Restaurants and businesses alike are moving beyond the conventional boundaries of drinks, showcasing an unprecedented level of innovation.
From upscale restaurants to cafes and bars, the focus has shifted to create memorable experiences and sips rather than just satiating a basic human need.
The spotlight is now on an array of creative beverage options, with a particular focus on craft cocktails, mocktails, and one-of-a-kind experiences.
Cocktails are a cornerstone for many successful restaurants, with a particular emphasis on quality over quantity, small-batch spirits, house-made syrups, freshly squeezed juices and unique presentations.
Based on this evolving focus on innovation, restaurants and bars are reshaping their marketing strategies to attract new customers.
Although classic drinks such as the Old Fashioned and Martini will never go out of style, many consumers are craving a more novel experience; leading mixologists to take a modern and unexpected approach with their creations.
Some restaurants have even curated special menus expanding upon classic cocktails. For example, Dante in Greenwich Village has an entire menu devoted to exploring variations of the Negroni, which is traditionally composed of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
Some of their offerings include the “Enzoni” (Aviation Gin, Cappelletti Aperitivo, Dolin dry vermouth, grape, verjus, and lemon essence), and the “Gingerbread Negroni” (spiced butter Bacardi 8, Cardamaro, red vermouth, Campari, buck spice, and ginger bitters).
This innovative approach not only caters to the growing demand for personalization, but also turns beverages into a kind of art form.
Beyond the taste, there has also been an increased need for aesthetically pleasing drinks.
With the ever increasing popularity of social media, many restaurants are creating drinks with vibrant colors, intricate designs, and eye-catching presentations for the sake of internet traction, while also maintaining the quality and taste of their beverages.
Some popular adornments are edible flowers and gold, uniquely shaped ice cubes, slices of fruit, and herbs. Similarly, glassware has evolved beyond mere functionality, with unique glass shapes and alternative vessels adding an extra layer of visual appeal.
Some of the most beautiful drinks in NYC are Rule of Thirds’s “Moonlight Express” (Cognac, Japanese gin, Macadamia, red bell pepper, cantaloupe, sakura leaf soda).
Shinji’s “Foie Gras Sidecar” (foie-gras-washed Hennessy XO, foie gras tartlet), Nubeluz’s “Floral Cloud” (fords gin, lemon, maraschino, crème de violette, hibiscus-rose-orange blossom aromatic cloud), and 9 Jones’s “Side Piece” (fords gin, lemon, prosecco, cotton candy, gold leaf).
However, alcoholic drinks are not the only beverage getting an upgrade, as there has been a growing market for “Mocktails.”
This trend is driven by a growing awareness of health and wellness, as well as a desire to create more inclusive social settings to accommodate those who choose to abstain.
Many have dubbed this new ideology as being “Sober Curious.”
White Olive in Midtown offers a wide array of alcohol free drinks, including “Mango Madness” (mango nectar, tajin, lime juice, and club soda garnished with dried mango, lime and tajin), and “Coconut Crush” (pineapple juice, coconut, lime juice, and Angostura bitters garnered with dried pineapple and coconut flakes).
In tandem with the rise of mocktails, non-alcoholic liquor, beer, and wine have become more and more prevalent.
Zero-proof liquor mimics the taste and experience of traditional alcoholic beverages, and often features natural botanicals that recreate the essence of popular spirits like gin, whiskey, and vodka.
Brands such as Betty Buzz, founded by actress Blake Lively, cater to this clientele. Lively crafted these beverages to stand on its own, but they can also be used as a mixer.
Bars and restaurants have always been a place where people socialize, but the drinks were never the main appeal for these social interactions.
Now, there are beverage-focused establishments, which offer cocktail tastings and mixology classes. At establishments such as Patent Pending and Raines Law Room, customers are able to learn from master mixologists about the art and science of cocktails.
In addition to honing practical skills, mixology classes cultivate a lively social environment and creates a sense of camaraderie among participants.
Innovative offerings are transforming the traditional drinking scene, offering a plethora of choices that cater to diverse preferences and lifestyles.
These evolving trends in beverages not only reflect changing consumer attitudes towards alcohol but also underscore the importance of the social and experiential aspects of enjoying a good drink.
Whether it’s the complex flavors of a meticulously crafted craft cocktail or the diverse options of non-alcoholic alternatives, the future of beverages is undoubtedly bright.
