Wondering what’s on the beverage menu—or should be on yours—for 2026? Think wellness and moderation mixed with exciting new experiences and flavors.
#1 Wellness Went Viral
Last year’s Gen Z-driven moderation trend has grown into a social-media-powered wellness revolution.
Inspired by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) campaign against alcohol consumption moderation has gone from a cultural phase to a lifestyle. People moderate their drinking the same way they moderate sugar, sleep, or screen time. They drink less often, and think about when it‘s “worth it.” Even popular sports like Formula 1 racing are backing this mindfulness trend. A global Nielsen study also showed 25% of sports fans reducing alcohol consumption or choosing alcohol-free options.
Both Gen Z and millennials are going beyond No/Lo (no- and low-alcohol cocktails) to functional fizzy drinks that prioritize gut health and wellness. Some companies are already looking at adding GLP-1 to drinks to balance blood sugar and add nutrition.
Here’s a quick wellness trend breakdown to help guide your 2026 beverage strategy.
- Ingredients they’re avoiding: sugar (low or none), artificial colors
- Extras customers crave: hydration, metabolic boosters, botanicals, adaptogens, nootropics, mood benefits, prebiotics
- IRL (In Real Life) movement: wellness-focused meetups of young people—no phones, no social media, and often no alcohol
- Sustainability: with personal and global health in mind, customers are paying attention to sustainable ingredients and packaging
#2 Fun, Flavorful, Taste-Driven Experiences
And now here’s where trends get really fun, flavorful and exciting.
All About Gemba
Suntory uses the Japanese word “Gemba” (where the action is) to describe how it tailors drinks to local tastes. For example adapting its highballs to sweeter South Korean palates.
Delicious Experiences
Gen Z and millennials want one-of-a-kind, fun drinking experiences that allow them to express their values. China’s Herbal Player responded with modern ginseng sodas while Brown Brothers wine firm launched fruity, limited edition zero alcohol wines in bubble tea stores.
Nostalgic and New Flavors
2026 trends offer a tempting tour of childhood favorites like orange popsicle along with the exotic fruit flavors of sumac berry, guava and huckleberry. They also include decadent detours like huckleberry cobbler and white cake. This includes 2026’s flavors of the year dark sweet cherry and black currant.
And then there’s the exotic and decadent Dubai chocolate. It’s a tastebud thrill of rich chocolate shell and creamy pistachio filling layered with crunchy kataifi (shredded phyllo pastry), often paired with tahini for nutty depth. Even Starbucks has jumped on this viral delight with an Iced Dubai Chocolate Matcha topped with cold foam (another 2026 trend).
Fab No-Filter Cocktails
Crafting social-media-worthy cocktails also continues to gain popularity. This may be why McCormick named black current its 2026 flavor of the year. Crème de cassis is a black currant liqueur that gives Kir (a French white wine cocktail) its gem-like ruby hue.
#3 About Wine and Beer
Think fruiter, flavor-forward wines with diverse drinking profiles. Meanwhile, light, clean identity-driven beers will keep winning on everyday occasions.
#4 Value Hunting
Consumers are still willing to trade up for premium drinks, but they need a reason. For example, a tequila that tastes like agave, not vanilla frosting, or a Scotch with an aged smoothness that’s worth the price.
#5 And Yes, There’s AI
While customers may use AI apps for purchases, bar, cafe, hotel and restaurant owners can use AI to identify trends plus brainstorm and evaluate beverage recipes for their target customers.
Make the Bar Your Billboard
Once you’ve updated your menu, advertise it on your portable bar. Our bars offer vinyl printing, LED lighting, custom graphics, and signage that make it easy to spotlight your drinks and specials. You can also showcase popular beverage brands on your back bar shelves. Let diners and to-go customers know you have an irresistible variety of seasonal non-alcoholic and alcoholic options.
Our Best Options for Showing Off Your Selection
- Flash Bar
- Take control of the atmosphere with Flash Bar Modular Systems that allow for custom shapes, unique artwork, and specialized functionality
- Curved Counter Professional
- This 84″ wide Fold & Roll bar offers a front panel that’s a prime space for custom artwork, allowing you to prominently feature your brand, your menu, or both.
- Back Bars
- Professional and portable back bars with optional LED lighting, ideal for effective merchandising
Start with these options
or give us a call and we’ll help you choose the perfect bar and artwork to highlight your on-point and on-trend 2026 drink menu!
