Whether you are on-premise or off, keeping abreast of the industry’s latest and greatest trends is just good business. And now that summer is well underway, we’re seeing some clear trends emerge as we move into the end of the season. But don’t worry, we’re not here to talk about the ascendence of agave or the espresso martini explosion—we’re pretty sure you’ve heard enough about all that. Instead, here are seven end of summer trends that might not have made it onto your radar quite yet, but are definitely worth looking into.
Bubbles and Sauvignon Blanc
If you haven’t stocked up on Champagne and sparkling wines, now is the time! Bubbles and sparkling beverages are continuing their steady takeover of menus and store shelves and are becoming increasingly popular additions to cocktails for that extra hit of crisp refreshment (especially during the spring and summer months). Speaking of crispness, Sauvignon Blanc is also seeing a renaissance. As one of the fastest growing wine varietals in the U.S., it was the only non-sparkling varietal to see growth in 2022 (1.5%, according to Silicon Valley Bank’s 2023 State of the U.S. Wine Industry report), and it’s becoming especially popular with younger drinkers.
Shochu Coming at You
Shochu seems poised to make quite a splash now that New York has made it legal to sell under a wine and beer license. Commonly mistaken for Korean Soju, Shochu is Japan’s national spirit and vastly more popular than Saké. Its flavor (and ABV) varies widely depending on the base ingredients, and it is typically made from sweet potato, barley, or rice. Look for Shochu in Highball variations like Sidecars, Negronis, and fancy umami cocktails.
Ice as Art
Ice is no longer just something to keep cocktails cold—it’s becoming integral to a drink’s creative execution. Stamped ice, interesting cube sizes and shapes, or even crystal clear “ghost ice” are just some of the inspiring icy interpretations popping in the trendiest watering holes across the country.
Topping it Off
There’s something to be said for simple, classic garnishes. But just as ice is becoming part of creative execution, bar pros are finding new ways to put the “cherry on top” of their cocktail creations. We’re talking next-level touches like flaming cocktails made tableside, smoking out Old Fashioneds with torches, incorporating dry ice or vapor guns, and concocting tasty, aromatic foams with custom-flavored lecithin.
The Batching Bandwagon
Do you want your bartenders to spend more time connecting with their customers while increasing speed and quality consistency? Consider jumping on the batching bandwagon. Once reserved for catering and high-volume establishments, more and more businesses are leaning heavily into the batched beverage approach, with some even putting their most popular mixed drinks on tap. And with market fluctuations still causing unpredictable price swings and staffing challenges, a well-executed batching program can help stabilize product costs, reduce labor, and lessen waste.
#Drinkfluencers
Social media continues to be a beverage industry trend-setting behemoth. Bartenders, sommeliers, producers, and everyday enthusiasts; the number of social media creators and the volume of beverage-based content shows no signs of slowing down. Businesses and consumers alike can find an endless array of exciting drink combinations, trends to try, in-depth how-to’s, and extensive educational content. We can’t stress enough the importance of building (and maintaining) an active, creative, and engaging social media presence. Who knows, maybe you can be one of the next big #drinkfluencers.
No matter which trends you choose to tackle, Proof has everything you need to keep ahead of the game.
