Last year saw people embrace the joy of going out again, and 2023 promises to be even more social. So, what will the remainder of 2023 look like for drink culture?
You can expect craft spirits with lower or no alcohol content, and the return to classic cocktails will continue to grow throughout the year. Other trends are just getting started. Here are five of the biggest trends for drink culture in 2023.
Low and no-alcohol spirits are rapidly gaining popularity as the sober curious movement gains traction. For those who want to cut down alcohol consumption but not cut it out entirely, there's "damp" drinking or drinking in moderation (as health experts have recommended for years).
It might mean changing how often one alcohol or imbibing drinks with a lower alcohol content, but still going out with friends or having a craft cocktail with dinner. Consumers want flexibility so they can go out or host friends at home and still have the full experience no matter what they're drinking.
Industry experts think that 2023 might be rum's big year.
After a multi-year sales decline, rum is again growing, with the market expected to grow over 5 percent annually through 2027. Flavored and spiced rums are a big part of that growth, as well as premium rums that can be sipped or mixed into a cocktail.
While supply chain issues have mostly cleared up, the cost of goods across the board has risen, and most people are keeping a closer hold on their budgets.
At the same time, people are ready to enjoy going out again. That means many consumers will be willing to splurge, but only on what they feel is the best. High-quality ingredients, premium spirits, craft cocktails - if a customer is only going to order one drink, they will make it a good one.
Customers aren't the only ones feeling an economic pinch - bars and restaurants are facing higher supply and labor costs, plus a workforce that's still smaller than before the pandemic.
Batching, or pre-mixing large quantities of a beverage, could help by decreasing the time and people needed to make drinks for a crowd while still providing consistent quality and fresh ingredients.
The social media platform TikTok continues to make its mark on popular culture, starting trend after trend in music, books, and food. The platform is also making its mark on drink culture, from the Negroni Sbagliato to the Dirty Shirley to a Dalgona coffee martini (whipped coffee). If you want to know what all the cool kids are drinking from week to week, keep an eye on TikTok.
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