails, 12 per cent have opted for a half-pint over a full pint to avoid potential judgment.
The study also found that 35 per cent of respondents have chosen a drink based on how masculine or feminine it appears, with a quarter admitting they’ve avoided certain beverages altogether due to concerns about what others might think.
Despite this self-consciousness, more than half of men (56 per cent) admit they actually enjoy cocktails, and half say they would try one if it contained ale.
Meanwhile, only 13 per cent of women currently drink cask ale, but a third of those who haven’t tried it say they’re open to giving it a go.
The research was commissioned by Greene King Brewery, which has teamed up with mixologists Soulshakers to create four ‘casktails’—cocktails made with ale and other ingredients—to celebrate Cask Ale Week, running from September 18 to 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.”
The survey also revealed that attitudes towards drinks vary by region. Londoners are the most concerned about how they’re perceived, with 68 per cent admitting to such worries, compared to just 29 per cent in Yorkshire and the Humber—the lowest in the UK.
Conducted via OnePoll, the research also found that cask ales are generally seen as drinks for men and those more knowledgeable about beer.
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.”