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Future Flavours: Drink trends revealed for 2023

As life has somewhat returned to normal, drinks trends and the way guests are consuming alcohol is shifting. To find out the latest scoop and to stay ahead of the competition, keep reading!

ADD MORE FLAVOURS TO YOUR SPIRITS CATEGORY

Not only is there a rise in demand for high-end spirits, consumers are also seeking unique flavours within this category. It’s clear that the multi-sensory experience has become a priority, much like spritz drinks and the feeling of summer that the drink evokes.

According to the WSTA,flavoured rum sales have doubled since 2019, and flavoured gin represents approximately 40% of the total gin market and this is expected to continue.

How can you jump on this trend?

Take a look at your stock list for 2023, have you got any new flavours in there? If not, we would recommend that you take your most popular spirits, and add some new flavours. Whether it is a spiced rum, or an orange gin , you are sure to smash your guests’ expectations. Adding these to your signature cocktail serves will also help to introduce new customers to this trend.

VALUE DOESN’T MEAN CHEAPER – PREMIUM DRINKS ARE IN

As the cost-of-living crisis continues, consumers are reconsidering their spending habits. From cutting down on TV streaming services to ordering less drinks in their local bar, but demanding the best quality. People are expecting to significantly change their spending patterns when it comes to non-essential items over the next 12 months.

CGA data reveals some consumers are increasingly focused on value. Value doesn’t necessarily mean cheaper, and only 13% will choose cheaper options when out. Consumers desire both value and quality, so quality should be demonstrated across different streams; brand offerings, messaging and serve strategy. 56% of consumers are likely to pay more for a better-quality drink and 55% can be influenced by bartender recommendations, even if they have already decided what to drink.

Premiumisation has become very popular across alcohol and alcohol-free options. IWSR Drinks Market Analysis reports there are number of key factors driving premiumisation:

How can you upsell premium products in your bar?

The role of knowledgeable bar staff can present trade-up opportunities for premium offerings. Venues need to provide excellent training for their staff, and develop a clear pricing strategy to present a great opportunity to upsell.

Stories can be a useful technique for upselling a premium product. For example, you may discover the smoky, rich flavours of a premium tequila, and decide to use it as a replacement for a traditional tequila in your cocktails. This might take a little more explanation for guests to understand, therefore having a nice narrative about the flavours, or aging process can go a long way.

THE LOW AND NO CRAZE

We all saw our guests ordering more alcohol-free options and this trend isn’t going anywhere! Why are more customers choosing low and no drinks? Consumers are increasingly conscious of both their health and the impact on the environment.

Research suggests that the trend is influenced by a desire to lead a more balanced, healthier lifestyle, as well as a healthier bank balance! So, people are drinking less per occasion and choosing lower alcohol drinks more frequently. More and more people are choosing to stop drinking altogether.

We’ve noticed lots of low and no alcohol drink alternatives and ready-to-drink options now available; CBD drinks and Hard Seltzers. According to CGA data, the number of low and no drinkers are increasing globally, with over 1/5 predicted to consume even more of these drinks than they did last year, so you can see why bars should be making space for low and no serves. If you’re not offering these drinks, you could be missing out on exceptional profit margins.

How to make this trend work for you

You’ve understood the assignment and want to add low and no options to your bar menu, but not sure how. Well, here are some real-life examples of bars leading the way.

Wildcrafters, Florida, USA

A sober curious bar that has caught the attention of Gen Z customers. Their craft, zero alcohol cocktails include interesting flavours and Instagrammable glassware and their customers are making sure to capture their visit on social media.

Learning: If you want to excite your non-drinking customers, offer them something other than just a coke or lemonade. Don’t be afraid to get really creative with your alcohol-free alternatives and create unique cocktail recipes. Adding in trending flavours like peanut butter is a really smart way to spark interest.

Redemption Bar, London

They offer vegan food and non-alcoholic cocktails (two trends in one). Again, their presentation attracts regular attention on social media. They have a wonderful take on classic cocktails and great alcohol-free drinks.

Learning: Don’t over complicate it. You can put your own spin on the classic cocktails, and offer a nice twist for those seeking alternatives. For example, you can create alcohol-free versions of classic serves, like a Tom Collins, but swap out regular Gordon’s gin for their alcohol-free version. That’s nice and simple.

ADDING SPRITZ TO YOUR MENU

Originally enjoyed as an aperitif, the spritz has recently experienced a dramatic rise in popularity, initiated by one drink in particular: an orange bitter spritz. This trend has evolved into spritzes of all natures, from wine spritzers to gin spritzers – which is the beauty of this drink, it’s adaptability!

So, what is it about the spritz that has resonated with consumers? The healthy mind-set plays a key role here, in particular amongst Gen Z guests. Those guests are seeking a ‘light’, low calorie option, that can be considered more ‘natural’ as opposed to drinks containing more artificial ingredients and luckily for the spritz, it fits into this requirement perfectly.

We’ve also noticed that consumers are drawn to the cultural aspect of spritz cocktails. It adds to the overall experience of the drink. In fact, CGA data reports that 78% of consumers would choose a spritz serve at least occasionally. The spritz is generally a longer drink, meaning that less alcohol is consumed over a greater period of time, adding to the narrative of guests ordering less, yet more premium drinks. Therefore, it’s an essential must-have item on your menu.

How can you up your spritz game?

ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS CONSUMER CHOICES

Consumers are continuing to become more mindful of where they eat and drink out as well as what they are ordering. Insights are suggesting that consumers are seeking out brands that are responding to the environmental crisis and are helping to reduce their overall carbon footprint. If you haven’t added sustainability to the top of your 2023 strategy, you’re going to be left behind!

Simple tips to help reduce your carbon footprint

This is perhaps the easiest step you can take. Replacing your plastic straws with compostable straws, which are better for the environment. Seek alternatives to your paper napkins, such as reusable leather coasters, which would eliminate the need to provide a napkin with every drink. Tip: you could even brand your coaster, simple marketing!

Those oranges, lemons and limes that you use to make tropical cocktail drinks? Reuse them to make syrups or cordials. Any food waste from the kitchen, think about how this can be used to make a spectacular tiki cocktail drink! Also using bar equipment as your décor, for example, wine bottles as candles holders.

An essential ingredient for cocktails, but also requires water and energy to make. Perhaps consider serving drinks that are pre-mixed and chilled, rather than using your ice cubes for one cocktail and disposing of them straight away.

For more tips on sustainable practices – click here

Key Takeaways