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ALDI KICKS OFF ‘SPROUT-OCRACY’ VOTE TO SETTLE NATIONAL SPROUT DEBATE BY COCKTAIL 

17 December, 2025

• Aldi seek public vote over controversial sprout-flavoured cocktail ‘Sprout Nog’ ahead of the festive season 

• The controversial cocktail mixes festive flavour profiles such as cinnamon, ginger and cloves with Brussels sprout-infused spirits 

• New research shows that 56% of the nation consider themselves ‘sprout-lovers’ with 46% likely to experiment with the vegetable this Christmas 

• It comes as half of over-65s insist ‘you shouldn’t mess with a Christmas classic’ 

• Gloucester has earned top spot as the city with the bougiest Brussels, garnishing with pancetta (46%), chestnuts (23%), and maple syrup (31%) 

• The ‘sprout-ocracy’ will help determine whether the supermarket will roll out the Sprout Nog cocktail in stores – putting the all-important vote to the people 

• The supermarket expects to sell almost 3 million packs of Brussels sprouts this Christmas 

This Christmas, Aldi is looking to put one the most divisive culinary conundrums of Christmas to bed once and for all after creating a new cocktail that will settle the debate on whether we love or loathe the Brussels sprout. 

‘Sprout Nog’, developed by the supermarket, turns the humble vegetable into a seasonal standout. Whilst most pair the delicacy with pancetta or walnuts, this cocktail explores smooth winter flavour profiles such as cream, cinnamon and cloves to create a unique tipple bound to get party-guests talking. 

But it hasn’t hit the shelves yet – Aldi is seeking a final stamp of approval from the public in a ‘sprout-ocracy’ vote, to see if there really is an appetite for the aperitif to join its canned cocktail range. 

It comes as new research reveals how Brits plan to serve their sprouts this Christmas, as over half of the country consider themselves devout sprout lovers (56%).  

With nearly half of Brits (46%) saying that they are likely to experiment with the vegetable this Christmas, the development of the cocktail marks a trend in which Brits are becoming more adventurous in their attempt to elevate the sprout.  

According to the ‘Sprout-ometer’ – Aldi’s regional sprout ranking system – Gloucester tops the table as the city with the bougiest Brussels, with residents most likely to add pancetta (45%), chestnuts (23%), or even a drizzle of maple syrup (31%).  

In Cambridge, residents are taking it to a new level, as 15% admit to enjoying the dish with a touch of chocolate. A fifth of Peterborough residents are adding a Korean twist, dousing their greens in gochujang.  

However, the study of 2,000 UK adults also revealed that Brits are keeping it simple elsewhere, as 33% still prefer their sprouts simply boiled with a pinch of salt, particularly in Bath (48%), Cardiff (43%) and Swansea (41%). 

The research also uncovered some interesting pairings across the country:  

• 1 in 5 18–24-year-olds admit experimenting with maple syrup on their sprouts  

• 55% of those in Blackpool dress up the vegetable in hot honey 

• And in Bradford, over a quarter (26%) spice things up with chilli flakes 

When it comes to generational differences, young Brits are officially the most adventurous sprout consumers, with 70% saying they are very likely to experiment with bold flavours like soy glaze, hot honey and gochujang.  

In contrast, half of those over 65 insist that ‘you shouldn’t mess with a Christmas classic’.  

Aldi is calling for the public to get behind the sprout-flavoured cocktail through its Instagram and Facebook accounts, where the supermarket has said: “10k likes and we’ll beg the buying team to put it in stores”, placing the future of the beverage in shoppers’ hands. 

Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said: “Whether you love them or hate them, sprouts are a staple on Christmas tables across the UK, so it’s great to see that Brits are planning to embrace their culinary creativity and explore new recipes and flavour pairings.   

“With shoppers experimenting this year, we were inspired to do the same. Our newly developed Sprout Nog offers a truly unique way of enjoying the Christmas vegetable, and we’re calling on shoppers to determine the future of this cocktail creation, so head over to our Instagram and Facebook posts to have your say.”  

For those shoppers looking to level-up their sprouts this Christmas, Aldi has launched the Specially Selected Sliced Sprouts with Chestnuts & Bacon (£2.99, 400g) which are sure to see some converts across the dinner table.  

For those who prefer to add their own spin to the Christmas classic, Aldi’s Nature’s Pick Brussels Sprouts will be included in the supermarket’s Festive Super Six Promotion, available in stores for just 8p from 18^th December – 24^th December, while stocks last, with the supermarket expected to sell almost 3 million packs. 

Aldi has a range of ready-to-drink canned cocktails in store this season, from classics like the Greyson’s Gin & Tonic (89p, 250ml) and the Infusionist Paloma (£1.99, 200ml), to more adventurous tipples like the Infusionist Spicy Margarita (£1.99, 200ml). 

Aldi’s range of Brussels sprouts and ready-to-drink canned cocktails are available in stores now.