Drink trends
Our predictions for 2022
The alcohol-free boom continues with the emergence of complex drinks that offer all the taste of a cocktail, minus the booze. Take Three Spirit (threespiritdrinks.com), whose nonalcoholic aperitifs and digestifs, created by plant scientists and bartenders, contain active ingredients designed to enhance the drinking experience – try the sultry, woody Nightcap.
Bottled cocktails have exploded in popularity. London bar Heads +
Tails (headsandtails.shop) recently released its own range – try the silky Maple Old Fashioned and funky Pineapple Margarita. Fan of a martini? Bars are increasingly serving theirs pre-batched straight from the freezer – try Ever After in Hoxton and Soma in Soho for deliciously silky, icy numbers. Picnic and environmentally friendly, canned cocktails are also having a moment. Whitebox (whiteboxdrinks.com) offers modern riffs on classics, from its mini Pocket Negroni to the tropical Hippy Fizz, while canned wines are similarly popular – try Brixton Wine Club’s subscription for indie canned wines.
Elsewhere, more drinkers than ever are embracing wines made from lesser-known
grapes. M&S launched its excellent Found range last year that’s crammed full of gems, while Waitrose’s Loved & Found line also champions underappreciated varietals.
Last year, Gallic cider brand Maison Sassy (maison-sassy.com) teamed up with London bar Coupette to release two calvados expressions. This French apple brandy is becoming increasingly popular as a cocktail ingredient – it makes a cracking sidecar, or mix with tonic.
When whisky is made, the first thing produced is a clear spirit that’s then aged. Increasingly, however, this ‘new make’
spirit is being released to the public by distilleries. Take Holyrood Distillery in Edinburgh, which has launched its Brewer’s Series of new-make spirits.
Finally, a big flavour for 2022 is set to be hibiscus. From a hibiscus agua fresca at Ottolenghi’s Rovi in Fitzrovia to hibiscus and tequila cocktails at El Pastor, this tart ingredient is magic in drinks.
Try Something and Nothing’s floral Hibiscus and Rose Seltzer.