F & B
Over the years, South Africa’ s cocktail scene has grown from sicklysweet slushies to artisanal masterpieces crafted to steal the spotlight on your socials. And it’ s just getting bigger and bolder. Here are four cocktail trends set to make a statement this year.
Maximalist presentation
Presentation still matters, and overthe-top cocktails are holding their ground. Drinkers are leaning harder into maximalism, where more is the ultimate anthem.
Think bottle-served cocktails, theatrical glassware, and full-on sensory overload. Bacardi’ s report even dubs it“ More Is More Mixology”.
As they put it:“ Maximalism works when it feels intentional, playful, and worth the money. It fails when it feels empty, try-hard, or detached from flavour.
Local ingredients
Indigenous botanicals are stealing the spotlight, with mixologists turning to ingredients like marula, rooibos, local brandy, honeybush, fresh fruits, and herbs to craft unique flavours.
Consumers are extending their love to local brands and the wider beverage industry, celebrating homegrown stories in every sip.
Savoury garnishes
Garnishes are becoming a global showcase in the cocktail world, and every city’ s mixology scene is catching on.
But who’ d have thought bacon, peppers and cheese would make it into your cocktail? Think a Strawberry Martini Cocktail with a garnish of cream cheese and bacon-stuffed green olives. Or a Bacon and Blue Cheese Dirty Martini. Or even a Bacon and Hot Pepperinfused Vodka.
But here’ s the thing: a garnish can only take a drink so far. As the experts put it:“ No amount of garnish can rescue a bad drink, but when it’ s done thoughtfully, great garnishes aren’ t frivolous. They can be imaginative, sensory, and fun.”
No- or low-alcohol
The rise of no- or low-alcohol cocktails is all about wellness, mindful drinking, and good health. The industry is dialling things down for those who want the flavour without the heavy buzz. According to Food Navigator, the low- and no-alcohol sector is seeing“ explosive growth.”
Fuelling this shift is Gen Z( the so-called“ sober curious” generation) who are embracing less or low-alcohol options. Many are mixing it up, alternating between full-strength and nonalcoholic drinks, which lets them stay social for longer without the dreaded hangover. TT