TOP FIVE DRINK TRENDS IN 2019

1. Low and No Alcohol – this year has been about a mindful drinking movement.  A third of under 25s aren’t drinking alcohol and we’re all being encouraged to turn a self-critical eye on our alcohol consumption in a bid to be healthier. Organisations like Club Soda (joinclubsoda.co.uk) are emerging to promote mindful drinking and encourage pubs and restaurants who cater for this to sign up to their free guide. There’s also a raft of top- drawer low and no alcohol beverages popping up from non-alcoholic brewers like Big Drop Brew. Even the brewing stalwarts like Heineken, Budweiser and Guinness are falling in step. The Guinness Clear campaign to promotes responsible drinking. 
2. Taste Sensation - consumers are voting with their taste buds. These days you don’t have to get on a plane to eat Thai, Indian, Japanese, or Sri Lankan fare.  It’s all on our doorstep and so consumer repertoires become increasingly sophisticated and discerning, it means we’re accustomed to an ever more diverse array of beverage styles that really pack a flavour punch and complement our food too. 
3. Get Crafty – whether it’s beer, cider, gin or whisky, craft brewers and artisan distillers are having a field day adding all sorts of ingredients to re-frame traditional drink styles.   Welsh brewer Tiny Rebel’s Jam Doughnut IPA, or a carbon-neutral spirit made exclusively from Raspberries by Kent’s Greensand Ridge Distillery are just two craft producers satisfying the consumer thirst for new and premium experiences.
4. Green is Good – the successful brands in the drinks industry are built on authenticity and sustainability.  Toast Ale has built a reputation as a socially responsible brand that makes beer from left over bread and pumps 100% of the profits into charity.  It’s also a great beer and has earnt every inch of its well-deserved reputation through its environmentally sound storytelling in the media. 
5. The Coffee Opportunity –I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you’re a pub, bar or restaurant, it’s not enough for coffee to be a ‘run of the mill’ menu add-on.  The coffee opportunity is huge: speciality, premium grade, flavoured, latte art, breakfast, brunch with friends, lunch meeting, after-school snack stops, the freelance gig economy - and don’t forget those non-drinkers!

Side extras:

• G&T is the nation’s most popular tall drink, while Mojitos take the cocktail top-spot and Espresso Martinis are the new breakthrough drink (The Pub Trends Report, Pub19)
• The next big alcoholic drink is Mezcal, Tequila’s artisan cousin.
• Did you know?  A non-alcoholic drink must be 0.5% ABV or below