As we anxiously await what the new year will bring, it’s helpful to have a nice interesting beverage to help you ring in 2024. Let’s take a look at some emerging trends in beverages for 2024 and beyond.
Cross-Over Creations
The fewer rules, the better. At least that’s where the trend is going this year in terms of drinks. With newcomers like hard soda, wine cocktails and whiskey seltzers encroaching on the traditional categories, you’ll have a lot to celebrate with the new year. Wine cocktails are going to be one of the more popular beverage categories, as well as tea-based alcoholic beverages, cannabis-infused beverages, and spiked coconut water.
Smart Cocktails
Homes and cars are smart now…why can’t cocktails be smart too? Who says you need a bar when mixing your drinks? Try your hand at a smart cocktail system that puts your drinks together all on its own. You’ll see a lot more technological advancements such as fast liquor, which is whiskey or rum that can now be aged in just a few weeks through a combination of heat and light, yet have a distinct decades-aged taste.
Alcohol-Free Offerings
More and more consumers are turning to alcohol-free and reduced alcohol offerings – part of an emerging movement known as “the new sobriety.” This movement is all about being more intentional with drinking while exploring the physical and emotional health benefits of not drinking alcohol, or at least drinking a lot less. As such, you will see a lot more alcohol-free beers, low-alcohol cocktails, craft “mocktails” and CBD-infused beverages.
Latin American Libations
Spirits, cocktails, and liqueurs hailing from Central and South America as well as the Caribbean are getting more and more popular with today’s consumers. Keep your eye on Latin American cocktail trends, such as those embracing smoky mezcal and sweet falernum, which is a Caribbean syrup comprised of lime and spice. Move over margaritas and martinis: the Paloma tequila cocktail and others just like it are making their way into the American public.
Sensory Drinking Experiences
Cocktails and beverages are no longer just about taste. Now, you’ll find drinking experiences that work all five senses, with creative cocktails incorporating elements like fire, dry ice, and color-changing ingredients. Be on the lookout for colorful drinks infused with herbs or flowers, or drinks with flames.
Sugar Lovers
If you have a sweet tooth, you will be glad to know 2024’s beverage trends are still heavy on the sugar. You’ll see lots of dessert-inspired wines and beers, adult sodas, alcohol-infused gelatin molds, boozy frozen desserts, pastry stouts and “milkshake” IPAs.
Fizzy Drinks
Fizzy, sparkling, carbonated drinks, from sparkling wines and wine seltzers to extra high-ABV seltzers and alcoholic tonic waters, are all the rage. Expect to see more bubbly drinks on the market. Be on the lookout for non-alcoholic sparkling teas as well.
Sustainable Treats
Sustainability continues to be a big concern in 2024, so expect more sustainable beverages that are produced in ways that are less impactful on the environment such as those with sustainable packaging, or those crafted with heirloom grain and wild yeast.
Embrace the New Year With Beverage Universe
Get ahead of the beverage game in 2024 by ordering all the new favorites that are gaining interest this year. Order online or call us today. Happy New Year from Beverage Universe!
