Rising temperatures bring bold flavors, fresh ideas, and new reasons to raise a glass. From sake and spritzers to patriotic, flavor-forward cocktails, this season is full of exciting opportunities to celebrate—and a whole lot of trends you need to know about.
The Ever-Evolving Cocktail Culture
Economic pressures are shifting consumer buying behavior, and people want exciting taste experiences without busting the budget. Maybe that explains the recent rise in popularity of Jello-shots (once relegated to college campuses and pontoon boats), and spiked slushies. They’re not just fun, they’re memorable and celebratory, and create a moment of connection in the peak social season.
Flavors of the Season
From bright and tangy to nutty and bold, we expect these flavors to drive recipe creativity this summer:
- Chamoy: Chamoyada Margarita - the perfect balance of sweet & spicy
- Peanut butter: Hard Ball - Play it smooth with peanut butter and bubbles
- Espresso: Think 'choc tails' and try a Baileys Flat White Martini
- Yuzu: Add it to a Tom Collins for a Floral Flair
- Orgeat: Army & Navy - Bring some texture to this gin and lemon cocktail
Brunch Gets Floral and Fruity
With flavors like elderflower, hibiscus, peach, and yuzu showing up in everything from sparkling rosés to vodka sodas, floral and fruit-forward flavors are stealing the brunch-time spotlight. These profiles offer plenty of low- and no-ABV versatility and appeal to health-conscious consumers. Garden-inspired garnishes, fruit-infused bases, and effervescent spritzes might be your best bet to wow the late-morning crowd.
Orange Wine Takes Center Stage
Orange wine is like the cool, eccentric cousin of white wine–familiar, yet full of surprises. And perhaps most surprising: Orange wine sales volume is up 18% YoY. Consumers love the bold, textured taste–with fruit-forward notes, earthy undertones, and a slightly bitter and spicy finish.
Sake is Surging!
Once a niche category, sake is now finding favor across generations—particularly with Gen Z, Millennials, and Asian-American consumers. Sake sales have risen 2.1% over the past year while total wine trends decline. Since 2022, Sake dollar growth has consistently outpaced total wine trends by 4-5 points annually.
Holiday Celebrations
From Mother’s Day to Memorial Day, you’ll have plenty of chances to theme the perfect drink to your audience’s tastes. Here are some drinks that are picking up steam:
- Raspberry Sorbet Spritz: A delightful blend of raspberry sorbet and sparkling wine, offering a sweet and bubbly treat.
- Lavender: Pink Peppercorn Vodka Soda: A floral and spicy twist on the classic vodka soda, perfect for brunch menus.
- Red, White & Blue Sangria: A visually stunning mix of berries and wine, ideal for holiday gatherings.
- Strawberry Margarita: A seasonal favorite that combines fresh strawberries with tequila for a refreshing kick.
Summer Starts Now
With bold flavors, on-trend ingredients, and rising interest in categories like sake, this is the time to refresh your offerings and inspire your customers. From backyard barbecues to brunch menus, we’ve got the portfolio, pricing, and insights to help you make this your most successful summer yet.
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