Cocktail Trends to Watch in 2025: What’s In, What’s Out

The cocktail world doesn’t stand still. Like fashion or food, it evolves—shaped by shifting tastes, global influences, and a healthy dose of creative experimentation. So, what’s in the glass this year? And what are we quietly saying goodbye to?

Here’s what’s trending in 2025.

What’s In

Miniature serves
Less is more. Mini martinis and petite pours are having a moment, not just for the novelty, but because they’re smarter. You get the full flavour and experience, with none of the next-day regret. Ideal for tasting sessions, or just easing into your evening.

Herbal & botanical infusions
Think beyond citrus. This year, it’s all about nature-forward ingredients: sage, thyme, elderflower, even pine. These subtle infusions bring depth and a gentle earthiness that feels grown-up and fresh.

Low and no-alcohol options
The sober-curious movement continues to grow, and with it, demand for beautifully crafted drinks that skip the booze but not the flavour. Expect to see more cocktails with body and bite, just without the buzz.

Savoury cocktails
It’s not all sugar and spice anymore. Ingredients like olive oil, seaweed, tomato water, and miso are creeping into menus, though we haven’t got that adventurous yet. These cocktails are complex, salty-smooth, and made for sipping slowly.

Sustainability
No longer a nice-to-have. It’s now standard to see brands focusing on low-waste ingredients, local produce, and eco-conscious packaging. It’s not about shouting it, it’s just how things should be. We are always looking for local collabs (so if you fancy it, let us know!).

What’s Out

Overly sugary drinks
We’ve moved on from the neon-sweet overload. Palates are maturing, and drinks with balance, not just sweetness, are what people want now.

Over-the-top garnish towers
The Instagram age of cocktails isn’t dead, but the days of ridiculous skewers and floating fireworks are fading. Clean, considered presentation is the new flex.

Complicated recipes no one can remember
Cocktails shouldn’t require a PhD. Drinks that are fussy for the sake of it are on their way out. Simplicity, well-executed, is very much in.

At Letterbox Cocktails, we keep a close eye on where the scene’s heading—so you don’t have to. Our menu blends timeless favourites with trend-forward twists, all delivered straight to your door. Curious?

Discover what’s trending and taste the future—without leaving the sofa.