Ahead of the new year, Bacardi has rolled out a 'Cocktail Trends Report'. 

It explores the key trends set to shape a new era for cocktail culture and the spirits business globally in 2025.

According to the report, 91% of respondents are willing to pay more for traditionally aged spirits over artificial alternatives.

22% of consumers prioritise eco-conscious choices, such as recyclable packaging and water preservation, influencing the spirits they choose.

Like most categories, artificial intelligence has impacted the alcohol market as well. 92% of the Indian respondents stated that they are â€‹open to AI-driven personalised drink recommendations. 44% still prefer bartender suggestions, valuing human artistry and emotional connection.

The study has revealed that vodka is the top choice for gifting, with half of Indian respondents selecting it, followed by scotch whisky (45%) and champagne (40%).

As gifting preferences shift, spirits are increasingly central to celebrations, with 24% of respondents choosing them for larger gatherings.

The report, which delves into India’s cocktail culture, highlights a growing preference for cocktails over traditional celebratory drinks like champagne. Over half (55%) of Indian consumers, favour cocktails for festive occasions, underscoring a cultural embrace of mixology.

Bacardi’s report also cited that there is a cultural shift toward inclusive and sustainable spirits, forecasting continued innovation in line with consumer values.

It also stated that approximately one-quarter of the youngest legal drinking age (LDA) consumers are opting for lower-alcohol cocktails, with 29% in India, 25% in France, and 20% in the US making this choice. Meanwhile, 20% of all Japanese consumers also share this preference.

Catering to a changing nightlife habits, listening bars are emerging as an alternative to clubs – with the focus on the complementary connection between the music and the menu. It’s a drive set to be welcomed by the younger cohort (LDA), where over one-third in India (37%) and over one quarter in Italy (27%) plan to visit more listening bars next year, according to the Bacardi Global Consumer Survey.

The survey also pointed out that oil-infused and fat-washed spirits are now within reach for aspiring, at-home mixologists too, meeting the needs of around two-fifths of respondents in Mexico (43%) and India (45%) who claim to be most looking forward to experimenting with cocktail making in 2025.

In regards to consumers who are conscious about their drinks, people continue to care about the ingredients and what goes into their spirits, with 61% of consumers globally saying they would choose additive-free spirits over the alternative. The appeal is even higher in countries like India (77%), Italy (75%) and Spain (72%), cited the report.

Other key trends shaping cocktail culture in 2025:

1. Flavour revolution
   • Fruity, sweet, and spicy cocktails dominate preferences, with classics like vodka soda and vodka lemonade making a comeback.
2. Immersive experiences
   • Multi-sensory cocktails are driving engagement, with 37% citing them as worth the splurge and 39% drawn to unique venues.
3. Culinary crossovers
   • Mixologists are drawing inspiration from culinary arts, incorporating ingredients like milk and brine. Savoury and herbaceous flavours are on the rise, with women leading the demand for natural cocktail ingredients.

Jonas Ax, advocacy lead, Bacardi India, said, “Indian consumers are embracing bold, vibrant flavours like never before, with fruity (66%), sweet (53%), and spicy (50%) cocktails leading the way for the next 12 months. It’s the perfect time to recommend cocktails like the Patron Picante, especially as tequila continues to steal the spotlight. Even timeless classics are seeing a revival, with vodka soda rising to the top and vodka lemonade making a strong climb from last year."