**British Drinkers Turn to Savoury Cocktails, With Tomato-Based Sips Making a Splash**
A fresh trend is stirring Britain’s cocktail scene, as new research reveals a tangible move away from traditionally sweet concoctions in favour of savoury alternatives. Amongst these, tomato-infused drinks are gaining significant traction, with many consumers developing a taste for sophisticated, tangy flavours this summer.
The findings come from a recent poll of 2,000 adults, conducted by popular pizza chain Papa Johns. According to the study, 60 per cent of cocktail enthusiasts indicated they’re ready to move past the era of syrupy swizzles. Instead, a growing number – 34 per cent – now express a preference for cocktails incorporating bold, acidic tastes, with tomato-based recipes rising rapidly through the ranks.
Of course, the celebrated Bloody Mary has long been the go-to option for those craving a savoury experience. However, this summer, there’s fresh competition on the scene. Papa Johns, collaborating with expert mixologists from Sip Social, has introduced the ‘Tomatini’, a cocktail inspired by the heart of Italian cuisine – tomato sauce. This novel beverage brings together rich, Portuguese-sourced tomato pizza sauce, basil-infused vodka, thyme-laced vermouth, and a drizzle of red wine syrup to round out the drink’s profile.
This inventive blend isn’t just about tomato tang. One of the standout results from the Papa Johns survey included the revelation that almost a third (29 per cent) of adult consumers are drawn to cocktails with an aromatic, herbal twist. Enter the Tomatini, designed to appeal directly to palates seeking layers of complexity and an umami punch, balanced by fragrant herbs.
Richard Maxted, director and founder of collaborative partner Sip Social, described the emerging preference for layered, unconventional drinks as “a real shift in drinking culture.” He explained: “People are looking for unexpected combinations which push boundaries. The Tomatini fits the bill—rich umami from the tomato, freshness from basil, and subtle acidity create a remarkably versatile drink. Whether alongside a slice of pizza or a savoury snack on a sunny afternoon, it’s certain to please adventurous drinkers.”
Papa Johns is keen to highlight its culinary pedigree in this cross-over creation. A company spokesperson commented, “We’ve taken our famed tomato sauce—never from concentrate—and transformed it into a bold tipple, blending basil vodka and a touch of red wine syrup. The result is a sophisticated, savoury cocktail—distinctively Papa Johns through and through.” The company hopes this innovation will both showcase and celebrate the quality ingredients that underpin its classic pizzas, bringing familiar flavours into an entirely new light.
The launch of the Tomatini is also timed with the results of another recent survey surrounding Britons’ favourite food and drink matches. Notably, pizza emerged as the overwhelming winner, with 69 per cent of younger adults saying it’s their first choice to pair with a cocktail—beating out popular alternatives like tacos, sushi, and classic takeaway dishes from India and China.
Available from mid-July, the Tomatini is a limited-edition offering that keen customers won’t want to miss. To enjoy this exclusive cocktail experience, patrons can visit participating Papa Johns branches, where a special QR code will unlock the savoury sip – and a buy-one-get-one-free pizza deal.
Ultimately, whether this marks a permanent change in British drinking habits remains to be seen. However, the surge of interest in inventive, savoury cocktails like the Tomatini suggests that the nation’s taste buds are evolving, with many eager to elevate their drinking experience beyond the sugar-laden classics of summers past. As the lines between food and drink continue to blur, the only certainty appears to be that flavour experimentation is here to stay.
For British diners and drinkers alike, this summer presents a new opportunity: to raise a glass not just to refreshment, but to culinary ingenuity as food and cocktail cultures intertwine like never before.