5 Spirits Trends To Fall In Love With This Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is all about love, romance, and indulgence. From the rise of sustainable spirits to new and exciting flavor profiles, here are 5 spirit trends that you should hop on this Valentine's Day.

1) ALTERNATIVE MEXICAN SPIRITS?

Love is in the air this Valentine's Day and so is the love for agave spirits! Mezcal has seen a rapid rise in popularity over the past few years, becoming a staple on cocktail menus and even inspiring its own pop-up bars. With its smoky and distinct flavors, it's easy to see why agave-based drinks have taken the bar scene by storm.

And the love for agave spirits is only growing in 2023. Tequila, especially the classic Paloma cocktail, is making a comeback, offering a delicious alternative to the traditional shot. But the exploration doesn't stop there, with new agave spirits like sotol on the rise.

One cocktail that's been gaining traction lately is the Texas Ranch Water, made with Blanco tequila, fresh lime, and Topo Chico mineral water. It's quickly becoming a strong contender against the classic margarita. So raise a glass this Valentine's Day to love, friendship, and of course, delicious agave-based cocktails

2) SHōCHū

This Valentine's Day, spice up your celebrations with a taste of adventure in the form of unique and exotic spirits from around the world. With a growing interest in experimentation and exploration, new flavors and experiences are making their way to your glass. Whether it's the bold taste of baijiu, the smoothness of shōchū, or the complexity of Japanese whiskies, your tastebuds are in for a treat. And with the rise of shōchū in NYC, this is just the beginning of a world of new cocktails waiting to be discovered. Cheers to love and adventure!

3) THE PREMIUMIZATION OF RTDS

This Valentine's Day, let's raise a glass to the continued success of RTDs. Despite predictions that the pandemic would lead to a decline in demand, these convenient drinks are here to stay. With customers on the hunt for sophisticated and premium options, the demand for RTDs packed with herbal and botanical flavors, unique twists on familiar tastes, less sugar, and featuring varied spirits is on the rise. Keep an eye out for tequila-based RTDs like the Texas Ranch Water, and classic options with a modern twist. Cheers to love, and to staying ahead of the game in the world of RTDs!

4) LOW AND NO ALCOHOL

Valentine's Day is a celebration of love and connection, and for those who choose not to drink alcohol, this shouldn't mean sacrificing on sophistication or flavor. With a growing trend towards healthier and more mindful drinking, non-alcoholic cocktails have become a mainstay on menus, offering sophisticated and innovative options for those who choose not to consume alcohol.

This trend is fueled by a greater acceptance of adults choosing not to drink, an increase in the availability of better quality non-alcoholic products, and even the rise of cannabis use. With more and more zero-proof cocktails available, and bars even offering non-alcoholic versions of their most popular drinks, the demand for sophisticated low and no-alcohol spirits is on the rise.

Even beer enthusiasts can join in on the fun, with no-alcohol beers becoming increasingly popular and offering a variety of lighter and better-tasting options. This trend is set to continue in 2023, with more dry bars and stores popping up, and craft brewers offering more flavorful and calorie-conscious options. This Valentine's Day, love and connection don't have to come at the cost of flavor or sophistication.

5) HERBAL AND BOTANICAL FLAVORS

This year, couples and friends alike can expect to see a new range of flavors in popular spirits and beverages. From flavored vodkas to seltzers, ciders, malt-based beverages and beyond, consumers are looking for flavors that are familiar yet unique, offering a refreshing new experience.

As the weather warms up, cocktails with vegetables like beetroot, butternut squash, carrots, and peas will make an appearance, adding a new dimension to the flavor experience. Craft beers are also embracing the adventurous spirit with new flavors such as fruits, chocolate, and chili pepper.

6) SUSTAINABILITY?

?This year, the drinks industry is stepping up to the challenge with a focus on sustainability and diversity. Consumers are looking for beverages that are not just delicious, but also responsibly made with ingredients sourced from local and environmentally conscious suppliers.

In keeping with the theme of love, consumers want to know the story behind their drinks, from the production process to the people behind the brand. This is where the concept of DEI comes in, with an emphasis on diverse representation and inclusive practices that positively impact the entire drinks industry.

So this Valentine's Day, why not surprise your significant other with a thoughtfully crafted cocktail made with sustainably sourced ingredients and a unique flavor profile? Celebrate the love for each other and for the planet, all while indulging in a delicious drink.

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