Joanna James
A growing number of alcohol consumers are turning to healthier variations of their favourite drink. Here's a list of cocktail trends that will be hitting the bars over the coming year. πΈπΎ
No longer just a side for gin, more pairings with tonic are slowly taking over the markets. Consumers may feel uneasy with the idea of mixing something so conventional with anything other than gin, but successful cocktail pairings are already gaining popularity, including those featuring tequila and whiskey mixes.
Sugar plays a large role in cocktails so avoiding it is out of the question - the debate here is whether a more natural or artificial substitutes would work just as well.
Plant-based sugar substitutes like stevia are now coming to the forefront, thanks to the movement toward healthier drinks. In addition, culinary experts in the industry like The Dine and Wine, for example, have started paying more attention toward healthier sugar alternatives.
Head to the bar at your favourite club and the last thing you would expect to be served is a vegetable based cocktail.
Aside from bloody Mary's, vegetable based drinks have never been too popular, but that trend seems to be changing. From beetroot's to leafy greens, you may find your sipping on some healthier vegetable cocktails soon. π₯π½π₯
The return to natural, fresh produce goes perfectly in hand with the unrefined trend that has been sweeping through industry leaders around the world.
More consumers are seeking cocktails with an emphasis on fresh produce like cold pressed juices and coconut water, whilst slowly moving away from persevered ingredients. π₯π₯π₯
Mocktails have been around for centuries, but with the growing trend toward heath awareness, it looks like low alcohol drinks and even virgin options are growing in popularity and becoming more mainstream.
This doesn't mean traditional cocktails are out of the picture, but you will find more menus featuring more low-alcohol options in order to cater the new trend.
By Cocktailmasters (Own work) GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Quick service is always appreciated by consumers, but nowadays they also want to know their customised drinks are getting the best attention, with a little theatre as well.
Bartenders in leading servers such as city nights club, are no longer just required to mix the perfect drink, while putting on their own theatrical performances - they must have in-depth knowledge of the health benefits and range in new flavours in order to deliver the best experience.
By Nik Frey (niksan) CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
The trend for original, in-house infusions is set to grow this year - so don't be surprised by the sight of blank bottles lining bars around the world. More bartenders are creating their own concoctions and speciality infusions in bars and restaurants.
These artisan cocktails are highly prominent, as bartenders look to traditional methods of infusing alcohol with everything from shrubs, berries and even vinegars to enhance flavours.
Classic cocktails are being served with natural infusions like vodka infused with citrus or spices.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
