The world of cocktails is evolving at a rapid pace and will continue to, in 2015. However, the focus will be on quality and fresh ingredients. Jacob Ehrenkrona, from Martin Miller’s Gin offers us a global perspective: “In the past two months a significant number of establishments in New York have switched over to premium gins. It’s a trend we expect to see in the UK next year, as consumers become more aware of the quality of gins.”
Naveen Kotyankar, a mixologist with Mir Spirits believes vodka and vodka-based cocktails will emerge strong in 2015. “The year would see a shift towards premium and super premium vodkas. It wouldn’t be surprising if this shift is largely determined by the distillation process, smoothness and tasting notes of the vodka,” he says.
Flavoured drinks — especially spice and fruit flavours — too should continue to rise. People have acquired a taste for those and the convenience is a selling point. Jacob says, “Bottled cocktails have a fun appeal and give bartenders the opportunity to explain the drink and engage with drinkers on the ingredients and make-up of the spirit.”
Also watch out for the new wave of ‘cocktails on tap’, where bars will serve premium, classic cocktails on draught.” Sounds exciting! Innovation will triumph as consumers get more discerning. “Handcrafted beers churned out by micro-breweries will be a popular choice in 2015,” says Naveen. As for me, my prediction is that a lot more people are going to try their hand at mixing cocktails — with a little assistance from bartenders, we are all striving to become experts, at least of the home variety!
— Mini is an F&B writer
