Bar and restaurant operators are inventing innovative ways to attract customers and provide exceptional cocktails and remarkable experiences that surpass conventional expectations.

According to market specialists, 2023 will continue to be an exciting year for bar trends. Below is a list of some of the bar trends for this year...

1. More Activities and Live Events

While live events have long been a popular option for bars, this year, many establishments are taking this even further by offering new and exciting activities for customers.

Alongside traditional bar games like darts, pool, and cards, you may find unexpected additions such as axe throwing and cornhole. This interactive, competitive socialising is continuing to increase in popularity.

In addition, many bar owners are introducing nightly events such as open-mic sessions, live music performances, stand-up comedy shows, and more.

2. CBD-Infused Cocktails

As cannabis restrictions are loosening across the world, numerous bars are incorporating CBD-infused cocktails into their menus to attract customers.

It is worth mentioning that CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-habit-forming compound derived from the cannabis plant that has been shown to provide various health benefits.

For this reason, many bars and restaurants are expanding their drink options to include CBD-infused beverages, such as cold-brew coffee, tea and cocktails.

3. Low-Alcohol and Non-Alcoholic Drinks

As an increasing number of consumers are adopting healthier lifestyles, many are choosing to limit their alcohol consumption. This trend has led restaurant and bar operators to create innovative non-alcoholic and low-alcohol mocktails and drinks menu options.

Non-alcoholic beverages, which typically contain less than 0.5% alcohol, and low-alcoholic beverages, which range from 0.5-1.2% alcohol, have been steadily gaining in popularity in recent years and this trend is expected to continue.

4. Self-Service

Although self-serve beverages have been available for some time, they have not been commonly seen in bars. However, this is expected to change...

It's been reported that, today's consumers desire greater control over their drinking experience, and for busy bars, self-serve options can help to reduce wait times for ordering drinks.

For this reason, many bars have invested in new equipment, such as wine dispensers and beer walls, which allow guests to select their own drinks. Some establishments even have alcoholic slushy machines to keep their offerings innovative and efficient.

5. Fermented Drinks

There has been an increase in the popularity of fermented alcoholic beverages due to more people adopting diets focused on probiotics and fermentation.

Consequently, numerous bars are exploring the creation of new cocktails using fermentation techniques, such as the use of hard kombucha. This beverage has a higher alcohol content than regular kombucha but retains many of the same nutritional benefits.

6. Ready-to-Drink Cocktails

For several years, the trend of "cocktail-in-a-can" has been growing within the beverage market. Nowadays, numerous bars provide a variety of ready-to-drink cocktails along with their typical options such as beer and wine.

These cocktails not only save bartenders and staff time and effort from sourcing and mixing ingredients, but also offer consistent quality every time. Since they come pre-measured, there is no need to compromise quality for convenience.

7. Pink Cocktails

Pink drinks, particularly pink gin, have been popular for many years. However, nowadays, pink cocktails are gaining more attention as bar-goers look for drinks that stand out from the usual offerings.

Many distilleries are drawing inspiration from the famous pink gin and crafting their own pink drinks, including vodka, rum, and other specialty spirits.

8. Mezcal and Tequila

Tequila and mezcal have always been a favorite in the southern regions. However, an increasing number of bars are including agave-based cocktails on their menus due to the growing popularity of Mexican cuisine.

Additionally, the availability of high-quality agave spirits in the market has made crafting such drinks more affordable and convenient.

Bars are now offering a range of options, from tequila paired with Tex-Mex meals to special tastings, to attract more adventurous customers.

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Regency Purchasing Group can offer complete drinks and bar menu reviews, offering advice and consultation services, as well as suggesting suppliers, brand owners and new concepts. This service is delivered by members of the Regency team with current and extensive, first-hand experience of operating bars and drinking venues.

Source: TotalFoodService.