3 drinks trends to tap into in 2026

Key takeaways:

• Premiumise No & Low by showcasing alcohol‑free and low‑alcohol serves as trade‑up options, not afterthoughts
• Own the big occasions with smart fixture‑led offers, strong stock planning and social‑driven hype to boost repeat visits
• Dial up the experience with simple, theatrical cocktails and mocktails — including shareable serves that lift spend

Trading conditions remain challenging for hospitality operators, with cost pressures, shifting consumer spending and strong competition shaping the market in 2026. Research from YouGov shows this pressure is set to continue, with 62% of consumers saying they plan to cut back on eating and drinking out this year¹. 

Even so, opportunities remain. Drinks are a key area where operators can drive value by tapping into evolving consumer behaviours and occasions. Here are three drinks trends to capitalise on in 2026. 

Make trends work behind the bar

While behaviours are always evolving, this can also present opportunity to stand-out and ensure you can deliver what customers expect. By staying close to emerging and popular drinks trends, ensuring your range caters to a variety of occasions and preferences, you can create compelling drink offers that drive both customer satisfaction and sales. You can find further advice on ranging and boosting sales here

^{1 https://yougov.com/en-gb/articles/54168-uk-financial-outlook-2026-consumer-spending-trends-budgeting-habits-and-financial-expectations?utm_campaign=NL-2026-03-09-Global-Sector-Newsletter}