Local mixologists share cocktail trends for 2024. Here's what you might see on the menu.
NEW BEDFORD - Heading into 2024, whether you are a mediocre mixologist or competent cocktail connoisseur, there are several trends that might be popping up on the drinks menu from different espresso martinis to celebrity-founded tequila concoctions.
As of February 2024, the most trending cocktail is the batanga, a Cuba Libre made with tequila in place of rum and an all-important pinch of salt. But in the words of Heidi Klum, “One day you're in. The next day you're out.”
Joe Pereira, the head bartender at The Black Whale, has been all over the country with his bartending experience such as being recognized as one of the key members of the award-winning and highly adored Las Vegas bar Herbs & Rye, which was named America's Best High Volume Cocktail Bar in 2016.
He has a pretty good finger on what cocktails are rising and falling on a weekly basis.
Throughout his 30 years in the industry, Pereira has seen many changes and trends within the world of cocktails such as in the early days of Prohibition, he said cocktails were sweet and fruity, but as the years went on, they evolved into more complex and sophisticated concoctions.
"There is a resurgence of vintage cocktails, and bartenders are constantly experimenting with new ingredients and techniques to create unique and exciting drinks," he added.
Pereira predictions for local cocktail recipes for 2024
Looking towards the year ahead, Pereira said he predicts the continuation and proliferation of espresso-based cocktails, as well as a resurgence of modern classic cocktails like Long Island Iced Teas and Whiskey Sours. He also notes that Mexican spirits, such as mezcal and tequila, are gaining popularity, as well as Mexican gin.
One aspect that has contributed to the rise of premium spirits is the trend of celebrity tequila. "There has been a significant increase in the availability and quality of celebrity tequila offerings," he said.
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Pereira also predicts there will be a trend of people drinking less, but drinking better quality drinks. "This may be seen as both good and bad news for the industry. On one hand, it means less business for bartenders, but on the other hand, it means a rise in the demand for premium spirits," he said.
However, as far as "trends“ go, Pereira said the Black Whale doesn’t follow them, except the espresso martini. "Everyone is pouring that cocktail. Black Whale's focus is on classics, the Standards delicious margaritas and wonderful old fashions," he said.
Robert August, the manager at Merrill’s on the Waterfront, has several trendy cocktails such as mimosa flights on the brunch menu but said he's seen a rise in the demand for mocktails. This season, Merrill's is offering a larger assortment of mocktails on their drink menu.
“When we were looking into creating the mocktail menus, it was in January when there was a trend going around called 'Dry January,' and in the past year or two mocktails have become more popular among those who can’t drink, aren’t old enough to drink or just don’t drink so we thought that there was a gap in our product by not offering mocktails to guests when many restaurants nowadays do," August said.
Drink trends around the country, may head to New Bedford
According to Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits (SGWS), the world's leading distributor of beverage alcohol, and a pioneer in corporate social responsibility, cocktail trends can come from a variety of sources.
"We can look to social media influencers, bartending communities, and even popular culture for inspiration. From spirited TV shows like "Drink Masters," "The Ultimate Mixologist" and "Mixology Masters," to liquor brands being mentioned in your favorite songs, the possibilities for new and exciting trends are endless," Jenny Vergara shared in a article from SGWS.
One trend that is expected to make waves is bubbly cocktails. Featuring a range of "effervescent spirits" and cordials, these drinks will take on various forms, from classic highballs and tonics to fancy sparkling margaritas.
An unexpected trend that is also emerging is the vermouth renaissance. Often overlooked or considered outdated, artisanal vermouth, both white and red varieties, are gaining popularity among producers and mixologists alike, according to SGWS.
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Consumers are also looking for unique and authentic experiences in their drinks. That's why craft-made liqueurs, featuring locally sourced flavors, are predicted to be a hit such as trendy ingredients like yuzu, guava, prickly pear, ube and gooseberry.
At Bittersweet Farm, manager Alexis Ferland said the spicy cocktails have become increasingly popular over the last few years. "Many people are looking for more interesting flavors. We wanted to spice up our menu and add a few. When asking our regular customers what kind of spicy cocktail they would like to see added to our menu, Spicy Margs seemed to be a must," Ferland said.
The Spicy Pineapple Margarita includes Ghost Tequila, Grand Marnier, lime juice agave syrup and a splash of pineapple with a Tajin rim.
"This is a delicious new trendy cocktail that combines the spice of “perfectly spicy” Ghost tequila with the fruitiness of the pineapple," she added.
Bartenders listen closely to guests when crafting drink menus
“Our bartenders are always interacting with our customers and some of our regular customers get to sample some of the new creations our bartenders produce," said Nick Silvia, director of marketing at Lafrance Hospitality.
"Our customer’s feedback helps drive what items we put on our updated menus. This helps us make informed decisions about trends and potential menu changes.”
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At PLAY Arcade in downtown New Bedford, the menu is full of interesting cocktail choices with a retro-twist from the past.
"We're always trying to keep things fun and nostalgic and incorporate our favorite childhood candies and flavors into our cocktails," said Adam Katz, who co-owns the bar arcade with his wife Lauren.
Bar manager Travis Burton created the recent cocktail Revenge of the Nerds, which features the tiny hard fruit candy Nerds infused vodka, sour apple Schnapps, pineapple and soda water with a Nerds rope garnish.
At Pour Farm Tavern, there are variations of the Espresso Martini and coffee drinks on the menu to keep up with the trend. Their best selling cold brew coffee brunch cocktail is also here to stay.
The Cuban Nightmare made with Silver Tequila, Coffee Liquor, Irish Cream and Cold Brew Coffee served on the rocks will be on their new spring cocktail menu.
"We do research trends by reading various articles, blogs, social media outlets and also we talk to the experts that we work with," said co-owner Jen McHugh Cardoza.
"What stays and goes is always dependent on what our guests like."
Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on twitter:@ChitwoodReports. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Cocktail trends in 2024, what New Bedford might see on their menu
