Survey reveals one in five men avoid cocktails in public over fear of mockery

A poll of 2,000 adults who drink alcohol found that a third of men who shun cocktails when out and about do so in case they get mocked.

One in five blokes steer clear of sipping cocktails in public – and a whopping 42 per cent won’t quaff beer from a half-pint glass, preferring to decant it into a full-sized one instead.

A survey of 2,000 adults who enjoy a tipple revealed that a third of men who give cocktails a miss when out on the town do so for fear of ridicule.

But it appears it’s not just the gents who fret over their drink choices. While only 14 per cent of women feel uneasy knocking back cocktails, 12 per cent have shied away from ordering a full pint for themselves, opting for a half-pint instead to avoid judgemental glances.

The research also discovered that 35 per cent have selected a beverage based on how masculine or feminine they perceived it to be, with a quarter dodging certain drinks due to concerns about others’ perceptions.

Despite a significant number of men feeling self-conscious about sipping cocktails, 56 per cent confess they actually enjoy them. Interestingly, half revealed they have or would consider trying such a drink if it incorporated ale.

While only 13 per cent of women regularly indulge in cask ale, a third who haven’t sampled it are open to the idea.

The study was commissioned by Greene King Brewery, which has collaborated with mixologists ‘Soulshakers’ to concoct four ‘casktails’ – cocktails crafted from ale and other ingredients – to mark Cask Ale Week [September 18 to September 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.

He added: “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 avoidance of specific drinks varies by region, with those based in London (68 per cent) most concerned about how they’re perceived.

In contrast, just 29 per cent of those living in Yorkshire and the Humber harbour such concerns. – the lowest figure across the UK.

The survey, conducted by OnePoll, revealed that cask ales are typically perceived as the drink of choice for men and those with a deeper understanding of beer.

Greene King’s Jack 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.”