It’s Summer – the weather is gorgeous, people are traveling again, events are happening again, and as people are rediscovering their social lives again, there is one common theme permeating the zeitgeist, as everyone is realizing – drinking is FUN again! No more need to hang out with your handle of Kirkland signature, rising to start the day in Groundhog Day fashion, blurring the lines of reality to simply trudge forward and ‘get through it’. Sourdough, sweatpants, Netflix, and breakfast merlot. We already did all that.
This Summer feels different. This Summer wne feel more free and outgoing. This Summer we are meeting up with old friends, enjoying time together, catching up, and most of all, wanting to try something new. No more rut, it’s a new day, and we want something to drink besides a g*dd@#m spiked seltzer. And while spiked seltzers may take a back seat for a minute, it appears they aren’t going away anytime soon, because truthfully – who doesn’t love a few Sunday Funday claws every now and then.
That being said we have identified a few additional trends popping up this Summer, and we wanted to share some fun options for your next roadie, cookout or night out on the town. Here are our Top 5 Summer ’22 Drink Trends:
#1 – RTD Cocktails Get an Upgrade
If the spiked seltzer trend of the last few years has taught us anything, it’s that a cold, tasty, alcoholic alternative to a can of beer is actually something people want. Enter the Ready To Drink cocktail trend. As beers and hard seltzers once dominated coolers at sporting events, picnics, and parties, the modern RTD cocktail renaissance is now bringing cocktails into those spaces. Pre-mixed margaritas, vodka sodas, you name it, are headed to stores near you if they aren’t already. This year however, expect to see RTD’s hit a high note with a turn towards more premium brands, ingredients and unique flavors.
#2 – Low & Non-Alcoholic Options Grow as well
Ever heard of ‘sober-curious’? If not – you will soon. This is definitely a post-pandemic byproduct, as the trend has become uniquely popular in 2022, as what appears to be a direct result of populations forced to stay at home and away from friends and social interactions. Basically people around the world detoxed for a while. And thus the “sober curiosity” movement blossomed, as people begin experimenting with sobriety for positive mental and physical health reasons. As silly as this may sound for some, brands are taking notice, and flooding the market with new low or no ABV content in their drinks.
#3 – CBD & Cannabis Infused Drinks
As cannabis becomes more mainstream, so too do the ways in which it can be consumed and enjoyed. This new THC trend is selling itself as a new cool and casual way to consume. Think more socially acceptable than smoking and more controlled & more precise dosing than edibles. The trend is a natural progression of cannabis products currently seen in the culinary and mixology space, plus the growing popularity of non-alcoholic drinks. Get ready to enjoy a variety of CBD or cannabis infused options such as seltzers, ciders, wines, aperitifs, and ready-to-drink canned cocktails.
#4 – Tequila is Def Having a Moment
Following on the heels of the 2019 ‘ginaissance’ and the ‘rise of rum’ in 2020, it’s tequila’s time in 2022. It’s a little cringe to say we may have celebrities to thank for this, but it’s true that with a few recent and notable celebrity endorsements and brand ventures popping up, George Clooney and Casamigos will soon have to share a little shelf space. The part we do like about this trend however, is that virtually all the growth occurring is within the handcrafted, ultra-premium, and mezcal sectors. Yum!
#5 – Bubbles! Bubbles! Bubbles
Ok – we kinda cheated here, because bubbles are always in season in our book. From morning mimosas to evening night caps, we say the best time to drink bubbles is anytime! Bubbles are fun. Bubbles are versatile. And bubbles are also kind of our thing 😉
Have you seen our champagne wall decor piece? It’s a perfect pairing for your next event. Call Toast of the Town today for more info and to chat with our design team for fun and creative ways to enhance your event. Contact our event experts at info@toastofthetownak.com or 907.302.2323
