Tequila overtakes gin as the UK’s favourite warm-weather spirit

A classic lime margarita may be more likely to grace the tables of pubs and bars in the UK this summer than other gin and vodka favourites. Photograph: Lauri Patterson/Getty Images

A crisp gin and tonic has for many British people been just the ticket as the weather gets warmer, but new consumer data shows tequila is overtaking gin for the first time as a summer tipple of choice.

Spicy margaritas, which are a piquant twist on the classic tequila, lime and triple sec cocktail, have taken the UK by a storm in recent years and now the country is firmly hooked on tequila, with many ordering a tequila and tonic instead of a G&T.