In spirits, the role of flavour extensions has long felt like a fun, if superficial, race to the bottom of the sweet jar. The palates of many modern drinkers are maturing, though, necessitating a new focus on botanical integrity and terroir rather than sweetness, gaudy colours and artificial ingredients.Among spirits brand owners and producers right now, there's a new seriousness in the air: a feeling that flavoured spirits can be grown-up; they need not mask the flavours of the base spirit.This shift away from the laboratory towards all things natural is happening at the same time as the rate
How the role of flavour extensions in spirits will evolve in 2026 – Category Intel
‘When we’re buying, we look at whether the components in flavoured spirits are natural or essences, as we prefer those that have real ingredients.’

In spirits, the role of flavour extensions has long felt like a fun, if superficial, race to the bottom of the sweet jar. The palates of many modern drinkers are maturing, though, necessitating a new focus on botanical integrity and terroir rather than sweetness, gaudy colours and artificial ingredients.
Joe has been a business journalist for over 20 years, specialising in the drinks, aviation and Global Travel Retail sectors; Duty-Free News International, IWSR Magazine, Drinks International and Whisky Magazine, among others.


