As the new year begins, many people find themselves contemplating what will unfold in the months ahead. In 2022, the world began to emerge from the shadows of the COVID pandemic, and the beverage industry saw a significant revival. With 2023 upon us, it’s time to explore the emerging trends that will shape what you might find in your glass this year.
Let’s take a look at some exciting predictions for the drinks landscape in 2023.
The Continued Evolution of the Negroni
Last year marked a resurgence for the Negroni, propelled by a viral TikTok and YouTube recipe for the Negroni Sbagliato. This classic cocktail never truly faded from popularity, but the modern exposure has introduced it to new fans and inspired inventive variations.
Many of these variations revolve around the Sbagliato concept, replacing gin with prosecco while keeping the traditional bitter aperitif and sweet red vermouth. Innovative adaptations have already emerged, featuring ingredients like cider and perry. Expect even more playful interpretations of the Negroni and other TikTok-inspired cocktails to make their debut this year.
Sustainability to Influence Whisky Flavour
In the whisky sector, particularly among craft and artisan distillers, sustainability is becoming a crucial consideration. Many global spirits competitions are now recognizing eco-friendly practices as a point of distinction in their awards. This shift is reflected in the innovative products now entering the market.
This trend is especially visible in the realm of smoky whisky. Traditionally reliant on peat—slow to regenerate—creative distillers are exploring alternative materials for smoky flavors. In Scandinavia, for instance, Kyrö uses wood, Mackmyra incorporates juniper twigs, and Stauning employs local heather. Glenmorangie’s A Tale of the Forest, which features a mix of peat and forest botanicals like birch and rowan berries, is a recent highlight.
Agave Spirits To Be the ‘Next Big Thing’
Everyone is curious about which category of spirits will capture the spotlight next. Once it was whisky, followed by gin, and then rum emerged as the ‘next gin.’ Now, the spotlight is shifting toward tequila and mezcal from Mexico.
Tequila has recently experienced a significant surge, especially with celebrity-endorsed brands coming onto the market—a strong sign of its rising popularity. Mezcal is also gaining traction, particularly among bartenders keen to experiment with diverse flavors.
The previously lesser-known Mexican spirit, sotol, is also beginning to attract attention, particularly after a new brand launch by rocker Lenny Kravitz.
Rum In, Gin Out
The gin craze appears to be waning, with many craft distilleries from its boom years either closing their doors or significantly downsizing. While gin is not dead—it remains strong for prominent brands—the sheer number of new players has lessened.
In gin’s wake, rum is capitalizing on this opportunity. Last year, rum sales in the UK surpassed the £1 billion mark, surpassing whisky as the top-selling dark spirit for the first time. Both large producers and artisan makers are set to benefit from this surge, providing consumers with an array of choices.
Whether you prefer dark rum or a refreshing alternative for cocktails, the future of rum looks robust.
Flavoured Vodka to Grow
Vodka continues to reign as the preferred white spirit globally, although it has faced challenges from gin and tequila. Over the past three years, vodka has maintained its position through the rising popularity of flavored varieties. This shift particularly resonated during the COVID lockdown when home cocktail making surged.
During the pandemic, home cocktail consumption in the UK tripled, with flavored vodkas making it easier for consumers to experiment with less complicated recipes. Given that half of the world’s top ten cocktails are vodka-based, this trend is poised to grow even further.
This year, expect an expanding range of flavors from various brands.
Quality vs. Quantity
As economic pressures mount, two contrasting drinking trends seem to be emerging. On one hand, many consumers are gravitating back to familiar brands—think Famous Grouse whisky, Gordon’s gin, and Smirnoff vodka—offering value and regular discounts at supermarkets.
On the other hand, this frugality often leads to consumers investing in higher-quality items, such as premium Scotch single malts, aged rums, or XO Cognacs—but doing so less frequently. This creates a dichotomy: savoring premium spirits over an extended period while sticking with standard brands for everyday consumption. Over the coming year, this trend is likely to intensify.
Retro Cocktails Set to Make a Comeback
The recent surge in rum and tequila sales has coincided with a revival of retro cocktails. Classics like the Mai Tai, Piña Colada, and Tequila Sunrise have all seen skyrocketing popularity, despite their associations with the 70s and 80s.
This nostalgic resurgence reflects trends in fashion, music, and design, where every style eventually makes a comeback. Expect to see these beloved retro cocktails, or their modern reimaginations, taking center stage in bars throughout 2023. Who’s in for a Screwdriver?
