Merry Christmas (but you might not remember it)! The average adult will spend £75 on alcohol over the festive season


The average adult will spend £75 on alcohol this Christmas, a new report has revealed.

This figure includes £33 spent in pubs and £42 in supermarkets and off-licences.

The report also found seven out of ten adults will spend the same or more on booze this Christmas than they did last year.

Boozy: A new report has revealed that the average adult will spend £75 on alcohol this Christmas

Boozy: A new report has revealed that the average adult will spend £75 on alcohol this Christmas

A total of 17 per cent of people involved in the poll will actually drink less but splash out on better quality versions of their favourite drinks.

Jane Peyton, writer and founder of School of Booze, said: 'Our Christmas drinking habits are very deeply ingrained and that explains our determination to stick to the traditional tipples we enjoy.

'That means many old favourites like Babycham, sherry, port, and ginger wine will make their annual appearance as we repeat the rituals of what and when we drink.

'Nostalgia also influences our choices so if we used to sip Sherry at Christmas with great aunt Sabina we’re likely to choose something that gives us happy memories.

Popular: The poll identified wine as the top tipple, which will no doubt accompany many Christmas dinners

Popular: The poll identified wine as the top tipple, which will no doubt accompany many Christmas dinners

'It also accounts for why we spend a bit more on our preferred poison -as a treat for ourselves or guests - even if we are likely to cut down on the amount we drink this year.'

The poll identified wine as the top tipple with lager, cream liqueurs, and champagne or sparkling wine the other favourites lined up.

Vodka, whisky and then gin were the top three spirits. Cider was significantly ahead of bitter and traditional ales.

Ms Peyton added: 'There are big differences in who drinks what - lager, beer and dark spirits like whisky for men and white wine, vodka, and champagne or sparkling wine for women. Drinks like cider and gin appeal to both men and women equally.

'Three in ten adults will also allow under 18s the chance to drink alcohol and if sensibly managed this can play a vital role in educating young people to have a healthy relationship with alcohol.'

Around 40 per cent of the booze we will buy is for ourselves, a third is to stock up for the visit of family and friends and 20 per cent we give as a gift.

Half of all boozers will consider cutting down in January after the indulgence of the festive period and another third have already decided to reduce what they drink in the new year.