The 1990s saw a flood of new alcoholic drinks hit pubs, nightclubs, and supermarkets, characterized by garish labels, sexy names, and exotic flavours. These drinks, known as alcopops, sparked media and lawmaker concern. Alcohol Concern called them 'a pretty cynical attempt to recruit young drinkers who don't naturally like the taste of alcohol.' Many of these drinks have since declined in popularity.
Hooch
Hooch was arguably the biggest alcopop of the 1990s, released in 1995. It quickly dominated the market, with millions of bottles consumed weekly. Its strength was 4.7% before being pulled from shelves in 2003 and relaunched in 2012.
WKD
WKD, with its distinctive blue colour, was a major alcopop from the late 1990s into the 2000s. It famously forms half of the 'cheeky Vimto' cocktail, mixed with port, popularized by Charlotte Church.
MD 20/20
MD 20/20, known as 'Mad Dog', is a fortified wine with flavours like blue raspberry and electric melon. Its high alcohol content made it notorious for its effects.
Reef
Reef was popular in its signature orange and passionfruit flavour. It was non-carbonated, making it easy to consume quickly. Discontinued in the early 2000s, discount chain B&M revived it in 2024 at £8.50 for a pack of ten.
Bacardi Breezer
Bacardi Breezer, described as a 'massive cultural phenomenon', entered the UK market in 1993. It was available in flavours like zesty orange and crisp watermelon. It was discontinued in 2015 after 22 years, then relaunched in 2025.
Boddingtons
Boddingtons rose from a regional Manchester brewer to a national icon, partly due to adverts starring Melanie Sykes. The original brewery closed in 2005, and the beer is now brewed elsewhere.
Metz
Metz was a black schnapps drink introduced in 1996, known for its 5.4% alcohol content and the memorable 'Judderman' advert from 2000.
Two Dogs
Two Dogs is often called the 'world's first brewed alcoholic lemonade,' originating from Australia. It predates Hooch and was created by a lemon farmer with excess lemons.
Smirnoff Ice
Smirnoff Ice launched in 1999 as an 'alternative to beer.' It became Britain's top-selling alcopop in the 2000s. In 2025, owner Diageo aimed to revive its popularity among new young adults.
Archers
Archers Peach Schnapps was a staple of 1990s nightlife, commonly mixed with lemonade and used in cocktails like Sex on the Beach.
Aftershock
Aftershock was a 30% alcohol shot known for its unique 'hot-and-cold' sensation. It is still available but no longer holds cultural significance.
Caffreys
Caffreys launched in 1994 as an upmarket beer at a higher price point. At 5.2% alcohol, it had a distinct appearance resembling bitter, lager, and stout.
Special Brew
Carlsberg Special Brew, at 9% alcohol, contained 4.5 units per can. It was brewed in honour of Winston Churchill and claimed to be 'by appointment to the Royal Danish court.'
Lambrini
Lambrini, launched in 1994 at 6% alcohol, was a popular choice for teenage girls and young women before Prosecco became widespread.
Diamond White
Diamond White was a super-strength cider at 8.2% alcohol, sold in bottles, cans, or flagons. A Reddit user recalled burying a can because she couldn't face a second one.
Newcastle Brown
Newcastle Brown Ale, known as 'Newcky Brown,' boomed in the 1990s after 60 years of existence. It sponsored Newcastle United FC and became 'the most widely distributed alcoholic product in the UK' by the late 1990s.
