Cheers to couples tying the knot in 2020. Wondering what cocktail will be trending as we cross the threshold to a new era? We thought so! We reached out to top beverage directors and bartenders to curate a list of libations they forecast will be trending in 2020. The predictions were eclectic and exotic ranging from drinks with health benefits to beverages with infusions, twists and swizzles. Peruse the robust roster for inspiration for your upcoming wedding. Cheers!
St. Martin Punch is paradise in a glass, featuring green Chartreuse, overproof rum, house-made velvet falernum, pineapple and tiki bitters. The St. Martin Punch is home to Jack Dusty, a spectacular waterfront restaurant, located on the marina in The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. “We expect all Tiki cocktails to be the top hits of 2020, even more so than now. Bold flavors of herbs and spices combined with fresh citrus create a memorable moment of a generation lost,” says bartender Vince Diorides.
Filmark Hospitality Group Beverage Director Joseph Camiolo thinks the Metro Commuter will be a trendy drink for 2020 because flavor-infused triple secs and other orange liqueurs will be very popular in the next year. “It’s a way for bars to differentiate themselves by adding a new flavor to a classic liqueur that other bars won’t have. It also uses cucumber and Prickly Pear both of which we think will become even more popular as the year goes on,” says Camiolo.
“I wanted to do something that would really stimulate the senses,” says Jorge Centeno, chief spirits officer at The Bar at Deer Path Inn—so he reached for the electric daisy. Also known as the buzz button, its tongue-tingling properties have only recently made it behind the bar—and will surely create more buzz in 2020. “Adding these to a drink doesn’t just bring about a new flavor—it brings about a new feeling that will keep wedding guests and couples dancing all night long,” says Centeno.
“When brides come to us with a vision we always try to help them creatively to provide something unique for their wedding guests to remember. Signature cocktails can highlight the couple’s personality and this something blue cocktail is always a favorite, especially by the sea,” Harvinder Singh, Director of Food & Beverage for Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa.
says two of the biggest emerging trends in the world of spirits are Mezcal and Amari.
“A Clandestine Coupling will highlight two of the biggest emerging trends in the world of spirits: Mezcal and Amari; that they make such delicious bedfellows in a glass is still something of a secret (hence the name) but might well be more known in 2020! The light smokiness of Vida dovetails with the vanilla essences of both the El Jimador and Amaro Lucano, while the presence of cinnamon in the Lucano and on the garnish adds a depth of spicy intrigue to the overall beverage. After all, what is “A Clandestine Coupling” if not spicy?” asks Taryne Dixon, Director of Food & Beverage at Giulia at Emery.
Vedran Sosa, Director of Beverage and Food at W Fort Lauderdale, says,” We’re predicting that unique twists on hard seltzer cocktails will fly as fast from our bar as it has been off the shelves. Our W twist on a hard seltzer includes muddling fresh fruit like blackberries, sweetening it up with a simple syrup and complimenting it with the piney aroma of rosemary.”
Sarah Boucher of Grove at Briar Barn Inn thinks couples will be toasting with Mexico 70 made with sparkling wine, tequila, lime juice and agave nectar. She says “Mixing intercontinental ingredients is on the rise! Our Mexico 70 blends a Spanish Cava with Mexican Tequila and agave – a multicultural mix made in heaven!” says Boucher.
Master Sommelier Brahm Callahan, Beverage Director for Himmel Hospitality predicts that poptails will be trending. Callahan thinks that frozen drinks are going to continue to see significant growth and that poptails are a nice play on the idea of both classic cocktails and frozen drinks. “They engage the guest and give them an opportunity to play and have fun with their food and drink,” says Callahan. The classic espresso martini version is one of the many expressions of poptails that have been overwhelmingly received at Harvest restaurant in Cambridge’s beloved Harvard Square.
Athanasios Sioras of Revere Hotel Boston Common and Rebel’s Guild believes that as people become more and more health-conscious, cocktails with health benefits will continue to trend. One of his latest creations is called Will You Matcha Me?
“Cocktails will be incorporating contrasting flavors – such as blueberries and pineapples – that highlight both sweet and tart to create an unexpected yet complementary experience,” remarks Chris Owens, Director of Restaurants at Westin Cape Coral.
“I foresee more and more cocktails incorporating underutilized vegetables like beets that lend an earthy flavor to savory concoctions,” notes Peter Szekely, Beverage Operation Manager at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar.
“I expect cocktails to start incorporating all parts of ingredients (including ones that may usually get thrown out) in an effort to be more sustainable and reduce waste. As a result of that, bartenders will have to get more creative about how to utilize an entire fruit or vegetable. For example, the Kele Story shown above uses watermelon (including the rind) in three different ways … juiced, pickled & dehydrated,” says Christian Taibi, bar consultant, Mahina & Sun’s at Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club.
“Two-Step Swizzle is a bright lifted cooler that brings the best of modern mixology, tiki and pre-prohibition cocktails. Swizzles, born the waters off the coast of the east of the Americas and raised in San Francisco – speak to the flavors and mixes around the islands of the Caribbean with a touch of the aromatic ingredients of Europe – and best of all, easy to make,” says Nick Daddona, Beverage Director from Deuxave and Boston Chops.
“In 2020, we predict the trend of herbal infusions to grow. We love the idea of taking natural scents and flavors and working them into our cocktail creations. Research shows that lavender is a natural relaxant that gently slows your heartbeat resulting in a deeper slumber. At Hotel Viking we strive to provide the utmost relaxing experience to all our guests so, instead of rubbing lavender on your pillows, why not opt for a Lavender cocktail to promote a goodnight sleep,” says Henry Payne, Food + Beverage Manager at Hotel Viking.
“Poised to make a comeback, a delicious gin fizz cocktail. The gin fizz is a template that allows for a lot of variation from bartender to bartender and drink to drink,” says Jon Baxter, Lead bartender at 250-year-old Marsh Tavern at The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa.
