Cocktails have become extremely popular worldwide. It's not for nothing that London Cocktail Week – the largest drink festival in the world – has more than quadrupled in its eight years of existence. Last weekend World Class – one of the largest bartending competitions in the world – took place in Berlin. The result of this cocktail renaissance is a new emphasis on quality over quantity. There was also discussed what the future of drinks will look like in 2019.
1. Low and No-ABV Cocktails (alcohol by volume)
It may seem strange for cocktail lovers to rave about the benefits of low and non-alcoholic drinks, but in 2019 we will see many new low and No-ABV cocktails. Non-alcoholic drinks have grown stronger since its introduction in 2016. For younger consumers in particular, the non-alcoholic options are particularly popular, with 46% of over-35s likely ordering a mocktail, compared to just 16% of over-35s. /P>
This is all about a desire for choice; to drink drinks for any occasion without compromising the taste. Brands, mixers and bartenders have always emphasized that taste is key, and low-proof options allow consumers to taste while managing their alcohol consumption. 2019 is expected to see this uptick as the global trend toward wellness continues to flourish.
2. #MyCocktail
Cocktail culture has skyrocketed and today any mixologist can mix up a whole host of complicated cocktails. Many are turning to social media and a new generation of "drinking stagrammers" has emerged, bringing cocktail to new life and reaching audiences that may have never been involved before. In 2019, how the drinks look is just as important as how they taste. Social media recognition plays an important role in the drinking habits of younger consumers, and in response, brands and bartenders will continue to experiment to take their cocktails and their social reach to a whole new level.
3. Supporting the momentum
The beverage industry is in the throes of an anti-waste movement and consumers are increasingly concerned with social responsibility. 73% of millennials are willing to buy more products from sustainable brands. Top bars will do everything they can to reduce waste, destroy perishables and turn leftovers into innovative eco-friendly cocktails.
