New research from Twinings reveals that 47% of Gen Z have replaced alcohol with tea ahead of big social occasions, including clubbing. The study highlights a shift in pre-party rituals among younger generations.
Tea as a pre-rave ritual
Mike Williams, 23, from Kent, tells Metro: 'My pre-rave ritual isn't a shot, it's a cup of tea.' He says it gives him a 'moment to reset' and helps him get into the mood 'without feeling all over the place.' After an underground techno rave that lasted until 6 AM, he and a friend grabbed a peppermint tea at Victoria Station. 'Honestly, it felt heavenly. After dancing all night, that cup of tea completely revived me,' he recalls.
Festival tea breaks
Ruby Read, 23, from London, packs her own tea blends for festivals like Glastonbury and Reading. 'I just ask for hot water from a food van and make my own cup,' she says, adding that she prefers something 'warm and familiar' while others drink pints.
Dutch courage in a cuppa
Isabella Ayala Heaton, a 25-year-old videographer, uses tea to calm nerves before first dates. 'It helps me get into the right mindset,' she explains. '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 often orders tea in pubs and has been judged for it, but says it led to laughter on a date that lasted six months.
Why tea resonates with Gen Z
According to the research, 49% of Gen Z say making a cup helps them 'feel like the main character' in their own life, giving them a chance to mentally prepare for big moments. The process is considered 'calming' and a form of low-effort self-care. Many also drink tea before high-pressure situations like work meetings, driving tests, and life admin.
Gill Close, marketing director at Twinings UK and Ireland, says: '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. They're not walking away from the tradition; they're adapting it to fit their own routines, tastes and everyday needs.'
Preferred tea blends
Gen Z favours 'lighter', 'more purposeful' blends over classic English Breakfast or Earl Grey. Bryony Osmond, master blender at Twinings, notes growing interest in blends like Twinings Glow, a 'superblend' of green tea with strawberry and cucumber herbal infusion, aloe vera, and added Biotin. 'Gen Z are helping reshape what tea means today. They're looking for blends that feel intentional, flavourful, and reflective of their lifestyles,' she says.
