Three Holiday Cocktail Flavor Trends
Nov. 3, 2016
The holiday season is rapidly approaching, which means for many parts of the country, it’s getting cold–and a winter cocktail can warm you like a hug. “'Tis the season beverages” have arrived, and the winter flavors will surely bring a boost to the bottom line for both on and off premise, with an expected $650 billion plus to be shelled out by consumers for holiday expenditures.*
Help satisfy your customers’ seasonal cravings by stocking up on winter flavors, as well as learning the latest in winter cocktail flavor trends that you can share with your loyal regulars.
For cocktail enthusiasts, transitioning from the go-to classic concoctions to the winter mixtures doesn’t have to mean a complete reboot of the liquor cabinet is in order. In fact, a few simple additions to the standard Hot Toddy, Boulevardier, or even a margarita can turn a year-round cocktail into a seasonal specialty.
“Your Grandma’s Favorite Drinks”–as Outside Magazine describes–are back in style for the season, with brandy and tea-based cocktails serving as the latest standout throwbacks.
Outside notes the brandy revival follows the recent resurgence of brown spirits, including whiskey and bourbon. Brandy’s strong, yet soothing essence nestles up nicely with the desired rich flavors of winter.
According to the Tea Association of the U.S., tea consumption has increased 15% during a recent five-year stretch, and bartenders are utilizing the various unique flavors to craft exciting new cocktails. Most importantly, millennials–a demographic we’ve previously noted as the alcohol industry’s biggest spender–are also the biggest consumers of tea.
Spirits and red wine might not be the first combination that comes to mind when constructing a cocktail, but it’s becoming increasingly common–especially during the holidays. The duo offers imaginative bartenders a variety of benefits, and as Tales of the Cocktail notes, “red wine can be a delicious and secretly versatile addition to cocktails, enlivening your bar menu with new flavors, aromas, and colors.”
*Holiday Season Sales Forecast