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Adult beverage trends are ever-changing. From different varieties of wine and various types of alcohol to a whole bunch of cocktail drinks, there are so many options. Each of these options could be part of the top beverage trends for a certain period. Some drinks are classics that have been neglected for a while but others are entirely new types of drinks, like CBD-infused drinks.
No matter what type of drinks we are talking about, trends are important for every business owner in the hospitality industry. The people who are tasked with curating the beverage menu need to pay close attention to what is currently considered trendy. Although we do not recommend following trends all the time, being aware of them will help introduce ones that make sense to your menu.
Changing drinks on your menu by season or with special occasions like the 4th of July will help your restaurant or bar stay relevant. People love trying new things and finding new favorites, which is why you should not be stuck with the same menu all of the time. Always consider the top beverage trends for the season or the year when you are creating your offers.
Curious to know which are the top beverage trends for 2024? We have dedicated this entire article to the trendiest drinks this year. Let’s see what to expect and include in your offers!
Top Beverage Trends for 2024
In 2024, several exciting beverage trends are shaping the market in the United States. These trends are a reflection of the shifts in consumer preferences, technological advancements, and a focus on health and sustainability. Wellness drinks are becoming more and more popular each day but they are not the only trend to look out for.
Key Takeaway: The top beverage trends for 2024 are largely influenced by the health and sustainability movements. The mass consumer is starting to look away from regular alcoholic drinks and cocktails with large sugar and calorie content. Instead, they are looking for alternatives that will allow them to socialize when dining out while avoiding the negative effects of alcohol and other ingredients.
Here are the different categories of drinks that are on the rise right now that all bar and restaurant owners should be familiar with!
1. Functional Beverages
There is a significant demand for drinks that offer health benefits beyond basic hydration. Although there are many health benefits of wine, brandy benefits, benefits of vodka, and more, consumers are gravitating towards beverages that enhance physical and mental wellness. These drinks are filled with ingredients aimed at boosting energy, immunity, cognitive function, and gut health. Examples include nutraceutical drinks, protein smoothies, and beverages infused with vitamins, collagen, or probiotics.
Serving these types of beverages makes a lot of sense for places with a brunch menu. If you are offering brunch to your customers, don’t stick only to the Mimosas but add some healthier options to your drinks menu. You will surely see the difference in customer interest once you make the change!
2. Alcohol-Free and Low-Alcohol Options
Along with the healthy drink options, there is a rising trend for alcohol-free and low-alcoholic cocktails. The "sober curious" movement continues to grow and it includes 0% ABV beers and spirits. These drinks are catering to health-conscious consumers who still enjoy the social aspects of drinking. Non-alcoholic beverages and CBD-infused drinks are also gaining popularity in recent years. This is one of the top beverage trends that is here to stay, as there will always be people who can’t or don’t want to have alcohol but still want to have a good time when they are out with friends.
3. Sustainability
Environmental concerns are driving the demand for sustainable beverage practices in the last few years. As people are becoming more and more interested in ways to save the environment and are shifting to more sustainable options in many aspects of their lives, they also want to enjoy more sustainable drinks. This includes the use of eco-friendly packaging, zero-waste production methods, and sustainable ingredients. Innovations such as ultrasonic milling in oat milk production are examples of efforts to enhance sustainability in the beverage industry.
As a bar or restaurant owner, you should look into the drinks you are adding to your beverage inventory and see if you can source more sustainable options. When you manage to do so, you should not forget to include this fact in your restaurant marketing campaigns, as it will surely earn a whole new group of customers.
4. Personalization and Technology
Advances in technology are enabling more personalized beverage experiences, which is now among the top beverage trends for 2024. AI-powered platforms are creating customized drink recommendations based on individual preferences and health goals. Additionally, new techniques like accelerated spirits aging are reducing production time while maintaining quality, making premium products more accessible.
This is one of the top beverage trends that you should not take lightly. AI-powered platforms are gaining popularity and are a great way to improve the experience of your customers. And as you know customer satisfaction is getting harder to achieve and keep up with. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to earn new customers and look into what technology has to offer when it comes to the beverage industry!
5. Cross-Over Drinks and Novel Flavors
The blending of beverage categories is becoming more common, with products like wine cocktails, hard sodas, and tea-based alcoholic drinks gaining traction. This trend is complemented by a growing interest in international flavors, such as Latin American and Asian spirits, which are making their way into mainstream consumption.
6. Low-Calorie Beverages
Coming back to the topic of health-conscious customers - there are people actively looking for low-calorie beverages and ones with less sugar. Functional sodas, detoxifying cocktails, and drinks with added health benefits are becoming more mainstream, offering both premium and accessible options for different consumer segments.
Nowadays, there are even low-carb wine options on the market, as well as plenty of recipes for low-carb cocktails.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Top Beverage Trends for 2024
If you are interested in learning more about this topic, you should read the following paragraphs. Below, we have answered some of the most common questions related to the top beverage trends in 2024!
What Is Driving the Rise of Alcohol-Free and Low-Alcohol Beverages?
The increasing popularity of alcohol-free and low-alcohol beverages is largely attributed to the "sober curious" movement, where consumers are more mindful of their alcohol consumption for health and lifestyle reasons. This trend is supported by the growing variety and quality of non-alcoholic options, including 0% ABV beers, spirits, and CBD-infused drinks, which offer the social experience of drinking without the negative effects of alcohol.
How Is Sustainability Influencing the Top Beverage Trends in 2024?
Sustainability is a major trend in 2024 as consumers demand environmentally friendly products. Beverage companies are responding by using eco-friendly packaging, adopting zero-waste production methods, and sourcing sustainable ingredients. Innovations such as ultrasonic milling in oat milk production are helping reduce the environmental impact of beverage manufacturing.
What Are Some Examples of Sensory Experiences in Beverages?
Sensory experiences in beverages engage multiple senses through visually striking and interactive elements. Examples include cocktails with color-changing ingredients, drinks that produce smoke or fire, and those with unique textures or flavors that evolve as you consume them. These sensory-focused beverages aim to create memorable and shareable experiences for consumers.