47 MUST-SEE Cocktail Trends & Statistics [Infographic]

cocktail trends
Joe | Last Updated: November 19, 2023
I'm Joe, a veteran bartender with over a decade in the industry and a burning passion for mixing drinks.

If you’re curious about the latest and greatest cocktail trends and statistics then you’re in the right place.

From what’s fresh on the menus of those trendy cocktail bars to how we all enjoy our favorite drinks, there’s a lot going on in the cocktail world.

As a bartender and someone who LOVES a cocktail myself, I came up with this list of 47 cocktail trends and stats that you absolutely need to see.

So if you’re the type who loves to be in the know, or if you just love a good drink and a fun fact, this one’s for you.

Let’s get into it…

Key takeaways:
1. A 13.5% YoY increase in brunch as a popular time for cocktails, revealing a shift in consumption patterns.
2. With a rise in dietary preferences and restrictions, bartenders are creating cocktails that cater to vegan and gluten-free consumers.
3. A notable increase in the consumption of no-alcohol and low-alcohol cocktails, with wine cocktails and prosecco cocktails becoming more common.
4. A substantial 62.5% of survey participants across Europe admit to being swayed by bartender recommendations, highlighting the trust and influence bartenders hold.
5. A majority, 67% of cocktail drinkers, enjoy being educated about their drinks by well-informed bartenders, indicating a trend of more informed and curious consumers.

Contents show

Key Cocktail Trends & Statistics

The cocktail world is changing rapidly, reflecting the tastes and preferences of the global consumer.

This section delves deep into the prominent trends that have been shaping the cocktail landscape recently.

cocktail trends

From the reimagining of classic recipes to innovative spins on popular drinks, here’s an insightful look into the key trends and statistics that define today’s cocktail culture.

  1. Classic cocktails are seeing experimentation with ingredients such as ice cubes, low or no-alcohol alternatives, and spiked slushies.
  2. The shift from sweet to savory cocktails like Spicy Margarita, Bloody Maria, and Cucumber Wasabi Martini.
  3. The classic Negroni is getting a makeover with versions like Negroni Sbagliato and Mezcal Negroni.
  4. A notable increase in the consumption of no-alcohol and low-alcohol cocktails, with wine cocktails and prosecco cocktails becoming more common.
  5. Popular summer choices include Frozen Cosmo Slushy, Frozen Piña Colada, and Frozen Strawberry Margarita.
  6. 2023 will see enhanced cocktail experiences through tableside presentations, giving guests a behind-the-bar feel.
  7. Simplicity is key with cocktails like the Rusty Nail, Ferrari, and M&M made from just two spirits.
  8. A move towards cocktails with less sugar and more vegetal and herbaceous flavors, as seen with the rise of tomato juice cocktails and the popularity of bitter liqueurs.
  9. With almost half of on-premise European consumers opting for a Mojito, it remains the most popular choice.
  10. A 13.5% YoY increase in brunch as a popular time for cocktails, revealing a shift in consumption patterns.
  11. The tequila highball has gained significant traction, especially in Texas, emphasizing the trend of regional preferences.
  12. A renewed focus on tea-based cocktails with flavors such as hibiscus taking the front stage.
  13. With a rise in dietary preferences and restrictions, bartenders are creating cocktails that cater to vegan and gluten-free consumers.
  14. From Italian aperitivo culture to the Mexican art of mezcal, regional-specific cocktails are gaining traction, offering customers a taste of various global cultures.
  15. Bartenders are diving deep into history and reviving forgotten spirits and liqueurs, bringing age-old flavors back into the limelight.
  16. Sharing cocktails or large format drinks designed for groups are becoming popular, fostering a communal drinking experience.

>> Read more: 25 MUST-SEE Brewery Statistics

Influencers & Preferences In Beverage Selection

The choices we make at the bar or in a restaurant aren’t just influenced by our personal tastes.

Factors such as bartender recommendations, digital platforms like TikTok, and even the charisma of bar professionals play significant roles.

This section sheds light on these influencers and outlines the evolving preferences that dictate beverage selection in today’s age.

  1. A substantial 62.5% of survey participants across Europe admit to being swayed by bartender recommendations, highlighting the trust and influence bartenders hold.
  2. A majority, 67% of cocktail drinkers, enjoy being educated about their drinks by well-informed bartenders, indicating a trend of more informed and curious consumers.
  3. Despite economic challenges, ‘high quality’ remains a crucial determinant in drink choice, showing an opportunity for premium brands to cater to discerning consumers.
  4. With drink inspiration, hacks, tutorials, and trends burgeoning on TikTok, the platform is anticipated to be a major influencer in the beverage realm.
  5. The Pornstar Martini’s popularity in Great Britain increased by four percentage points, while the Espresso Martini saw a decrease by five percentage points, underscoring the ever-evolving nature of consumer preferences.

>> Read more: 55 SHOCKING Bar Industry Statistics

Sustainability & Ingredient Choices

As the world becomes increasingly conscious of sustainability and environmental concerns, the cocktail industry is not far behind.

Bars and restaurants are now embracing green practices, from utilizing plant-based substitutes to adopting methods that minimize waste.

This section shows how sustainability and ethical choices are reshaping ingredient selections in cocktails.

  1. Bars are focusing on using plant-based substitutes for ingredients like milk and eggs, reflecting a broader trend toward sustainability and ethical consumption.
  2. A trend towards the savory side of cocktails with olive juice in Martinis and innovative introductions like caviar vodka and oyster shell vodkas. Saline solution is also being incorporated for an umami twist.

>> Read more: 45 INTRIGUING Wine Statistics

Ready-to-drink (RTD) Cocktails Market Analysis

The convenience and variety offered by RTD cocktails have catapulted their popularity in recent years.

With a surge in demand across the globe, this segment has seen remarkable growth and diversification.

This section provides a comprehensive market analysis, exploring the nuances, growth trajectories, and potential of the RTD cocktail market.

  1. Valued at USD 853.2 million in 2022, it’s projected to grow at a CAGR of 14.0% from 2023 to 2030.
  2. Spirit-based cocktails had a 43.9% market share in 2022.
  3. This segment is expected to see a CAGR of 13.7% during the forecast period.
  4. While bottle packaging held over 57.9% revenue share in 2022, the cans segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 14.5% from 2023 to 2030.
  5. Hypermarkets/supermarkets dominated with a 69.8% market share in 2022. However, online distribution is projected to grow significantly.
  6. North America had a 33.6% revenue share in 2022, with the U.S. contributing the most. Meanwhile, Europe held 27.1% with the UK having 22.1%. The Asia Pacific market, led by Japan, is expected to witness robust growth.
  7. The 2030 revenue forecast for the RTD cocktails market stands at USD 2.43 billion.

>> Read more: 56 INTRIGUING Gin Facts & Statistics

Evolution In Alcoholic Content & Mixes

Modern consumers are not just looking for taste; they are also seeking experiences that cater to their lifestyle choices.

This section looks into the shift towards no-alcohol and low-alcohol cocktails, exploring the reasons behind their rising popularity and the innovative concoctions that are emerging as a result.

  1. Low-ABV and non-alcoholic cocktails are growing in popularity. Bars and brands are offering more zero-proof spirits, mocktails, and beverages with less alcohol.
  2. Non-alcoholic cocktails are evolving, using advanced techniques and high-quality ingredients to match the complexity and depth of their alcoholic counterparts.
  3. Many bartenders are taking a creative approach to classic cocktails, crafting versions with a twist, like smoky Margaritas and spice-infused Old Fashioneds.

>> Read more: 44 FASCINATING Happy Hour Statistics

Trends In Cocktail Ingredients and Techniques

Innovation is the cornerstone of the cocktail industry, and it manifests through the continuous exploration of ingredients and techniques.

From embracing the briny essence of the sea to revisiting the classics with a twist, this section celebrates the artistry and science that go into crafting the perfect drink.

  1. Bars are experimenting with using traditional ingredients in unexpected ways. For instance, traditional Mexican mole in a cocktail format or Turkish delight in a gin.
  2. Locally sourced and seasonal ingredients are becoming crucial in cocktail creation, giving consumers a unique, fresh experience while supporting local producers.
  3. Bars are leveraging global ingredients like yuzu from Japan, finger limes from Australia, and the Brazilian tonka bean to offer novel flavors.
  4. Fermented foods like kombucha, kefir, and kimchi are finding their way into cocktail concoctions, bringing both flavor and health benefits.
  5. Bartenders are leveraging technology, including centrifuges and rotovaps, to enhance extraction, clarity, and flavor in their concoctions.
  6. This trend, though not new, continues to gain traction. Techniques like foaming, spherification, and creating ‘caviar’ beads of liquids are being used to enhance the cocktail experience.
  7. With the rise of health and wellness trends, bartenders are incorporating ingredients like turmeric, beetroot, and even CBD into their drinks.
  8. The utilization of wines, especially sparkling ones, as a primary ingredient in cocktails is increasing.
  9. Drinks that showcase layers, whether in flavor, color, or texture, are catching the eye and palate of consumers.

Demographic and Behavioral Insights

Beyond ingredients and techniques, understanding the consumer is crucial in the beverage industry.

This section looks at the behavioral patterns and demographic insights that influence cocktail trends, offering a holistic view of the driving forces behind the industry’s evolution.

  1. Cocktails are particularly popular among the 18-24 age group, with 67% of respondents in this demographic indicating they drink cocktails out of home at least once a month.
  2. Since the pandemic, more consumers have taken to crafting cocktails at home, with 32% of adults indicating they’re making more cocktails than before.
  3. 37% of consumers in the UK state they are now more likely to drink at home than go out. However, 53% also admit they’re more likely to choose venues with a broad cocktail range.
  4. Men’s and women’s cocktail preferences differ, with men leaning towards classics like Whiskey Sours, and women preferring lighter, fruitier drinks.
  5. Brands and bars are moving away from gendered marketing, focusing on inclusivity and appealing to a wider range of consumers.

Sources:

  1. https://home.binwise.com/blog/cocktail-trends-2023
  2. https://home.binwise.com/blog/cocktail-trends-2023
  3. https://home.binwise.com/blog/cocktail-trends-2023
  4. https://home.binwise.com/blog/cocktail-trends-2023
  5. https://home.binwise.com/blog/cocktail-trends-2023
  6. https://www.marthastewart.com/8354466/cocktail-trends
  7. https://www.marthastewart.com/8354466/cocktail-trends
  8. https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/on-the-line/cocktail-trends-and-statistics
  9. https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2022/10/17/number-of-cocktail-drinkers-in-the-uk-on-trade-rising
  10. https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/on-the-line/cocktail-trends-and-statistics
  11. https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/on-the-line/cocktail-trends-and-statistics
  12. https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/on-the-line/cocktail-trends-and-statistics
  13. https://imbibemagazine.com/
  14. https://www.marthastewart.com/8354466/cocktail-trends
  15. https://www.marthastewart.com/8354466/cocktail-trends
  16. https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2022/10/17/number-of-cocktail-drinkers-in-the-uk-on-trade-rising
  17. https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2022/10/17/number-of-cocktail-drinkers-in-the-uk-on-trade-rising
  18. https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2022/10/17/number-of-cocktail-drinkers-in-the-uk-on-trade-rising
  19. https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2022/10/17/number-of-cocktail-drinkers-in-the-uk-on-trade-rising
  20. https://www.wineenthusiast.com/
  21. https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2022/10/17/number-of-cocktail-drinkers-in-the-uk-on-trade-rising
  22. https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/on-the-line/cocktail-trends-and-statistics
  23. https://www.marthastewart.com/8354466/cocktail-trends
  24. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/ready-to-drink-cocktails-market
  25. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/ready-to-drink-cocktails-market
  26. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/ready-to-drink-cocktails-market
  27. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/ready-to-drink-cocktails-market
  28. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/ready-to-drink-cocktails-market
  29. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/ready-to-drink-cocktails-market
  30. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/ready-to-drink-cocktails-market
  31. https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/on-the-line/cocktail-trends-and-statistics
  32. https://imbibemagazine.com/
  33. https://www.marthastewart.com/8354466/cocktail-trends
  34. https://www.marthastewart.com/8354466/cocktail-trends
  35. https://imbibemagazine.com/
  36. https://www.marthastewart.com/8354466/cocktail-trends
  37. https://imbibemagazine.com/
  38. https://www.wineenthusiast.com/
  39. https://www.wineenthusiast.com/
  40. https://imbibemagazine.com/
  41. https://www.wineenthusiast.com/
  42. https://www.wineenthusiast.com/
  43. https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2022/10/17/number-of-cocktail-drinkers-in-the-uk-on-trade-rising
  44. https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2022/10/17/number-of-cocktail-drinkers-in-the-uk-on-trade-rising
  45. https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2022/10/17/number-of-cocktail-drinkers-in-the-uk-on-trade-rising
  46. https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2022/10/17/number-of-cocktail-drinkers-in-the-uk-on-trade-rising
  47. https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2022/10/17/number-of-cocktail-drinkers-in-the-uk-on-trade-rising