Let me take you back to the summer of 2009, a summer when the Black Eyed Peas’ ‘Boom Boom Pow’ and ‘I Gotta Feeling’ were topping the charts and Lady Gaga made one of her many fashion statements by donning an outfit made of stuffed Kermit the Frog toys. It was evidently a time of questionable choices and, unlike the array of superb summer drinks that we are faced with today, it seems that this extended towards drinks too.It was at this point in time that I ordered my first-ever cocktail. I was barely 18, in a British-themed bar (as questionable as my three-quarter lengt
All hail the cocktail, but be wary of the side effects – Comment
Those spirits brand owners keen to ride the cocktail tide need to keep an eye out for unintended – and potentially harmful – consequences from their strategies.

Charlie Mitchell is a renowned industry commentator and research expert within the drinks industry, having worked for well over a decade delving into the data that tells the story of how consumers eat and drink out.
After having spent 13 years at NielsenIQ (formerly CGA Strategy), where he led the on-trade consumer & bartender research division, Charlie now heads up data, research & insights at Wilde Toast, the specialist drinks agency that helps drinks get chosen, through intelligent activation. Working with bartenders, consumers and trade professionals, Charlie distils what is happening in the sector to build winning strategies for brands.
Email him at [email protected]



