Nostalgia and indulgence tipped for cocktail success
French syrup producer Monin has outlined nostalgia and functional benefits as key trends for bars to consider when shaping their cocktail offerings.
Monin compiled research for its trend predictions from visits to 84 bars and restaurants (82% independent and 18% branded chains) across England, Wales and Scotland from the period 1 October 2024 to 28 February 2025, alongside data from CGA by NIQ’s Mixed Drinks Report from the second half (H2) of 2024.
In Monin’s Autumn-Winter Drinks Trends Report 2024-25, the brand identified more adventurous behaviour from consumers, leading to more miniature versions of cocktails and also exotic and unique flavours in serves with interesting ingredients.
One in three consumers were found to try a new drink category every time they go out, while 42% said interesting ingredients would be the reason behind their cocktail choice.
Another trend to watch for is nostalgia – childhood memories that venues can tap into through familiar flavours combined with new styles – or 1980s and 1990s events with paired drinks. Also in the ‘retro revival’ trend, the colour blue is seeing demand, while childhood indulgence is also factoring into the resurgence of nostalgic cocktails.
Spice and indulgence were also found to be top autumn trend shapers, with Picantes and Spicy Margaritas on the rise, as well as creamy and dessert-inspired cocktails.
Concepts seeing success in the indulgent cocktail sphere include cold foams, whipped cream, and edible garnishes, such as popcorn and mini cinnamon rolls.
Away from the sweet stuff, health and wellness has become a factor in the cocktail-curation process. No- and low-alcohol is trending upwards, as are functional extras such as CBD, lion’s mane, and collagen.
Monin also said it is seeing more health claims on serves, with 10% of the non-alcoholic market in the US now made up of functional serves.
Visibility of the low-and-no category is increasing, with 55% of consumers surveyed saying they have seen non-alcoholic cocktails offered in the on-trade, while 50% have seen low-alcoholic drinks.
Furthermore, methods such as zebra striping have seen 30% of consumers choose non-alcoholic cocktails for moderating consumption. Daytime occasions and experiential bars were highlighted as key areas of opportunity for no-and-low brands.
Pornstar Martini tops cocktail ranking
Citing the CGA Mixed Drinks Report, which due to the timing of its release has seen seasonality affect cocktail popularity ranks, the Pornstar Martini led the way with 13.2% of market share, while Sex on the Beach followed behind with 11.3%.
The full top 10 ranked as as follows: The Pornstar Martini; Sex on The Beach; Aperol Spritz; Long Island Iced Tea; Espresso Martini; Mojito; WooWoo; Pina Colada; Margarita; and the Zombie to round out the list.
The Aperol Spritz improved from its eighth placing in March 2024 to third now, but the Tom Collins dropped out of the top 10, which was reasoned due to the decline in gin-based cocktails.
Cocktail flavours on the up include mint, apple, and vanilla, while coffee, creamy, and sour led the way for taste.
Furthermore, 32% of consumers said they would order a winter Spritz if seasonally themed, while Slushies were said to be now popular all-year-round.
On Tequila’s growing influence in the UK on-trade, key highlights include the spirit now stealing vodka’s share in cocktails, and Tequila drinkers visiting the on-trade more often than consumers of other spirits.
Additionally, one in ten cocktails served in the on-trade are now said to be Tequila-based.
Recently, delivery platform DoorDash backed the Margarita to win the title of ‘2025 Drink of the Summer’ in the US.
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