Just like the clothes and makeup we wear, the cocktails we drink are a clear sign of the times. The truth is, people tend to gravitate towards the same things at once, and it's not without reason.
In the drink world, trend cycles move slower. Drink trends don't fade in and out as quickly as a style of jeans, so you'll notice they don't change as drastically from year to year. The last few years have shown us that we're in a New Age Martini Era, with the emergence of espresso martinis, pornstar martinis, and dirty gin martinis gracing happy hour menus at bars everywhere.
Of course, this spawned the Martini Girl Aesthetic. The things we consume-in this case, the beverages we drink-have the potential to become bigger markers of our identities, so perhaps that's reason enough to pay attention to food and drink trends.
That said, drink trends aren't just limited to alcoholic beverages. As you're likely aware, there's a huge sober curious movement sweeping the nation, and the booze-free beverage space is only getting bigger. Expect to see more non-alcoholic drink brands emerge and take over the aisles in liquor stores in 2025.
It might sound strange to think about "trends" in the drink space. You should drink whatever you want, regardless of if it's "in style." Instead of thinking about trend forecasts as an end-all-be-all rule, see them as a source of inspiration, for those times your cocktail order starts to feel old or when you want to expand your drink knowledge.
Salty, spicy, and tangy drinks will be huge in 2025. "For a long time, we have been used to umami being used to describe food, but in recent times, bartenders have used savory ingredients to bring umami to drinks," says Jonathan Stanyard, 2024 US World Class Bartender of the Year. "It opens up many opportunities for unexpected flavor pairings and new cocktail recipes."
Adding ingredients like tomatoes, mushrooms, beets, and even cheese "can create the ultimate savory experience," he adds. Not to mention, Pinterest predicted Pickle Margaritas to take off next year in their 2025 Trend Report, so expect to see the fermented fruit (yes, fruit!) everywhere next year.
If you like your cocktails extra dirty, you definitely need to stock up on Olive Brine. These pouches from Filthy are oil-free so you can drink the cleanest, dirty martini ever.
"Incorporating Mezcal is a simple way to instantly add savory flavors to a cocktail," Stanyard says. "When I want smoky notes and delicate citrus, I typically reach for Mezcal Unión Uno for a richer texture; the Mezcal Unión El Viejo can provide cinnamon, wood, and mesquite notes."
V8 Grillo's Pickles Dill Pickle Bloody Mary Mix, 8 fl oz Can (24 Pack)
$22 Buy Now On Amazon
If you can't decide between a pickle martini and a bloody mary, this one's for you. This Dill Pickle Bloody Mary Mix lets you have the best of both worlds. Simply add a shot of your favorite spirit to take it up a notch.
We've seen cherries inspire nail trends, but now they'll be making their way into drinks, too. Pinterest is betting that Cherry Martinis will be all the rage in 2025, so gear up to see the aesthetic fruit in cocktails, mocktails, juices, and more.
POPPI Sparkling Prebiotic Soda, Cherry Cola, 12oz (12 Pack)
$29 Buy Now On Amazon
This cherry cola-flavored prebiotic soda is seriously the best thing ever. It's also a great mixer for liquor, if you want to make a cocktail. (And yes, I've actually tried it.)
Cheribundi ORIGINAL Tart Cherry Juice Lightly Sweetened with Apple Juice -Pack of 12
$27 Buy Now On Amazon
I know we're talking about trends, but tart cherry juice is actually really good for you. I guess that's why we saw so many people using it in their Sleepy Girl Mocktails.
Coffee will never go out of style, but you might notice certain java-inspired trends take over every year.
"The fourth wave of coffee has arrived, and it's nothing like we've seen before," says Mike Van Houten, Head of Consumer & Marketplace Insights at Nestlé USA. "Today, consumers are focused on a more personalized cup, increasingly intrigued by new, exciting textures and flavors that rebel against the purist brews of the past. In this new wave, coffee is increasingly considered a 'little treat,' especially among Gen-Z who drink it throughout the day as an affordable indulgence."
Van Houten adds, "in 2025, we'll see brands deliver products that encourage at-home coffee play and personalization, with a focus on different textures and added taste like cold foam and floral flavors."
There are so many syrup brands out there, but Monin always delivers. Plus, this lavender flavor is amazing in lattes.
Califia Farms - Pure Black Medium Roast Cold Brew Coffee, 32 Oz (Pack of 6)
$29 Buy Now On Amazon
Even if you don't have fancy coffee machines, you can always rely on bottled coffees and cold brew concentrates. This one from Califia Farms is my go-to.
Nut Pods has the best non-dairy creamers, and this variety pack lets you sample some fun flavors.
In the non-alcoholic beverage space, wines are having their moment.
"We are seeing continued momentum in all types of non-alcoholic wine," says Sean Goldsmith, CEO and co-founder of The Zero Proof. " Especially good sparkling wines and premium reds. The market is still looking for the best non-alcoholic reds."
Goldsmith also sees a rise in the popularity of canned non-alcoholic cocktails, explaining that they're "drinks that people can open and enjoy."
Aside from non-alcoholic wines and canned cocktails, we can also expect to see new ingredients take the spotlight next year. "Right now, there's a lot of noise around Delta 9 THC," he explains. "You're seeing it show up in more types of beverages. Our category is still growing because people are looking to consume less alcohol. And some of those folks still want a buzz, which Delta 9 is providing."
This non-alcoholic negroni has notes of juniper and bright citrus, making it a delicious way to wind down after a long day. No need to worry about getting a hangover.
Oddbird Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Dry White Wine
Even if you've chosen to go booze-free, you can still pop a bottle of bubbly thanks to this non-alcoholic Champagne. You'll taste notes of green apple, mango, Meyer lemon, and pear, so it pairs perfectly with richer dishes like fried chicken and lobster pasta.
Saint Viviana Non-Alcoholic Cabernet Sauvignon
This non-alcoholic red wine from Saint Viviana is the medium-body Cab you've been dreaming of. With notes of Plum, Black Jamun, Elderberry, and Vanilla, this low-sugar bevy also makes for the perfect hosting gift.
You've probably seen adaptogenic beverages in the drink aisle of your health food store, and they're there to stay. Brands are including adaptogenic ingredients like reishi mushrooms, ginseng, and licorice root in their drinks to address concerns like stress, fatigue, and brain fog.
"Gen Z has given health a new meaning, focusing on a lifestyle that goes beyond exercise and mindful eating," Van Houten says. "Consumers are taking their health into their own hands, on their own terms, to curate personalized wellness practices that meet their needs. In 2025, brands will lean in to deliver 'better-for you' goods with functional benefits, serving consumers on their wellness journey, wherever that may take them."
RYZE's mushroom coffee contains 6 adaptogenic mushrooms to address focus, energy, stress relief, gut health, immunity, and longevity. It'll definitely be an acquired taste, but once you feel the effects you'll be wanting more.
Those who prefer tea will love Juni Sparkling Tea, which contains green tea, ashwagandha, reishi mushroom, acerola cherry, and lion's mane. Start with this variety pack, which includes four fun, fruity flavors.
Hiyo Organic Social Tonic - Blackberry Lemon, 4 Pack
$15 Buy Now on the zero proof
Hiyo's Social Tonic is meant to have a mood-boosting, stress-reducing effect, making it a perfect non-alcoholic alternative to bring to parties.