Southern Glazer’s 2022 Liquid Insights Tour provides a coast-to-coast look at the beverage trends shaping the future of the wine and spirits industry. Discover insights that drive innovation, engagement, and success.
Unveiling the latest U.S. wine & spirits trends
Dive into the year’s top beverage trends, segmented into three distinct categories—cocktail innovation, wine insights, and execution strategies. Each trend reflects the evolving demands of consumers and the creativity of the industry.
Uncommon Combinations
Mixologists are pairing unexpected spirits like gin with mezcal or bourbon with añejo tequila for bold, unique flavor profiles.
Beyond Basic Balancers
Innovative ingredients like herbal syrups, smoked salts, and clarified milk enhance cocktail balance and add layered sophistication.
Caffeinated Comeback
The Espresso Martini returns, reimagined with amaro, coffee liqueurs, and creative cold brew infusions for modern appeal.
Sophisticated and Spirit-Free
Non-alcoholic drinks rival their boozy counterparts in flavor, presentation, and price, offering elevated alcohol-free experiences.
Bubbly Is Popping
Sparkling wines and Champagne shine on menus, adding crispness and effervescence to cocktails and wine lists alike.
Wines Chill Out
Chilled reds, sweet wines, and orange wines gain traction, with menus creatively grouping rosés and oranges for unique options.
Tempting Trial with By-The-Glass
Diverse by-the-glass and half-bottle offerings allow guests to explore premium wines without full-commitment purchases.
Batching for Speed and Service
Partial and full batching improves cocktail consistency, speeds service, and enhances guest connections at top venues.
Entertaining Experience Enhancements
Smoke, vapors, communal drinks, and unique glassware create unforgettable cocktail moments for bar and restaurant guests.
Meaningful Menu Innovations
Menus evolve with storytelling, humor, and QR codes, offering curated playlists, rotating selections, and enhanced drink details.
Factors influencing the 2022 trends
Aging Population
Gen Xers and Millennials dominate bars, restaurants, and hotels, reshaping beverage trends with their preferences for unique and tailored experiences.
Demographic Diversification
Increasing ethnic diversity drives demand for varied flavors and unique wine and spirit offerings, while younger hospitality workers bring fresh ideas.
Health and Wellness
Younger, high-income consumers prioritize wellness, favoring low- or no-alcohol options and natural, organic beverages for healthier lifestyles.
Take a deep dive into the stops along the tour
Explore unique trends and standout beverages identified across the six cities visited during the 2022 tour. Each market offered a distinct snapshot of consumer preferences and innovation.
Liquid Insights
Liquid Insights in Chicago
Finding unique wines and cocktails was a breeze in the Windy City.
