A new trend among Gen Z drinkers of adding ice to lager and ale is causing concern among traditionalists and brewers in the UK. According to a survey by LG, 30% of drinkers aged 18 to 35 now prefer lager with ice, while 35% add ice to red wine. The trend, linked to TikTok videos of Mexican cheladas, has sparked a culture war over what belongs in a beer glass.
The survey also found that 44% of respondents consider adding ice to wine as 'unnecessary, uneducated, or gross'. One in seven Brits have been shamed by a bartender or host for requesting ice in their drink, and one in ten have avoided asking for ice due to fear of judgement. Drinks expert Merlin Griffiths defended the practice, noting that in the south of France, adding ice to rosé and white wines is traditional, known as 'vin piscine'.
Sir Tim Martin, founder of JD Wetherspoon, lamented the trend, saying 'nothing is sacred'. He pointed to the rise of Guinness among Gen Z and the earlier success of Magners cider over ice as examples of changing tastes. The trend coincides with the UK's warmest summer on record in 2025, following the warmest and driest spring. Professor Lisa Schipper from the University of Bonn warned that while ice may help cope with heat, its production contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change.
