Drink Trends to Watch in 2019

Drinking trends change every year. For example, in 2018, we saw a rise in the sales of French and English fizz thanks to the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markle. In the same year, people also purchased more flavoured gins, tonic syrups, and half bottles of spirits. So, what are the drinking trends we should expect to see in 2019? Read on to find out!

A Rise in the Sale of Organic Wines

People have become more conscious drinkers over the past few years, meaning that we’ll likely see more organic wines (such as the best selling Terramore Pinot Grigio) being released in 2019 to cater for demand. For those uninitiated, organic wines are those that are made from grapes which grew naturally, with no chemicals or fertilisers being used in their production. Organic wines are generally considered to be healthier than their non-organic counterparts, with (apparently) less severe hangovers from ‘overindulging’. That being said, there is no scientific evidence showing that organic wines lead to easier hangovers!

Consumers and bartenders are also starting to realise the collective impact they have on the environment and the planet at large. Focusing more on organic wines will help reduce the overall carbon footprint of the industry. Bartenders are also expected to incorporate sustainable practices in to their own line of work, like the inclusion of edible garnishes and the creation of on-site beehives.

 

Improved Categorisation of Beer

Most people would agree that beers are poorly classified in most bars, more often than not being simply lumped together under the ‘sour’ category. However, with an increased demand in people wanting to pair their food with suitable drinks, an increasing amount of bars and gastro-pubs are being forced to properly categorise these beverages. More choosy drinkers will even select a type of glass based on the style of the drink. All of these beverages are classified as either lagers or ales, and beyond this point, the types and styles will be determined by the smell, flavour, and colour of the drink.

 

A Rise in Popularity of Greek Wines

Greece is a country often overlooked in discussions about wines, however we think this will change in 2019. This is an opinion shared by drinks magazine Decanter, with particular praise being given to country’s red wine production.

Mocktails

Mocktails are – as the name suggests – non-alcoholic versions of cocktails. With recent research showing that millennials are less likely to drink alcohol than previous generations, we expect to see their popularity grow throughout 2019.

Cross-over Drinks

In recent years, brewers have found a new market in ‘cross-over drinks’ – that is, to create beverages with more than one type of alcohol. Cross-over beverages have (in general) received glowing reviews, and more than that, they give consumers more interesting choices. 2018 was the year when brewers tried all sorts of hybrids, and 2019 is when the market will decide which beverages will survive and which ones will go.

Use of Bizzare Cocktail Ingredients

Continuing with the trend of new and exciting drinks, we expect 2019 to see the birth of bizarre cocktails using less than predictable ingredients. In particular, look out for anchovy, yuzu, blessed thistle and chorizo.

Wine Professionals Will Turn into Celebrities

Taking advantage of the growing sophistication of the middle class, wine professionals have started using their names as brands. Some professionals who have already become popular celebrities include Jeff Porter, Bobby Stuckey, and Patrick Cappiello.