Celebrating the holidays has long been synonymous with the clinking together of glasses and the raising of festive beverages in happy unison. This remains true today, although both home and professional mixologists are becoming more creative as people become increasingly health-conscious, which often implies embracing a less-is-more attitude to alcohol.
This doesn't necessarily mean that alcohol is off the menu, but rather that those consumers who choose to imbibe are searching for better ways to do so. Hard kombucha, organic spirits, sparkling teas and a growing selection of natural cocktail mixers with less sugar and functional add-ins are just a few products that can keep the guilt and physical effects of alcohol.
At the same time, the sober-curious movement is gaining strength, and the new generation of mocktails and non-alcoholic options are infused with creativity and innovation.
New Hope content and NEXT team trends including traditional processing techniques—small-batch, craft manufacturing, as well as age-old processes such as fermentation—the use of plant-based ingredients in the form of botanicals and natural fruit, lower or no-sugar options and the addition of functional ingredients are driving this new generation of beverages; click through to see a few examples.
