In 2025 we expect drinks menus to be dominated by premium and minimalist serves, ones that capture the attention of bar-goers with interesting flavour profiles and quality liquids that really stand out from the crowd. This is being fuelled by a new wave of drinkers demanding better experiences that elevate and compliment their lifestyles. Here, Three Cents General Manager and Co-founder, George Bagos, breaks down the on-trade trends to watch in 2025 that speak to today’s discerning drinker.
Brave flavour profiles
From fat-washing to fermented and pickled ingredients, brave flavour profiles are making their way onto cocktail menus. They don’t all have to be daring savoury flavours though, instead it’s tastes and ingredients that consumers are familiar with already but perhaps haven’t had in a drink before that are really making it in the mainstream.
Fig Leaf has long been a favourite in the culinary scene and it’s starting to make a name for itself in cocktails and we believe it’ll be the flavour profile of 2025. It is sweet and fruity, yet balanced by a subtle and earthy undertone which opens up a lot of opportunities for bartenders to get creative. This year, to mark Three Cents’ 10-year anniversary, we launched a Fig Leaf Soda that’s destined for back bars. It shines in an Americano when mixed with an Italian bitter and rosso vermouth, as well as complimenting tequila and whisky long drinks.
It’s in the tonic
Whilst the gin category has steadily declined in recent years, tonics and mixers are really coming into their own. The rise in popularity of quality tonic waters is fuelling a wave of new and more experimental mixes outside of the classic G&T. They offer fabulous flavour combinations that sit in a real sweet spot; it’s a more elevated experience than a wine or beer and more refined than a spritz, yet not as extravagant as a cocktail.
Tequila and tonic is an example of a drink that has become a favourite amongst bar-goers but a port and tonic is one to watch as the combination attracts a new generation of drinkers. On the non alc side, an espresso and tonic is really taking flight in the UK as it steps out of the shadows of the booming Cold Brew trend and one that we expect to continue into the new year.
Evolution of the spritz
Every summer there’s a spritz cocktail that makes a lot of noise. The Hugo has been the most notable but we’re also seeing drinks with more unconventional and complex flavours become a popular aperitivo option. In 2025 – as consumers get more adventurous – we have our eyes on a limoncello spritz becoming the go-to sundowner.
The role of low and no
There’s a real trend in consumers wanting to drink less but better, as well as those cutting out drinking altogether. The industry has responded in a strong way and, as a result, we’re seeing incredible innovation in the low and no category for beer and spirit alternatives. We’re also noticing that many ‘mindful drinking’ bar-goers are opting for quality soft drinks, ones that still offer complex flavour profiles and an experience that doesn’t make them feel like they’re missing out.
The low and no section of a drinks menu also allows venues to get a bit more creative. For a fun day-time drinking occasion, an ice cream float option offers a sense of nostalgia but with a modern touch brought by the sheer breadth of quality ice creams and sodas available today.
Low and no menus are going to get bigger in the year ahead as consumer choice grows with the launch of new and exciting products tonic and mixers. The Three Cents range of premium mixers are designed to offer maximum flavour and carbonation in order to taste equally as great on their own or to balance the ingredients of a cocktail or long drink, whilst elevating flavours and aromas and maintaining a drink’s fizziness.
