A new report has revealed that cocktails are replacing Champagne as the go-to drink of choice for celebrations such as New Year’s Eve.

The 2026 Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report found cocktails have already overtaken Champagne in Germany and Spain as the go-to for marking big moments, while 53% of US consumers now prefer cocktails over champagne when celebrating.

The United States, NYE cocktail trend was highlighted by Americans specifically wanting US TV hosts Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen to sip Margaritas (30%) during their New Year’s Eve broadcast, cementing the Margarita as the go-to choice for customisable (sweet, spicy, salty), celebratory drinks this year.

In the UK, half of 18–29-year-olds say they prefer to celebrate a special moment with a cocktail instead of Champagne, 32% say they drink cocktails more than wine, and 30% are choosing cocktails over beer.

Globally, Bacardi said top 5 cocktails in 2026 will be:

1. Margarita
2. Mojito
3. Piña Colada
4. Rum and Coke
5. Whisky and Coke

As for the Aussies who are still sipping French bubbles, Champagne expert Tyson Seltzer has told Sky News the labels that come out on top.

“The biggest seller in Australia oscillates between Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut and Mumm Cordon Rouge in the bottle with the distinctive red sash,” he said.

“We are also a very big market for brands like Piper-Heidsieck, Pol Roger Reserve Brut, Bollinger Special Cuvée, Billecart-Salmon and Louis Roederer.”

Seltzer’s personal favourites at the moment are Bollinger ($92), Billecart-Salmon ($105), Charles Heidsieck ($110) and Krug ($450).