Inflation may be reshaping what’s in your guests’ wallets, but it hasn’t dulled their appetite for great drinks. They’re not ordering less. They’re ordering smarter. This summer, it’s all about flavors that feel like a win, formats that fit the moment, and pours that punch above their price.
At Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, we’re watching these shifts play out across the country—and July is full of opportunity for the on-premise world. Here's what we’re seeing behind the bar.
Wine Trends: Fresh, Fun and Flavor-First
Approachable Styles Are Taking the Lead
Think juicy blends, crisp whites, and fruit-forward rosés—served cold and social. Guests are gravitating toward wines that are light, refreshing, and easy to understand. The spritz culture is alive and well, and customizable wine cocktails are giving bars new ways to play with memorable drink experiences.
Mid-Tier Wines Are Quietly Flexing
Shoppers who once opted for <$10 bottles are now nudging up to the $15–$25 range. Why? Because a little more spending goes a long way in quality, and consumers are willing to level up.
Flavored Wines & Cocktails are Crowd Magnets
From sangria pitchers to sparkling wine-based cocktails with seasonal fruit, anything slightly sweet, cold, and shareable is performing. Consider offering a rotating summer “wine special” that doubles as a menu feature and an Instagram moment.
Smaller Pours are Taking Flight
Flight-style service, wine tastings, and 6 oz. pours are becoming strategic tools—not just for variety seekers but for budget-conscious guests who want to experiment with something new without the full-glass commitment.
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Spirits Trends: Shrink the Bottle, Not the Brand
Tequila Is the Undisputed MVP
Whether it’s premium margaritas, elevated Palomas, or neat pours of Reposado, tequila is dominating drink lists. It's approachable, versatile, and still growing across all tiers, so don’t be afraid to upsell.
RTDs Are Ready for Prime Time
Ready-to-drink cocktails aren’t just for off-premise anymore. Canned cocktails in buckets, batched service in glassware, or backbar branding of high-end RTDs is creating fast, profitable moments for high-volume bars and late-night lounges.
Lower Volume, Higher Loyalty
Guests may be trimming back on top-shelf orders, but they’re not abandoning their favorite brands. Featuring premium spirits in lower-ABV formats—like spritzes or half-pours—keeps them engaged without blowing their tab.
The Bottom Line:
Guests are still looking for great experiences. They just want their dollars to stretch a little further. That means curating wine and spirits menus that feel exciting and accessible, creating pour sizes that invite exploration, and tapping into tequila, wine cocktails, and Insta-worthy drinks that match the summer energy.
Ready to turn your menu into a crowd-pleaser? We can help you build a beverage program that stands out in every glass.
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