What’s on Tap: Drink Trends to Watch in 2020

What’s on Tap: Drink Trends to Watch in 2020From hard seltzers and rose to nitrogen-infused coffee and all-things-kombucha, 2019 saw some major trends coming out of the beverage industry. What’s in store for 2020? Pull up a chair as we sip on some of the drink trends we see heading full-steam ahead this year.

Nitrogen-Infused Drinks

Starbucks introduced its Nitro Cold Brew in 2016, but it really took off in 2019. If you haven’t had the good fortune to taste this creamy, dreamy, caffeine-laden beverage, you’re really missing out. In simplest terms, Nitro Cold Brew is cold brew infused with nitrogen—and it even comes from a tap, just like your favorite draft beer. The result is a smooth, creamy, and naturally sweet coffee that doesn’t need ice or sugar. It’s that good.

Infusing drinks with a shot of nitrogen “elevates the flavor profile of a beverage, emulates sweetness, and has a creamy finish without adding calories” according to drink website Imbibe. We see nitro cold brews all over the place now, and we predict the trend will find its way to other beverages as well in 2020. Think sodas (Pepsi introduced Nitro Pepsi nearly a year ago, however there is still no launch date), beers, teas, and more.

Higher Prices?

While we hesitate to call this a trend simply because it’s somewhat of a nightmare situation, the tariffs that may be introduced by the White House this year could have a very real impact on your alcohol sales. We wrote about the tariffs at the end of 2019, noting that French champagne tariffs up to 100 percent could go into effect as soon as January 2020. Other alcohols that would be affected by an increase in tariffs include European wines, Irish whiskey, and scotch. Stay tuned for more developments in this area—it’s sure to be a rocky ride.

Low- and No-Alcohol Mocktails

January is a huge month for consumers to opt for zero alcohol intake—it’s called “Dry January,” and it’s a great way to detox from a holiday full of champagne toasts and festive cocktails. But low- and no-alcohol beverages are making their mark in the restaurant world for a multitude of reasons. Consumers are much more aware of the effects alcohol can have on mental and physical health, plus there are so many other interesting non-alcoholic options out there now. Never have manufacturers, bartenders, and baristas been more creative with their beverages. Expect to see non-alcoholic beers and wines infused with herbs and fruits hitting restaurant menus like crazy this year. And of course, kombucha.

Hard-Working Drinks

Today’s consumers are busier than ever, managing families, jobs, a social life, and their own lives. Which is why multi-tasking beverages are on the rise. Formally referred to as functional beverages, these drinks are consumed because they claim to have some type of health benefit. We want our thirst quenched, but we also want some payout for the time we just spent swallowing.

CBD-infused drinks are popular for reducing pain and anxiety, while coconut water has been called “The Natural Energy Drink.” Probiotic drinks (again, kombucha) can help prevent infections, eczema, and more, and are increasingly hailed by nutritionists.

Our advice? Keep an eye on these trends as the year continues, and think about adding some of these options to your menu. Got a great social media following? Take a poll of your loyal fans to learn which trend they’d like to see more of. And for the latest in restaurant industry trends, marketing tips, and all things small business, be sure to check out The Pantry each week for exciting new content. Bottoms up!