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What are the hottest bar trends for 2025? It depends on who you ask. Thrive Advisors bar consultants keep a close watch on liquor trends in both retail and on-premise liquor businesses. Below is a list of bar trends we’ve curated from trusted online resources.
Unique Flavours
Umami flavour popularity is inspiring cocktail concoctions that incorporate flavours like miso, soy sauce, and mushroom. Some beers will follow the lead of flavoured tequila and mescal, adding a twist of lime.
Low and No-Alcohol for Moderation Craze
The shift to more mindful drinking continues. Health-conscious consumers want the social aspects of a night out at the bar, but desire low-and-no alcohol alternatives to traditional alcohol-only drinks.
Functional, Edible Garnishes
Bartenders are expanding their garnish repertoire, adding to the more traditional olive or herb drink toppers. Dried fruit, candy stir-sticks, and edible flowers may be coming to a drink near you!
Fat Washing
“Fat washing” refers to infusing spirits with plant-based oils such as sesame oil, coconut oil and peanut butter, which impart a silky smooth texture to a cocktail.
Premium Cocktails
Premiumization has become increasingly popular in both liquor stores and bars. There is also a demand for cocktails created with premium spirits and ingredients. A stellar presentation goes hand-in-glove with premium drinks, so you might see them served up in unique or artful glassware.
Source for the predictions above: “Top Bar Trends for 2025”, WestaurantStore Blog.
Local, Sustainable Focus
An increased interest in sustainability has spilled over into the world of alcoholic beverages. There may be some shifting away from globally-popular drinks to locally-inspired concoctions relevant to a city or region and including locally-sourced ingredients.
Coffee and Chocolate Inspired Cocktails
According to Diageo Bar Academy, espresso martini consumption was up 13% in 2024, and other “hard coffee” drinks are sure to follow. The drinks market now includes liqueurs with a high concentration of coffee. Because nothing goes with coffee quite like chocolate, “choc-tails” are also having a moment.
Immersive Bar Experience
While bars have always been attractive for socializing with friends, they are becoming more communally social. There is a trend toward bar “gamification”, including trivia nights, arcades, and activities that encourage group interaction.
Source for the predictions above: “6 Bar Industry Trends Tipped for 2025”, Diageo Bar Academy.
Drinks that Imitate Food
The savory-flavour craze is starting to blur the line between food and drink. At “Double Chicken Please” – a bar ranked in the top 50 bars worldwide – you’ll find a bar menu that pays homage to the old-school eatery. On the Double Chicken Please menu, you’ll find uniquely flavoured drinks with names like “coffee butter corn”, “Key lime pie”, and “butter raisin biscuit”.
Functional Cocktails
Alcoholic beverages may have a thing or two to learn from functional soft drinks. Expect to see protein espressos drinks and protein infused margaritas. The bone-broth craze may give rise to an alcoholic drink cousin, the “broth-tail”.
Source for the predictions above “Ten intriguing trends set to shake up alcohol in 2025”, Beverage Daily.
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Note for BC Liquor Primary Licensees
Refer to the “Liquor Primary Terms and Conditions” handbook page “Dispensing Liquor and Mixing Drinks” (p.25) for mixed-drink and infusion requirements.
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Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors provides bar consulting and licensing services. We help start-ups and existing businesses succeed in a competitive marketplace.
