Cheers to the future: Six drinking trends shaping up in 2025

The landscape of Indias beverage culture is undergoing a dynamic transformation poised for significant shifts in 2025 With evolving consumer preferences mixologists distillers and industry experts are constantly experimenting to cater to the diverse whims of the patrons From immersive drinking experiences and the resurgence of heritage Indian spirits to the premiumisation of beer and the continued rise of agave there is always something exciting happening in the world of alcobevFour months into the year industry experts highlight six drinking trends that are set to dominate in 2025Immersive drinking experiencesClassic cocktails are experiencing a resurgence with new avatars ldquoThis return to the classics brings a sense of familiarity while opening the door to creative reinventions But beyond the cocktails themselves we are seeing that what makes a great bar is much more than just its drinksmdashit lies in the immersive experience it offersrdquo poses Vikram Achanta founder and CEO of Tulleeho and cofounder of 30BestBarsIndia and India Bartender WeekIf 2024 was to be categorised as educationled consumption 2025 will see this turn into experienceled consumption He explains ldquoBars are evolving into spaces that provide a holistic sensory experience resonating with todayrsquos consumers who crave a deeper connection to the places they visit and the drinks they choose Be it with curated pairings experienceled spaces such as PCO Delhirsquos Directorrsquos Room or popups bars are exploring novel formats that are engaging and uniquerdquo Hopping on this trend Tulleeho has come up with a first of its kind travelled beverage discovery experience lsquoUnder the Goan Sunrsquo with a curated tour of Goa its vibrant cocktail culture and its deep connection as the hub of Indiarsquos craft spirit productionSpiritled bars are on the riseSpiritled and spiritspecific bars are emerging as hotspots where curated menus highlight the unique profiles of individual spirits like gin whisky or rum Observed across major metropolitan areas these spaces indicate a maturing of the Indian consumers palate and the evolution of the Indian bar scene beyond recreation into refined experiential consumption Achanta shares ldquoThis highly specialised approach enables one to explore spirits on a deeper level bringing to light each drinkrsquos complexity while also offering a range of variants to try Punebased Jujursquos agavespecific menu New Delhibased Juniperrsquos focus on gin Goabased Bar Outriggerrsquos rum menu or Bandra Bornrsquos Mahua bar are perfect examples of this shift providing curated experiences for enthusiastsrdquoRenewed focus on homegrown Indian spiritsHamavand Chinoy director of South Seas Distilleries makers of Six Brothers Mahura bats for heritage Indian spirits He explains ldquoHomegrown spirits are gaining immense recognition and have proved that Indian spirits can be as sophisticated as the worldrsquos best But while wersquove embraced and added a distinctive Indian touch to imported spirits like whiskies and gins how often do we celebrate the spirits that are truly uniquely ours What can India authentically call its own The answer lies in our heritage spirits and one stands out as both unique and highly versatile Mahura MahuaMhowraMahuvaMahudardquoHe further explains ldquoMahura is an ancient Indian heritage spirit crafted from the flowers of the Madhuca Longifolia tree also known as the wishing treemdasha symbol of abundance and hope With the introduction of Six Brothers Mahura we wanted India to have its first and very own luxury heritage spirit proudly standing as a global representativerdquoldquoAs consumers double down on the story behind the sip Indianmade spirits are poised to take centre stage with an increasing appreciation for expressions that reflect the countryrsquos diverse yet niche flavoursrdquo adds Achanta He also asserts that this trend is not only about the liquid in the glass but the stories and history behind it creating a deeper connection with the drink and the terroir behind it This passionate call for the recognition of indigenous spirits reflects a broader movement within India to reclaim and celebrate its cultural heritageChinoy proclaims 2025 to be the year of the revival of heritage Indian spirits ldquo2025 will be an exciting return to tradition where ancient flavours meet modern palates celebrating the rich legacy of Indiarsquos distilling craftsmanship The revival of heritage Indian spirits marks a return to the roots of craftsmanship where timehonoured techniques and bold flavours are reimagined with sophisticated techniques for a new generation of connoisseurs With Mahura presented in a luxurious avatar for the first time Six Brothers showcases how authentic Indian spirits can exude elegancerdquo The focus on lsquomodern palatesrsquo suggests that this revival is not simply a nostalgic return to the past but a reinterpretation of traditional spirits for contemporary consumersAgaves continued growth and diversificationNo longer a niche or passing trend agave spirits are driving a global movement that celebrates authenticity craftsmanship and versatility ldquoAgaversquos rise in popularity is due to its exceptional versatility it seamlessly doubles as both a cocktail base and a standalone spirit to be enjoyed neatrdquo explains Kimberly Pereira chief operating officer at Maya Pistola Agavepura PistolaShe adds ldquoThe category has evolved beyond traditional tequila and mezcal shining a spotlight on pure 100 per cent agave spirits 2025 will see a rise in more brands emerging from nonMexican regions This growth and innovation can be attributed to the rise in consumption of premium craft spirits evolving bar culture and expanding new markets beyond India such as Southeast AsiardquoAsias first premium aged agave spirit Pistola leads the premiumisation trend with 100 per cent additivefree offerings which also reflects a growing consumer awareness of what goes into their drinks Their agave variants cater to evolving consumer preferences encouraging neat sipping and flavour explorationThe Agave swap With agavebased cocktails becoming menu staples bartenders across the globe have embraced agave wholeheartedly and has been able to introduce the spirit to a wider audience whether in crafting a classic Margarita or reimagining cocktails with agave bases The recent Bacardi Global Trends Report ranks the Margarita as the second most popular cocktail globally showcasing the enduring appeal of agavebased drinksldquoBeyond the classics the lsquoAgave Swaprsquo has become a hallmark of the category allowing agave to replace traditional bases in iconic cocktails Mixologists are further pushing boundaries with flavourforward creations that incorporate global influences like Asian spices and tropical fruits catering to adventurous palates and redefining premium drinking experiences Itrsquos no surprise that agaversquos versatility has become a goto for gastroinspired pairing experiences perfectly complementing diverse food palatesrdquo concludes PereiraPremiumisation of beer and craft beer boomTraditionally spirits have held a dominant position but the changing lifestyle preferences are clearly impacting beverage choices Indiarsquos beer landscape is experiencing remarkable growth and a strong tilt towards premiumisation as consumers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for quality and unique experiencesNarayan Manepally cofounder of Geist Brewing Co shares ldquoIn 2022 alone beer consumption in the country surged by 216 per cent fuelled by urbanisation increasing disposable incomes and a cultural shift towards embracing beer as a preferred choice The craft beer segment though still in its early stages is expanding rapidly at over 24 per cent CAGR driven by consumers seeking unique flavours artisanal quality and memorable experiencesrdquoHe adds ldquoCraft breweries are at the forefront of this shift redefining beer culture in urban areas and even finding an audience in Tier 2 and 3 cities where the demand for premium craft beers is steadily risingrdquo This growth beyond major metropolitan areas into Tier 2 and 3 cities suggests a wider cultural shift indicating craft beer is no longer a niche urban phenomenonatOptionskeyd0ddb8ef8f1a62a8cdd22fac27fc5ea7formatiframeheight90width728params