Mixology Trends 25/26
Creative mixologists are pulling inspiration from the culinary world to reframe which flavours belong in a cocktail glass. Rubbing alongside this is a return to joyful optimism as bars tap into playful retro references and create convivial communal experiences with drinks that look as good as they taste. Meanwhile, light, miniature and unique beverages appeal to sober curious punters.
Capturing Culinary Cues
Kitschy Hedonism
Mindful Mixing
Mixologists are flexing cocktail flavour norms by borrowing savoury-leaning ingredients from the culinary landscape. While this isn’t an entirely new concept, vegetables provide an ever-broadening spectrum of flavour and texture inspiration, and unusual meat derivatives offer an enhanced umami hit.
Mixologists are flexing cocktail flavour norms by borrowing savoury-leaning ingredients from the culinary landscape. While this isn’t an entirely new concept, vegetables provide an ever-broadening spectrum of flavour and texture inspiration, and unusual meat derivatives offer an enhanced umami hit.
Summary
Capturing Culinary Cues | Mixologists are flexing cocktail flavour norms by borrowing savoury-leaning ingredients from the culinary landscape. While this isn’t an entirely new concept, vegetables provide an ever-broadening spectrum of flavour and texture inspiration, and unusual meat derivatives offer an enhanced umami hit. |
Kitschy Hedonism | Bars globally are tapping into a new wave of escapist, nostalgic joy – think updated takes on 1980s-inspired punch bowls, elevated jello shots and unexpected twists on 1990s and 2000s party classics, like cosmopolitans and appletinis. Read Revitalising Nightlife: New Ways to Socialise for more on this levity-driven approach. |
Mindful Mixing | With a third of Gen Zers in Germany, France, Canada and Tokyo – plus 25% in the US – looking to have more low to no alcohol by volume (ABV) drinks (Bacardi, 2023), mixologists are developing unique imbibes that explore complex flavours sans booze. Beverages featuring lower-ABV spirits also appeal here, as do shrunken versions of stronger sips. |
Mixology Trends 25/26
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