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What’s next for cocktails? The trends of tomorrow – Consumer Intel

Richard Woodard
Last updated: 19/10/2026 at 5:18 PM
By Richard Woodard
19 October 2026
14 Min Read

From ‘culinary’ serves to reimagined classics, and from globalisation to the search for meaning – these are the most influential trends shaping the cocktail opportunity today.


Saikindo bar interior

For the on-premise generally, and for bars specifically, these are undeniably difficult times. Rising costs, cash-strapped consumers, moderation… The list of challenges goes on. At the same time, visitors to the channel are demanding more from their nights out in terms of value for money, quality of drinks and the sheer pleasure of interacting with other people in a shared space.

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As bars tussle with challenging trading conditions, identifying the latest trends has become vitally important, especially as consumer expectations are higher than everSavoury/culinary serves are having a moment, with umami to the fore, while perennial and rediscovered classics - martinis especially - are also popularBars are more attuned to moderation - which doesn’t necessarily mean not drinking - with lower-ABV options and miniature serves both being part of the pictureAs the cocktail arena globalises, maintaining a local identity is key, as is giving consumers a meaningful, fun experienc

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Richard Woodard
ByRichard Woodard
Former newspaper journalist Richard Woodard has been writing about the global wine and spirits industry for 25+ years, and is a regular contributor to a number of magazines and websites.
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