As we move through 2024, the world of beverages continues to evolve, driven by changing consumer preferences, innovative flavors, and a growing focus on sustainability and wellness. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast, a coffee connoisseur, or someone who enjoys the latest in non-alcoholic options, this year’s drink trends offer something for everyone. Here’s a look at some of the most popular drinks of 2024 that are making waves in bars, restaurants, and homes around the globe.
1. Low-ABV and Non-Alcoholic Cocktails
The trend toward mindful drinking has continued to gain momentum in 2024, with more people opting for low-alcohol by volume (ABV) or non-alcoholic beverages. These drinks offer the experience and complexity of traditional cocktails without the high alcohol content, making them perfect for social settings where moderation is key.
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Low-ABV Cocktails: Drinks like spritzes, wine-based cocktails, and beer cocktails are becoming increasingly popular. They offer a refreshing, lighter alternative to stronger spirits-based cocktails, allowing for more prolonged enjoyment without overindulgence.
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Non-Alcoholic Spirits: Brands like Seedlip, Lyre’s, and Ritual Zero Proof are leading the charge with non-alcoholic spirits that mimic the flavors of gin, whiskey, and rum. These spirits are being used to create sophisticated mocktails that cater to those looking to enjoy a drink without the alcohol.
2. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Beverages
Sustainability is a key theme in 2024, with consumers and producers alike placing greater emphasis on eco-friendly practices. This trend is evident in everything from ingredient sourcing to packaging.
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Organic and Locally Sourced Ingredients: Drinks made with organic and locally sourced ingredients are in high demand, reflecting a growing consumer preference for transparency and sustainability. Whether it’s a cocktail crafted with local herbs or a beer brewed with organic grains, the focus is on minimizing environmental impact.
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Eco-Friendly Packaging: The shift towards sustainable packaging continues, with more brands adopting recyclable, biodegradable, or reusable materials. This is particularly noticeable in the wine and spirits industry, where producers are experimenting with lighter bottles, canned wines, and boxed options to reduce their carbon footprint.
3. Coffee Cocktails and Cold Brews
Coffee continues to be a major influence in the beverage world, and in 2024, it’s taking on new forms that blend the lines between caffeine and cocktails.
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Coffee Cocktails: The marriage of coffee and spirits is nothing new, but this year sees a surge in creativity. Espresso martinis remain a staple, but new concoctions are emerging, such as coffee negronis, cold brew old fashioneds, and coffee-infused spritzes. These drinks offer a delightful mix of energy and indulgence.
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Cold Brews and Nitro Coffees: Cold brew coffee continues its reign as a favorite, especially in warm weather. Nitro cold brews, which are infused with nitrogen for a creamy, smooth texture, are also gaining popularity. These coffee drinks are often enjoyed on their own but are increasingly being used as a base for more complex beverages.
4. Flavorful Hard Seltzers
Hard seltzers have been trending for a few years now, but in 2024, they’re becoming even more diverse and flavorful. No longer limited to just basic fruit flavors, hard seltzers are now infused with more exotic and complex flavor profiles.
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Tropical and Exotic Flavors: Expect to see hard seltzers with flavors like passionfruit, guava, lychee, and yuzu, offering a refreshing twist on the classic options. These tropical flavors bring a vacation-like vibe to everyday drinking.
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Craft Hard Seltzers: Smaller, craft producers are entering the hard seltzer market, offering artisanal versions that emphasize quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations. These craft seltzers often include more sophisticated blends, such as hibiscus and lime or cucumber and mint.
5. Global-Inspired Cocktails
As travel resumes and the world becomes more interconnected, global influences are shaping the cocktail scene in exciting ways. Mixologists are drawing inspiration from international flavors and traditions, creating drinks that take you on a journey around the world.
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Asian-Inspired Cocktails: Ingredients like yuzu, matcha, sake, and shiso are being incorporated into cocktails, bringing the flavors of Japan, Korea, and China to the forefront. Cocktails such as the yuzu martini or matcha sour offer a refreshing departure from traditional Western flavors.
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Latin American Influence: Tequila and mezcal continue to dominate, but 2024 also sees the rise of lesser-known Latin spirits like pisco, cachaça, and sotol. These spirits are being used to craft cocktails with bold, vibrant flavors, often paired with ingredients like fresh tropical fruits, herbs, and spices.
6. Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Beverages
Convenience is key in today’s fast-paced world, and ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages are booming as a result. Whether it’s canned cocktails, bottled cold brews, or pre-mixed mocktails, RTD options are becoming more sophisticated and varied.
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Canned Cocktails: Canned cocktails are moving beyond the basics, with more premium options hitting the market. These drinks are crafted with high-quality ingredients and offer a bar-quality experience without the need for mixing or measuring.
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RTD Non-Alcoholic Options: The non-alcoholic sector is also seeing growth in RTD options, with brands offering pre-mixed mocktails, sparkling teas, and adaptogenic beverages that cater to health-conscious consumers.
7. Functional and Wellness Beverages
The wellness trend continues to influence the drinks industry, with a focus on beverages that offer functional benefits beyond simple refreshment.
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Adaptogenic Drinks: Drinks infused with adaptogens—herbs and mushrooms believed to help the body adapt to stress—are becoming popular. These include everything from teas to sparkling waters, often marketed as helping to boost mood, energy, or relaxation.
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CBD-Infused Beverages: Cannabidiol (CBD) continues to be a trendy ingredient in 2024, with more beverages incorporating it for its potential calming effects. You can find CBD in everything from sodas and teas to non-alcoholic cocktails.
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Gut-Healthy Drinks: Kombucha and other probiotic beverages remain popular for their gut health benefits. New variations, including prebiotic sodas and kefir-based drinks, are entering the market, offering tasty ways to support digestive health.
The drinks landscape of 2024 is defined by innovation, sustainability, and a focus on health and wellness. From globally-inspired cocktails and flavorful hard seltzers to non-alcoholic options and functional beverages, there’s a drink for every palate and occasion. As these trends continue to evolve, they reflect broader shifts in consumer preferences towards more mindful, diverse, and sustainable choices. Whether you’re raising a glass of craft beer, a low-ABV cocktail, or a CBD-infused soda, 2024 promises to be an exciting year for drink enthusiasts everywhere.