Spring is well underway and we take a look at the top cocktail trends for 2021 that you need to try. Get inspired and mix up a storm this year…
As we delve further into spring and summer and days spent flopped in the park with a picnic and tipple in hand become ever closer, it has us looking to the cocktail trends of 2021. According to the Bacardi 2021 Cocktail Trends Report*, the pandemic has ushered in entirely new drinking cultures, from ‘walktails’ (ready-to-drink cocktails to sip on while walking), ‘Garden to Glass’ cocktails made with homegrown ingredients and a new found love for a refreshing Low-ABV Spritz, meaning our cocktail repertoire is more creative than ever before!
Trend: Seasonal Spritz cocktails
Bubbles reflect an escapist mood, so it’s no wonder that Bacardi has reported the trend to be on the rise in recent times. Not only do Spritz cocktails make a delicious cocktail longer but Spritz culture means we’re embracing a lower ABV, and a more leisurely style of drinking.
Bacardi Brand Ambassador Joe McCanta comments; “The brilliant thing about Spritzes is the effervescence that lengthens your drink – perfect for when you want something ultra-refreshing and a little lighter. If you’re feeling more celebratory, you can also use prosecco or even Champagne”.
Cocktails to try:
BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Gin & Tonic Spritz
“A crisp update on the classic G&T incorporating MARTINI BITTER, lemon juice and honey syrup, best served chilled and alfresco.”
Ingredients
30 ml BOMBAY SAPPHIRE
15 ml MARTINI BITTER
15ml Lemon juice
15ml Lemon honey syrup
Premium tonic water
½ orange wheel
Method
- Add BOMBAY SAPPHIRE, MARTINI BITTER, lemon juice and honey syrup into shaker and shake
- Strain into spritz glass
- Fully fill the glass with cubed ice and top with premium tonic water
- 4. Garnish with ½ orange wheel
Trend: Garden to Glass Cocktails
It’s no secret that dining al fresco and garden hosting is going to be more popular this summer than ever. Having utilised at-home mixology as a creative outlet during lockdown, we’re armed with newfound knowledge and appreciation of spirits and cocktails. Whether you’re looking to garnish with a sprig of thyme or gently awoken mint – mixing cocktails from garden to glass is a sure way to impress friends and family.
Joe says; “Garnishing your cocktail with ingredients straight from the garden, doesn’t only give it that extra fresh level of flavour, but it also gives a personal touch to your cocktail creation. Freshly awoken mint is a sure way to elevate any at-home mojito – give the mint a gentle rub or lightly smack against your hand to extract the oils before mixing in your drink.”
Cocktails to try:
Bombay Sapphire Gin Mule
Bombay Sapphire bottle is available on Amazon for £30
“Nothing says summer better than the botanical notes of a well-made gin and this spicy update to the classic vodka cocktail really delivers.
A refreshing twist on a classic cocktail traditionally reserved for vodka; vibrant ginger spice meets the bright juniper and citrus flavour profile of Bombay Sapphire, lifted with a squeeze of fresh lime. Delicious”
Ingredients
50 ml BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin
15 ml Lime juice
100 ml Ginger beer (chilled)
2 Fresh mint sprigs
2 Lime wedges
Slice of fresh ginger (optional)
Method
- Fill your rocks glass to the tub with cubed ice
- Pour 50 ml of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE over the ice
- Squeeze and drop in 2 wedges of lime
- Top with ginger beer
- Garnish with fresh mint and a slice of ginger
BACARDÍ Mojito
BACARDÍ Carta Blanca is available on Amazon for £21
“The irresistible flavours of BACARDÍ Rum are given extra sparkle in this super simple but wonderfully refreshing Mojito.
It’s the perfect tipple for those craving something zesty, yet sweet and refreshing. Garnish with freshly awoken mint – and if you’re feeling experimental, why not add in a raspberry or two?”
Ingredients
50 ml BACARDÍ Carta Blanca Rum
25ml Lime juice
12 Mint leaves
2 tsp Extra fine sugar
25 ml Soda water
Method
- Build over cubed ice in a highball
- Mix in freshly awoken mint leaves
Trend: Low ABV Cocktails
The mindful drinking trend is on an ever upwards trajectory – globally 22% consumers are drinking less, while 55% of mindful drinkers are consuming low-ABV drinks. 0% ABV spirits have received more interest than any other spirits category for the second year running.
Joe says; “Low ABV cocktails are a great solution for those of us who want to enjoy a cocktail, but more mindfully. What’s brilliant is that there is no need to compromise on taste – MARTINI Fiero & Tonic is sweet, yet zesty in flavour. One sip will transport you straight from the UK to the sunlit streets and shores of Italy”
Cocktails to try:
MARTINI FIERO & TONIC
MARTINI Fiero is available at Sainsbury’s for £10
“MARTINI Fiero is the perfect ice-cold tipple to enjoy in the sunshine. Bold flavoured and brightly coloured, the bittersweet orange flavour and striking red colour of MARTINI Fiero are both 100% natural. Designed to be paired 50/50 with tonic over ice and an orange garnish for maximum impact with minimal fuss.”
Ingredients:
70 ml MARTINI Fiero
70 ml Tonic water
Orange wedge for garnish
Method:
- 50% MARTINI Fiero and 50% tonic water
- Serve over ice with an orange garnish
*Bacardi 2021 Cocktail Trends Report has been developed in association with The Future Lab. This report draws on insights from Bacardi-led consumer and brand ambassador surveys, interviews with the bar and restaurant trade, Nielsen CGA data, and The Future Laboratory’s independent research
