New research* conducted ahead of World Cocktail Day, shows almost two thirds (60%) of London residents surveyed by Bacardi believe the cocktail hour has made a comeback during lockdown, with 7.10pm emerging as the time people in the capital are most likely to raise a glass with family and friends.

According to the findings, the cocktail hour – which was the height of fashion in Britain in the 1920s – has made a virtual 2020 comeback, with as many as 29% of London-based respondents attempting to perfect cocktails at home since lockdown began.

49% of Londoners surveyed have enjoyed virtual drinks parties with friends as a way of keeping in touch and 37% have even dressed up for their virtual drinks occasion. 35% of London’s participants have been dusting off specialist cocktail glasses and 35% are going all out by making use of a shaker ahead of virtual get-togethers.

What’s more, the contemporary cocktail hour is here to stay, with 38% of those surveyed in the capital claiming they will continue hosting virtual cocktail hours with friends and family beyond lockdown.

Nearly a third (29%) of the capital’s budding mixologists claim they were inspired to try their hand at a cocktail because they are a more interesting alternative to wine and beer. When it comes to mixology, we’re an adventurous bunch as one in five surveyed has treated themselves to different types of drinks which they wouldn’t usually have and almost a third (29%) said they enjoy cocktail-making because they like to experiment with different ingredients.

Joe McCanta, Global Head of Education and Mixology at Bacardi commented, “It’s great to see Londoners embracing the ‘cocktail hour’ once more, getting dressed up and enjoying their favourite serves over apps such as Zoom, as the virtual cocktail hour becomes our new normal.”

According to the survey, the Mojito (made with rum, sugar and zesty lime) is the capital’s most popular make-at-home cocktail, followed by the Pina Colada. The Californian-born Margarita came in third place.