Trends can come and go, making it hard to identify which ones are genuine shifts in consumer behaviour and which are simply overhyped fads made popular by social media. We’ve taken a look at 5 drinks trends that have been making waves and worth considering for your business this summer
Kombucha cocktails
Kombucha has grown in popularity over the last couple of years, as people realise the health benefits of this acidic fermented tea. Already ever so slightly alcoholic due to the fermentation process, experimental bartenders have started to appreciate kombucha’s versatility in cocktails. So, whether you choose to make your own or purchase from one of the many up-and-coming producers, kombucha is a fantastic addition to either your cocktail menu or low alcohol drinks options.
Low and no alcohol
The last few years have seen a huge shift in consumer habits, with people putting much more emphasis on health and wellbeing. This has been reflected in the rise of low and no alcohol drinks which, according to pub trade title The Morning Advertiser, have seen a huge increase in sales of 381% since 2017. The drinks industry has responded with a plethora of new low and no alcohol drinks exploding onto the scene, giving consumers more choice than ever before.
Natural flavours
As consumers generally become more adventurous with their food and drink choices, there has been a rise in drinks featuring herbaceous, floral and spicy flavours. Exotic spices such as cardamom, ginger and turmeric are predicted to continue to grow – as will floral, herbal and spicy flavours. From unusual mixers infused with herbs and spices, or botanical drinks used as spirit alternatives, the trend for natural flavours is here to stay.
Sour beers
Craft beer has been mainstream for a while now, with micro-breweries and tap rooms popping up all over the UK. Contemporary craft brewers are now turning their attentions to sour beer - described as a hybrid between beer and cider, wine or kombucha – and already taken the US by storm. As well as being consumed as a standalone drink, the acidic and tart flavours of sour beer have made it a popular to food pairing menus.
English sparkling wine
Whilst production is relatively small compared to other wine-making regions, English sparkling wine is experiencing a huge growth and is forecast to add 100,000 cases to the market in the period to 2022. English sparkling wines have won a string of awards in recent times, with Ridgeview Wine Estate in Sussex named the world’s best winemaker at the International Wine and Spirit Competition – the first time a UK producer has achieved this accolade.
