10 drinks trends to watch out for in 2023

It’s the start of 2023 and everyone is eager to know what the future will hold. Or, more importantly, what our glasses will. Factors like the cost of living crisis and the “damp” lifestyle movement indicate a more mindful approach to drinking this year. Meanwhile, quirky cocktails and unexpected spirits are set to take centre stage.

1. Nostalgia

From music, to fashion, to food, the fascination with all things retro will continue to dominate in 2023. According to a survey by Bidfood, over half of people find nostalgic or retro themed drinks appealing. Bars will likely embrace the concept, serving up revised versions of forgotten favourites. A survey by Bacardi confirms this, stating that 58% of bartenders are most interested in classic cocktails with a twist. We might even start to see Piña Coladas making a comeback.

2. TikTok-tails 

It’s no secret that the social media platform is a huge instigator for most of our current trends. TikTok’s influence extends to cocktails too, a prime example being the “Negroni Sbagliato” moment that went viral last year. A clip of actor Emma D’Arcy calling it their drink of choice caused searches for the cocktail to skyrocket. Make sure to keep an eye on what’s happening on the app to stay ahead of the trends this year.

3. English wines

English wine sales have seen tremendous growth, more than doubling in two years. The most popular varieties are Chardonnay and Pinot noir. Now that England is widely acknowledged as a wine producing region, it’s likely that this year English wines will start to acquire more international recognition.

4. Rum renaissance

As the great gin boom is starting to fizzle out, rum could be coming back in fashion as the next it-spirit. Rum sales have reached £1 billion a year in the UK, overtaking whiskey. While dark rum can be savoured straight, rum-based cocktails will also peak in popularity. Watch out for Mojitos, Mai Tais and more.

5. Tequila on the (sun)rise

Alongside rum, Tequila is the other spirit predicted to flourish, as exports hit a record last year. Consumers are predicted to choose high-quality bottles, meanwhile celebrities will continue to promote their own Tequila brands. Cocktails incorporating the spirit will also thrive, as the Spicy Margarita remains in demand.

6. Low and no 

Moderate drinking has become increasingly trendy in recent months, especially online. TikTok has coined the term “damp” lifestyle, which involves cutting down on alcohol consumption, rather than cutting it out completely and going “dry”. If this is something you’re considering, but you don’t want to miss out on your usual glass of wine with dinner or favourite cocktail, there are plenty of low and no alcohol alternatives to try in 2023.

7. Canned cocktails

The RTD category of booze has exploded in the last few years, and it’s only set to get bigger as spirit-based canned drinks are on the rise. Easy to drink outside or on the go, pre-mixed cocktails are certainly a staple of the warmer months, but they’re convenient enough to appeal all year round. Vodka and tequila are the most common bases, but producers are putting a twist on old classics by incorporating infusions and flavours.

8. Martini variations

While the Martini never went out of style, this staple cocktail will be highly sought-after this year. Every variation you can think of will be stylish bar orders in 2023, from Classic, to Espresso, to Pornstar. Even the Dirty Martini is easily revamped for different palates, as olive brine can be substituted for pickle juice for a tangy taste.

9. Flavoured spirits 

Bold, surprising flavours are in. Flavoured vodka sales have increased 33% since 2019, according to CGA, as consumers look for alternatives to harsher spirits. Their popularity is also aided by the current cocktail obsession, as pineapple rum becomes a natural addition to a tropical Daiquiri.

10. High quality 

>Due to the pressure to save money during the cost of living crisis, alongside the growing sober curious movement, many people will be buying less booze this year. However, 2023 will be the year of quality over quantity. Consumers will splash out on decadent cocktails when they do go out, or buy premium bottles to treat themselves at home. If you’ve been thinking about investing in a good bottle of wine, take inspiration from the ones that topped our list of the best wines of 2022.