Nearly half of Gen Z have swapped alcohol for tea before big social events, including clubbing, according to new research from Twinings. The study found that 47 per cent of the generation now opt for a cuppa instead of pre-drinks like BuzzBallz or WKD, marking a shift in pre-party rituals.
Tea as the New Pre-Rave Ritual
Mike Williams, a 23-year-old from Kent, told Metro that his pre-rave ritual is no longer a shot but a cup of tea. 'It gives me a moment to reset and helps me get into the mood without feeling all over the place,' he said. After an underground techno rave that lasted until 6am, he and a friend grabbed peppermint tea at Victoria Station, which he described as 'heavenly' and 'completely revived me'.
Ruby Read, 23, from London, packs her own tea blends for festivals like Glastonbury. She asks food vans for hot water to make her own cup, preferring something 'warm and familiar' while others drink pints. 'There's something so comforting about having a tea in the middle of a festival field,' she said.
Tea as Dutch Courage for Dates
Isabella Ayala Heaton, a 25-year-old videographer, uses tea to calm her nerves before first dates. 'It helps me get into the right mindset... I get that energy boost from a caffeinated tea, but still feel clear-headed, so I guess you could say it's my own version of Dutch courage,' she explained. She often orders tea in pubs instead of a pint, and despite funny looks on a date, the couple is still together six months later.
Why Gen Z Chooses Tea
The Twinings research reveals that 49 per cent of Gen Z say making a cup of tea helps them 'feel like the main character' in their own life, allowing mental preparation for big moments. The process is seen as 'calming' and a form of low-effort self-care. This extends beyond nights out to high-pressure situations like work meetings, driving tests, and life admin.
Gill Close, marketing director at Twinings UK and Ireland, said: 'This generation has always found their own way to do things, and this research shows that extends to how they prepare for the multitude of moments they are juggling in their busy lives. A cup of tea has long been part of family life in the UK – a small ritual passed down through generations – but younger consumers are now making it work for them.'
Preference for Purposeful Blends
Gen Z's tea choices lean toward 'lighter', 'more purposeful' blends rather than classic English Breakfast or Earl Grey. Bryony Osmond, a master blender at Twinings, noted growing interest in blends like Twinings Glow, a 'superblend' of green tea with strawberry and cucumber herbal infusion, aloe vera, and added Biotin, designed to support skin and hair health. 'Gen Z are helping reshape what tea means today. They're looking for blends that feel intentional, flavourful, and reflective of their lifestyles,' Osmond said.
