Cocktail trends are a marker of the times we live in and a fascinating phenomenon for mixologists serving on the front line as well as customers at the front of the bar line! So, whether you’re looking for cocktail menu ideas for your bar or restaurant or perhaps you’re looking for ideas for your own weekend tipple, we’ve got you covered in our yearly round-up of the most popular and upward-trending cocktails.
This year our cocktail shakers are going to be filled with bold new taste combos, fresh takes on the classic martini, high-tech and mastery-level mixology, and a return to the roots of the DIY cocktail-making experience.
We’ve spoken to the EHL mixologists and scoured the internet to gather this list of eight trending cocktail styles that will be filling our cups in 2025. Here are the drinks you’ll be raising up to toast with this year, along with some tips and tricks to try if you want to make them yourself.
The Savory & Spicy Cocktail Trend: Bold Flavors on the Rise
As seen in 2024, cocktails are moving beyond the traditional sweet and sour spectrum, with savory and spicy drinks gaining popularity among adventurous drinkers. These cocktails offer complex, layered flavors that appeal to those looking for something unique.
Savory Cocktails: Inspired by umami-rich ingredients, these drinks incorporate miso, seaweed, mushrooms, and even anchovy essence to create unexpected depth. Classic examples include the Bloody Mary and the Dirty Martini, but modern mixologists are pushing the boundaries with innovative twists. Imagine a gin martini infused with a subtle briny touch from anchovy or an earthy umami boost from shiitake mushrooms.
Spicy Cocktails: Heat is rising in trending cocktails, with spicy cocktails becoming a staple in high-end bars and social clubs. The Picante—a spicy tequila-based drink—has become an icon, while classics like the Jalapeño Margarita and Ginger Basil Smash continue to thrive. From chili-infused syrups to wasabi-laced spirits, there are endless ways to add a fiery kick.
Tips & Recipes for Savory and Spicy Cocktails
Balance is Key: When crafting a savory cocktail, pair umami flavors with bright citrus, like lime juice, or herbal notes to maintain drinkability. Try a Miso-Infused Old Fashioned by blending miso-washed whiskey with a touch of honey and bitters.
Spice it Up Thoughtfully: Heat should enhance, not overpower. Experiment with jalapeños, habaneros, or Sichuan peppercorns, adjusting the level of spice to suit different palates. A Cucumber Wasabi Martini—mixing gin, cucumber juice, and a hint of wasabi—delivers both heat and freshness.
Classic Twists: Upgrade traditional favorites by adding a savory or spicy twist. Swap the Worcestershire sauce in a Bloody Mary for soy sauce or try a Spicy Margarita with a smoked chili salt rim.
Infuse Your Spirits: Create custom infusions by steeping tequila with chili peppers or vodka with sun-dried tomatoes for an extra punch of flavor.
With endless possibilities, the world of savory and spicy cocktails is perfect for those seeking a bold and unforgettable drinking experience.
2. Martinis Revisited: A Classic with a Modern Twist
The martini is making a strong comeback, with bartenders reinterpreting this iconic cocktail for today’s drinkers. While the classic gin or vodka martini remains timeless, new variations featuring infused spirits, mini martinis, and unexpected garnishes are taking center stage. This revival pays homage to the martini’s sophisticated past while introducing bold new flavors.
The Espresso Martini Evolution: A staple for those looking for both elegance and energy, the espresso martini remains a top choice. However, fresh takes on this caffeinated favorite include high-quality local cold brew, hints of vanilla, and vodka alternatives like scotch for a richer, smokier profile.
The Apple Martini Comeback: This 90s favorite is returning in a more refined, natural form. Instead of artificial flavors, expect fresh-pressed apple juice, tart green apple liqueurs, and a crisp, well-balanced finish that feels both nostalgic and classy.
Tips & Recipe Ideas for Modern Martinis
Experiment with Bases: Try swapping vodka for scotch in an Espresso Martini, or use aged gin for a richer, more herbal take on the classic dry martini.
Infusions & Garnishes: Upgrade your martini with infused spirits—think rosemary gin, truffle vodka, or black tea-infused vermouth. Garnish with pickled vegetables, citrus peels, or even edible flowers for a modern touch.
Mini Martinis: Perfect for those who love variety, smaller martini servings allow you to sample different styles in one sitting. Try making a batch of these classics and serving them in shot glasses as a trio: Mini Dirty Martini, a Tiny Espresso Martini, or a Mini Apple Sour.
Make it Umami: Add intrigue to a Dirty Martini by swapping traditional olive brine for pickled caper juice or miso-infused water, enhancing the depth and savoriness.
Minimalist Cocktails: Quality Over Quantity
In 2025, less is more when it comes to cocktails. The minimalist cocktail trend is a bit like the quiet luxury phenomenon of interior design, it emphasizes quality over quantity, bringing three-ingredient cocktails back into the spotlight. Inspired by sustainability, this cocktail trend aligns with the movement toward hyper-seasonal cocktails by focusing on a few high-quality ingredients while minimizing waste.
But minimalist cocktails aren’t just about sustainability—they also enhance the drinking experience. With fewer ingredients, each element has the chance to shine, allowing drinkers to truly appreciate the depth and balance of every sip.
Minimalist Cocktail Recipes & Tips
Focus on Premium Ingredients: With fewer components, every ingredient must be top-tier. Choose small-batch spirits, house-made syrups, and fresh, seasonal produce.
Master Balance: A great minimalist cocktail isn’t just simple—it’s perfectly proportioned. Pay close attention to sweetness, acidity, and bitterness to create harmony.
Use Unique Pairings: Minimalism doesn’t mean boring. Try unexpected yet complementary combinations—like mezcal with salted honey and lime juice, or gin with sake and a hint of seaweed.
High-Tech Mixology: The Rise of Switching
Modern bartenders are embracing a more scientific approach to cocktail creation, with one cutting-edge technique making waves in mixology: switching. Originally developed around 2019 by the innovative minds at Panda & Sons in Edinburgh, Scotland, this method has been gaining traction among craft cocktail enthusiasts.
Switching involves using an ultra-low freezer to freeze and remove the small amount of water present in a spirit, replacing it with another liquid that enhances or complements its flavor. For example, Iain McPherson, the inventor of the technique, replaced the frozen water in a spirit with a blend of orange juice and clarified grapefruit juice. This process intensifies the drink’s flavors, adds texture, and can even replicate the characteristics of barrel aging.
Tips for Mastering Switching:
Invest in the right equipment: An ultra-low freezer is essential for effectively freezing and removing the water content in spirits.
Choose your replacement wisely: Swap out the frozen water with a liquid that either enhances or balances the spirit’s existing flavors. For instance, infusing dry vermouth with green tea can highlight its tannic and earthy notes.
Experiment with clarified juices: These are not only shelf-stable but also maintain the spirit’s clarity and texture, ensuring a seamless transformation without altering the appearance of the drink.
Turn the Spotlight on Low- and No-Alcohol Cocktails
The demand for low-ABV (Alcohol-By-Volume) and alcohol-free cocktails continues to rise, reflecting a shift toward mindful drinking. As highlighted in EHL’s List of Drink Trends 2025, these sophisticated alternatives are just as flavorful, complex, and often just as pricey as their boozy counterparts. Today, bartenders are crafting sophisticated, well-balanced mocktails with the same level of creativity and care as traditional cocktails.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 57% of the global population abstains from alcohol, with Western countries seeing around one-third of the population embracing low- or no-alcohol lifestyles—a number that continues to grow.
And these trendy cocktails aren’t just a fad; the alcohol-free lifestyle movement is gaining ground. Jane Danger, a member of the national mixology team at Pernod Ricard USA, told The Zoe Report: What started as a ‘Dry January’ [fad] has turned into a consistent ‘Damp Living’ lifestyle. Consumers are looking to find convivial moments in moderation throughout the year, especially as the weather warms up in the spring and summer and daytime drinking occasions are more common.
Tips & Ideas for Low- and No-Alcohol Cocktail Recipes
Use High-Quality Non-Alcoholic Spirits: Brands like Seedlip, Lyre’s, and Ritual Zero Proof offer excellent substitutes for gin, whiskey, and other spirits.
Mix it up with Craft Ingredients: Cold-brew coffee, herbal infusions, fermented teas, and house-made syrups add depth and complexity. Try a Lavender-Honey Spritz with sparkling water and non-alcoholic gin.
Play with Texture and Garnishes: A well-balanced mocktail should feel just as indulgent as a cocktail. Use egg whites, aquafaba, or clarified juices for mouthfeel, and finish with fresh herbs, edible flowers, or citrus zest.
Try a Low-ABV Classic: Replace whiskey with a sherry or amaro-based low-proof Old Fashioned, or create a light Negroni with vermouth and a splash of non-alcoholic spirit.
Fat-Washing: Subliming Texture with Oils, Butters & Milk
Cocktail clarification has been used since the 1700s, but modern bartenders are taking it to new levels with fat-washing—a technique that alters both the texture and flavor of spirits. By infusing alcohol with buttery, creamy, or oily ingredients, mixologists can create rich, velvety-smooth cocktails with unexpected depth.
How Fat-Washing Works: This process involves mixing a fat—such as butter, coconut oil, or sesame oil—into alcohol, then freezing it. As the fat solidifies, it separates from the liquid and is removed, leaving behind a silky mouthfeel and infused flavor.
Beyond Milk Washing: While milk-washed cocktails remain a staple, 2025 will see bartenders experimenting with oils like sesame, coconut, and even bacon fat to add richness and a subtle umami complexity.
Tips & Recipe Ideas for Fat-Washing Cocktails
Choose Your Fat Wisely: Butter and coconut oil add creaminess, sesame oil brings earthy depth, and bacon fat delivers a smoky, savory note.
Experiment with Spirits: Fat-wash whiskey with brown butter for a dessert-like Old Fashioned, or infuse rum with coconut oil for a tropical, velvety daiquiri.
Balance the Flavors: Pair fat-washed spirits with bright citrus, herbal liqueurs, or bitter amaro to ensure a well-rounded cocktail.
Try a Fat-Washed Martini: A sesame oil-washed gin martini adds nutty depth, while a brown butter-washed vodka martini enhances smoothness and mouthfeel.
Mixers Matter: Uplifting Trendy Cocktails with DIY Ingredients
In 2025, bartenders are placing significant emphasis on the mixers they choose for their cocktails. This trend highlights a shift towards more house-made syrups, shrubs (also known as drinking vinegars, shrubs are concentrated syrups commonly made from vinegar, fruit, aromatics, and sugar.) and bitters appearing on bar menus.
By crafting their own mixers, bartenders can control the flavors and create bespoke combinations that define their cocktails. Additionally, bartenders are experimenting with unique mixers like kombucha and fermented juices, which align with the broader trends in the beverage world. These creative ingredients add depth and complexity to drinks, offering patrons new and exciting taste experiences.
Tips & Tricks for Trying This Cocktail Trend at Home:
Craft Your Own Mixers: Start by creating your own syrups and shrubs using fresh ingredients. This allows you to tailor the flavors to your preferences and ensures a high-quality result. Experiment with different fruits, herbs, and spices to discover new combinations.
Explore Unusual Mixers: Don’t be afraid to try unique mixers like kombucha or fermented juices. These can add unexpected flavors and a refreshing twist to your cocktails. For example, the Turmeric Tonic is a delightful drink that combines turmeric syrup with tonic water for a bright and aromatic experience.
Balance the Flavors: When experimenting with new mixers, it’s important to balance the flavors. Pair sweet mixers with bitter or acidic elements to create a well-rounded cocktail. For instance, if you’re using a sweet syrup, consider adding a splash of citrus juice or a dash of bitters to enhance the complexity.
Keep It Fresh: Use fresh ingredients whenever possible to ensure the best flavors. Freshly squeezed juices, freshly made syrups, and fresh herbs can make a significant difference in the quality of your cocktails.
Wine Cocktails: Breaking Boundaries of By-the-Glass
In 2025, wine is stepping beyond the traditional glass as bartenders experiment with wine-based cocktails. This innovative trend blends wines with spirits, fruits, and botanicals to create refreshing hybrids that appeal to both wine enthusiasts and cocktail lovers. By incorporating wine into cocktails, mixologists can craft unique and complex drinks that showcase the versatility of wine.
Tips & Tricks for Trying Wine Cocktails at Home:
Choose the Right Wine: When crafting wine cocktails, select wines that complement the other ingredients. For instance, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with citrus and herbal elements, while a rich Merlot can add depth to berry and spice-infused cocktails. For something different, try some of the aromatic whites that are winning over wine lovers everywhere like Gruner Veltliner, dry Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Vinho Verde, and Falan Ghina.
Experiment with Spirits: Don’t be afraid to blend different spirits with wine to create new flavor profiles. Try mixing white wine with gin for a refreshing spritz or red wine with bourbon for a robust and warming cocktail.
Balance the Flavors: Ensure your wine cocktails are well-balanced by pairing the sweetness of wine with tart or bitter elements. Add a splash of sparkling water or soda to lighten the drink and bring out the wine’s natural flavors.
Garnish Creatively: Make your wine cocktails pop with creative garnishes. Fresh herbs, citrus peels, and edible flowers can add visual appeal and enhance the drink’s aroma.
Try a Classic Recipe: A simple yet elegant option is the classic Sangria. Combine red wine with brandy, orange juice, and a mix of fresh fruits for a delightful and festive cocktail. Or go for a White Sangria by switching out the red wine for white and pairing it with lemon soda or mint and melon.
These are just a few of the top trending cocktails and ingredients that will be taking over in 2025. With so many new and exciting flavors and experiences to try, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, get ready to shake up your cocktail routine this year!
How Do Students Learn Mixology Here at EHL?
About EHL Group
EHL Group is the global reference in education, innovation and consulting for the hospitality and service sector.With expertise dating back to 1893, EHL Group now offers a wide range of leading educational programs from apprenticeships to master’s degrees, as well as professional and executive education, on three campuses in Switzerland and Singapore. EHL Group also offers consulting and certification services to companies and learning centers around the world. True to its values and committed to building a sustainable world, EHL Group’s purpose is to provide education, services and working environments that are people-centered and open to the world. www.ehlgroup.com
EHL Hospitality Business SchoolCommunications Department+41 21 785 1354EHL
View source
