Bacardi reported on what it predicted to be the “defining trends” of mixology back in November. As the year 2025 draws to a close, we figured now would be the perfect time to share the 2026 drinking trends the spirits giant expects to be in everyone’s glasses this coming year.
For The Bacardi Cocktail Report, the brand teams up with The Future Laboratory (TFL). It culls research from Bacardi and other parties, bartender interviews, and consumer surveys to predict what trends will influence drinking culture. Given the current state of the industry, the future appears promising for mixology in 2026. According to Bacardi, doom and gloom reports of younger consumers like Gen-Z skipping booze might not be entirely correct.
“Gen Z isn’t drinking less, they’re simply drinking earlier, lighter and with more intention,” said Vice President for Global On-Trade for Bacardi Sean Kerry in a statement. “Around the world, we’re seeing a move towards more meaningful drinking moments, whether that means in-person get-togethers with friends, discovering flavors rooted in local culture, or embracing new forms of creative expression through cocktails.”
2026 Drinking Trends at a Glance
Bacardi believes that 2026 will be the year of the “daycap,” and that the aperitivo hour appears to be on the rise. Younger consumers seem to be spearheading this trend, and over half of them are in France, just a third reside in the United States (34%.) This day-drinking trend involves Spritzes, or mood-based cocktails. Fruity flavors will be on everybody’s mind, and it is ranked as the number 1 flavor by 63% of survey takers in India, a major market. Sweet flavors also appear to be what drinkers seek out in Mexico and the U.S., according to surveys.
The company shared that more consumers are drifting towards life before social media and seeking analogue connections. Bacardi shares that there will be “screen-free gatherings,” with a larger focus on slowing down and real conversation.
Local ingredients will be at the forefront of 2026, and terroir might just be the word on everybody’s lips. Cocktails that capture a sense of place are going to be a major 2026 drinking trend, in addition to transparency involving ingredients and production. The data backs it up, too; Bacardi also reported that 77% of consumers check to see where ingredients are from and focus on local sourcing.
2026 is predicted to be the year of storytelling. Drinkers want to be engaged when they sip their spirits and are looking for full-on lifestyle experiences.
“Consumers are moving from curating experiences to connections,” said Co-Founder of The Future Laboratory Martin Raymond in a statement. “The pendulum has swung from digital convenience to human creativity, and the drinks industry sits at the center of that shift. In 2026, value will be defined not by scarcity or status, but by depth: the provenance of ingredients, the stories behind serves, and the ability to transform a moment into meaning.”
The last major trend Bacardi predicts to dominate the cocktail scene in 2026 is mixology maximalism. Gone are the days of quiet luxury and granddad drinks. Drinkers will really want to get the most out of their experience when drinking at bars. We’re talking edible pearls, heavy flair mixology, layered drinks and “high-drama glassware.” Essentially, when drinkers go out, they will want to feel like the star of their own show. In hard times, people look for fantasy and an escape — and we might see the return of the polarizing tiki bar.
The Top 20 Cocktails for 2026, According to Bacardi’s Cocktail Trends Report
- Margarita
- Mojito
- Piña Colada
- Rum & Coke
- Whiskey & Coke
- Spritz
- Vodka Lemonade
- Vodka Soda
- Gin & Tonic
- Dry Martini
- Irish Coffee
- Bloody Mary
- Tequila Sunrise
- Daiquiri
- Mimosa
- Tequila Soda
- Gin Lemonade
- Screwdriver
- Paloma
- Passion Fruit Martini
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