Bacardi-Martini commissioned a report into the biggest trends seen by the drinks industry this year and have shared us with Drinks Trade.

Here are some of the findings:

  • Cocktails on the rise!
    • More than one-third (38 per cent ) of respondents plan to drink more cocktails than wine over the next year
    • Globally, our favourite cocktail is the Mojito!
    • Our love affair with canned cocktails and premixed shows no sign of abating, with the RTD market is expected to grow 11.2 per cent by 2030
    • Globally 44 per cent of respondents say relaxing with friends or family is the number one cocktail-drinking occasion - outpacing happy hours, date nights, and parties.
  • Taste is Paramount
    • 75 per cent of people now enjoy spicy flavours, resulting in surge in spicy drinks, with tequila or vodka-based cocktails finding affinity with bolder, unexpected pairings including, jalapeños, and tabasco.
    • In 2023, consumers will seek out cocktails that transport them back to better times, with a recent Mintel study revealing that consumers aged 25-44 are most likely to enjoy things that remind them of the past
    • 58 per cent of bartenders are most interested in classic cocktails with a twist
    • The advent of aesthetic and colourful concoctions chimes, finding 81 per cent of respondents note the rise of ‘Instagrammable’ cocktails being created and listed on menus in 2022.
  • Sophistication in the Sip
    • 72 per cent of bartenders are noticing the most premiumisation within tequila.
    • As consumers seek the sophistication of high-quality spirits, bartenders are moving away from complex, fussy cocktails with lots of decoration or garnish. Instead, they’re letting the quality of the cocktail – including its ingredients, flavours and aromas – speak for itself
    • As consumers lean into the quality and craft associated with minimalist food and drink concoctions, 2023 will see future facing brands create flavour focused experiences as addons
  • The Conscious Cocktail
    • The focus on zero-waste is peaking, with 44 per cent of bartenders interested in the issue
    • More than half (52 per cent) of all respondents listed recyclable packaging as key to their liquor and spirit considerations followed by reducing single-use plastic (45 per cent) and buying local (42 per cent)
    • 49 per cent of consumers are curious about cocktails with non-alcoholic spirits.

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