Drinks trends 2023 revealed

The latest trends, based on research from PROOF Insight, highlighted the cost-of-living-crisis and post-pandemic recovery had heightened consumers’ desire to have fun and make the most of occasions. 

1. Grower Champagne​ 

Gower Champagne and neo- négociants an emerging movement that now appears in at least half of MODE-tracked restaurants. 

1. Lambrusco and red fizz​ 

Dry Lambrusco expressions, made with the Salamino or Grasparossa grapes, have been spotted on one in five trendsetting MODE menus, offering red fruits with violet (Salamino) or peppery (Grasparossa) notes.  

1. English still red wine​ 

After a fruitful 2022 harvest and an increasingly warmer climate, English red is one to watch. Currently listed in 15% of MODE venues, English Pinot Noir or field blend reds are typically elegant and bursting with red cherry notes.  

1. Indigenous grapes​ 

There has been an increase in indigenous grape varieties from across the globe listed in trendsetting MODE venues – from Spanish Godello and Greek Assyrtiko, to the likes of Grillo in Sicily. 

1. Manzanilla ​ 

Lighter in style than a Fino sherry, the number of Manzanilla listings have almost doubled and is listed in at least one third of MODE restaurants. Consumers are appreciating this dry version of sherry from the town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda which, given its proximity to the sea, takes on a saltier flavour profile than Fino. 

1. Macvin de Jura ​ 

As consumers take an interest in the Jura (Wine MODE 2022), they are also noticing the traditional sweet and fortified wine from the area – Macvin du Jura. Listings have doubled in MODE restaurants since 2019. 

1. South African Straw wine ​ 

While Vin de Constance is a mainstay in South African dessert offering, listings of Straw wines from South Africa are growing. Made from grapes dried on straw mats, the grapes are harvested when they still retain a hint of acidity. So, the drying process concentrates both the sugars and the acidity in the grape resulting in a balanced dessert wine. South African Straw wine appears in one in 10 Wine MODE restaurants. 

1. Asian spirits and liqueurs  ​ 

Asia continues to inspire cocktails in MODE trendsetting bars – eight of out 10 (82%) bars offer cocktails containing Asian ingredients, particularly from Japan, with the likes of Sake, Shochu and Umeshu proving popular. 

1. Saline flavours​ 

Half of MODE trendsetting bars offer a saline cocktail, proving popular with under 35s who enjoy these salty flavours. Seaweed is a well-liked alternative to traditional salt, found in 14% of MODE trendsetting bars.  

1. Smoky and woody cocktails​ 

Smoky cocktails can be found in one third (32%) of MODE trendsetting bars, alongside woody cocktails (36%).