Savory Martinis, Niche Spirits and Mocktails: Experts Predict the Drinks Trends We’ll be Sipping in 2024
Experts in the drinks industry predict which cocktail trends will take over in the new year. (Photo: Michal Lizuch/Pexels)
As we approach 2024, the cocktail landscape is set to evolve, offering enthusiasts a diverse array of trends to tantalize their taste buds. According to insights gathered by Rachel Harrison Communications from top-notch bartenders and beverage directors worldwide, here are the unique cocktails, spirits and flavors expected to dominate the drinks scene in the coming year.
Out-of-the-Box Savory Cocktails and Martinis
According to industry experts, bartenders are breaking free from conventional flavors, and this trend is foreseen to continue in 2024. As John Stanton, director of beverage at Hotel Per La (Bar Clara & Ristorante Per L’Ora), observed, “Creative bartenders have long incorporated vegetables in their cocktails (think cucumbers, peppers, and the Bloody Mary), but I think less common vegetables like beets, sea kelp, carrots, ube and edamame are starting to be more of a trend.”
This avant-garde approach extends to spirits like sotol, aquavit and mezcal. As Stanton noted, “spirits that accentuate those vegetal and mineral flavors…seem to be rising with that trend.”
Furthermore, Becky Davies, founder of Pod Pea Vodka, highlighted the resurgence of vodka, stating, “Vodka as a category is making a comeback with more interesting flavor-forward expressions focusing on unique raw ingredients.”
Predicting a steadfast passion for martinis, Ben Carpenter, National Accounts Manager for Blackened Whiskey, weighed in on next year’s drinks trends.
“Martinis with subtle, savory touches are having their day, and I can see that spilling over into 2024,” he shared.
Niko Novick, executive of beverage for Spiegelworld, added that the Espresso Martini, in particular, will continue to rank supreme.
“All hail to the mighty coffee bean!” Novick said. “Since the Espresso Martini craze doesn’t seem to be slowing down, I believe bartenders are going to double down on experimenting with this ingredient to create non-espresso martini riffs that still capture the satisfaction and want of having a drink that gives you that extra energetic umph!”
Demand for Niche and Native, Consciously Crafted Spirits
Gabe Sanchez, cocktail expert at Midnight Rambler at The Joule, predicts that the new year will see a surge in the popularity of Asian spirits.
“Asian spirits, particularly Korean Soju and Japanese Shochu, will become more popular due to the amazing new products in both categories,” he said. “Additionally, agave spirits will continue to grow in popularity.”
Meanwhile, Carpenter expressed a desire for consumers to shift their preferences away from conglomerate brands, urging them to channel more of their purchasing influence toward supporting smaller producers. In a sweet nod to gin, he also added that people should consider turning to the easily overlooked classic.
“Also, I’d love to see people realize there are numerous expressions of gin out there that are not the traditional juniper bombs and have more subtle, botanical touches,” he said. “They are versatile options for Spring and Summer cocktails.”
Turning to terroir, SUPERBUENO Co-Owner Nacho Jimenez expects 2024 to be a year of exploring Mexican spirits.
“I think we’ll see more people play with different spirits from Mexico beyond agave, like fruit-based eau de vies, charandas, and some other more indigenous/pre-Hispanic spirits and techniques,” Jimenez said.
Diverse Non-Alcoholic Spirits and Cocktails
A cultural shift towards mindful consumption is steering the trend toward diverse non-alcoholic spirits and cocktails in 2024. Nick Jackson, The Rum House‘s head bartender, emphasized, “mocktails will definitely be sticking around for a long while to come.”
The Executive of Beverage for Spiegelworld, Niko Novick, also predicts a doubling in the availability and menu prominence of non-alcoholic spirits and ready-to-drink beverages by 2024.
“A new generation is awakening to the idea that a good time doesn’t necessarily require a buzz,” he explained. “As a result, the demand for non-alcoholic spirits and ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages is expected not just to persist but likely to double in both availability and menu prominence by 2024.”
Continued Popularity of Bitter, Italian Cocktails and Tropical Drinks
According to the experts, 2024 is expected to see an evolving trend of incorporating traditional Italian spirits into more cocktails.
“Bitter aperitivos and fruit-based amaros are having their day and finding their way into shaken cocktails with sour specs rather than in the stirred, spirit-forward cocktails where they’ve traditionally found their home,” Carpenter stated.
The allure of tropical drinks is also anticipated to persist in 2024, providing ample room for innovative blends.
“Tropical cocktails will continue to grow and evolve because they give bartenders plenty of room to create and update their techniques and flavors,” Sanchez shared. “Lastly, the trend of low-proof and no-proof cocktails is here to stay. These cocktails present a new puzzle for bartenders to solve and create.”
As we welcome 2024, these trends weave a tapestry of innovation, blending classic foundations with contemporary expressions. The insights from these experts promise a vibrant and diverse cocktail landscape that invites enthusiasts on a journey of taste and creativity. Cheers!
Read next:
The Ultimate 2023 Gin Holiday Gift Guide: Bottles, Mixers, Liqueurs and More
Here’s Why You Don’t Like Gin (and Why You Should Give it a Second Chance)
20 Festive Cocktail Recipes to Help Get You Into the Holiday Spirit
Here at Gin Raiders, we do more than write about current events in gin and booze. We are the only media property reviewing gins and aggregating the scores and reviews of other significant voices in the gin world in one place. If you’re interested in getting a shot of gin in your morning email, sign up for our Deal of the Day newsletter.
Follow The Daily Pour:
