The Top 10 Beverage Trends to Know for 2026

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As we move into 2026, the beverage landscape continues to evolve with exciting new flavors, ingredients, and experiences. From ancient spirits making modern comebacks to innovative cocktail ingredients pushing creative boundaries, these trends reflect a growing appreciation for authenticity, tradition, and bold experimentation. Here are ten emerging drink trends poised to make waves in the coming year.

Arak

The Middle Eastern Spirit Making Its Mark

This anise-flavored spirit is stepping into the spotlight. Commonly produced in Turkey (where it’s known as Rakı) and throughout the Middle East, arak delivers distinctive licorice notes that are captivating adventurous drinkers. With 21% awareness and 31% interest among consumers, this spirit is finding its home in upscale restaurants, casual dining venues, and lounges. Its versatility in cocktails and traditional serving style—diluted with water to create a milky-white appearance—makes it a conversation starter and a gateway to Middle Eastern drinking culture.

Carajillo

Spain’s Coffee-Spirit Love Affair

The carajillo is bridging the gap between coffee culture and cocktail culture with impressive momentum. This Spanish and Latin American favorite combines espresso with spirits like brandy, rum, mezcal, or coffee liqueurs such as Licor 43 or Kahlúa. With 34% awareness and a striking 55% interest level, it’s the most recognized trend on this list. Expect to see carajillos on menus everywhere from casual restaurants to upscale venues and lounges as operators tap into consumers’ love for both craft coffee and creative cocktails.

Chicha

Ancient Tradition, Modern Appeal

Chicha represents one of Latin America’s oldest beverages, traditionally made from fermented maize. Available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions, this drink connects modern consumers to indigenous brewing traditions. Currently at 22% awareness with 40% interest, chicha is appearing in casual restaurants, lounges, and neighborhood bars. Its cultural authenticity and unique corn-based profile offer operators a compelling story to tell—and guests an entirely new taste experience to discover.

Dampfbier

Bavaria’s Forgotten Brew

This traditional Bavarian beer style is experiencing a quiet renaissance. Dampfbier is golden to amber in color, medium-bodied, and relatively light with malty, aromatic notes and low bitterness. At 21% awareness and 50% interest, it’s attracting attention in tequila bars, pubs, and sports bars. As consumers continue seeking authentic regional beer styles beyond the usual suspects, dampfbier offers something genuinely different from the German brewing tradition.

Joppenbier

Dutch Liquid History

Joppenbier brings a taste of Dutch brewing heritage to modern menus. This distinctive beer has a thick, syrup-like texture, dark color, and high sugar and alcohol content that historically allowed for long-term storage. Though awareness sits at just 18%, interest reaches 33% among those familiar with it. Tequila bars, pubs, and casual restaurants are the early adopters. Its unique characteristics make it ideal for sipping slowly or pairing with rich desserts.

Kanna

The Mood-Enhancing Botanical

Moving beyond traditional alcohol, kanna represents the growing interest in functional botanicals. This South African succulent is a natural psychoactive and empathogenic herb known for improving mood, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation. With 17% awareness and 38% interest, kanna is appearing in neighborhood bars, nightclubs, and outdoor events. As the wellness trend continues intersecting with nightlife, expect to see kanna-infused drinks positioned as feel-good alternatives or mood-enhancing cocktail components.

MSG as a Cocktail Ingredient

Umami in the Glass

Bartenders are borrowing from the culinary world and embracing MSG as a cocktail ingredient. Monosodium glutamate adds savory umami notes and brightening flavors that create unexpected depth in mixed drinks. At 23% awareness and 32% interest, this trend is particularly strong in lounges, whiskey bars, and entertainment venues. MSG represents the continued savory cocktail movement, where drinks increasingly blur the line between beverage and culinary creation.

Raicilla

Tequila’s Rustic Cousin

Raicilla is capturing attention as consumers explore beyond tequila and mezcal. This traditional spirit from Jalisco is also made from agave, but its flavor profile ranges dramatically from fruity and floral to herbal and funky depending on production methods. With 23% awareness and a robust 49% interest level, raicilla is appearing in whiskey bars, casual restaurants, and lounges. It offers agave enthusiasts a new territory to explore while supporting small-scale traditional producers.

Rakija

The Balkans in a Bottle

Rakija (also spelled rakia or raki) is a fruit brandy beloved throughout the Balkans. Made by fermenting and distilling fruits like plums, grapes, apricots, pears, and cherries, each variety offers distinct character. Currently at 21% awareness with an impressive 52% interest rating, rakija is finding its place in upscale restaurants, casual dining, and lounges. Its artisanal production methods and fruit-forward profiles align perfectly with the craft spirits movement.

Roggenbier

Rye Beer’s Renaissance

Roggenbier rounds out our list as another traditional German style making a comeback. Brewed with large portions of rye malt, this beer delivers a lightly spicy, earthy aroma that sets it apart. At 20% awareness and 39% interest, roggenbier is popping up in tequila bars, pubs, and casual restaurants. As beer drinkers continue seeking distinctive grain profiles and historical styles, roggenbier offers compelling flavor and authenticity.

Bonus Trend

Yemeni Coffee Houses

While not a beverage itself, the rise of Yemeni coffee houses deserves special mention as an experiential trend reshaping how we consume drinks. These specialized cafes celebrate authentic Yemeni coffee and culture, offering consumers an immersive experience beyond just the beverage. With 21% awareness and 48% interest, they’re appearing in casual restaurants, upscale venues, and hotels. Yemeni coffee houses represent the intersection of beverage, culture, and experience—demonstrating that in 2026, where and how we drink matters just as much as what we drink.

Frequently Asked Questions About 2026 Beverage Trends

What are the biggest beverage trends for 2026?

The biggest beverage trends for 2026 include international spirits like arak, rakija, and raicilla; heritage beers such as dampfbier and roggenbier; and innovative cocktail ingredients like MSG. Coffee-spirit hybrids like the carajillo and functional botanicals like kanna are also gaining significant traction. These trends emphasize authenticity, cultural storytelling, and unique flavor experiences.

What alcoholic beverage trends should bars and restaurants watch?

Bars and restaurants should watch for Middle Eastern and Balkan spirits (arak, rakija), agave alternatives (raicilla), traditional Latin American drinks (carajillo, chicha), and specialty German beers (dampfbier, roggenbier). Additionally, umami cocktail ingredients like MSG represent an opportunity to create differentiated drink menus that appeal to adventurous consumers.

Why are international spirits becoming popular drink trends?

International spirits are gaining popularity as consumers seek authentic cultural experiences and move beyond mainstream options. With 21-23% awareness but 31-52% interest levels, these spirits offer compelling stories, unique flavor profiles, and connections to traditional production methods. They appeal to adventurous drinkers looking to expand their palates and support artisanal producers.

What is the carajillo and why is it trending?

The carajillo is a Spanish and Latin American coffee-spirit cocktail made with espresso and spirits like brandy, rum, mezcal, or coffee liqueur. It’s trending because it bridges coffee culture and cocktail culture, appealing to consumers who love both categories. With 55% interest among aware consumers—the highest on this list—it represents a significant opportunity for beverage programs.

How can bars incorporate these beverage trends into their menus?

Bars can start by selecting one or two trends that align with their concept and customer base. For spirits like arak or rakija, feature them in both traditional serves and modern cocktails. For ingredients like MSG, educate bartenders on proper usage in savory cocktails. Consider creating tasting flights, hosting educational events, or partnering with cultural ambassadors to tell authentic stories behind these beverages.

Are these drink trends only for upscale venues?

No—these beverage trends appear across various venue types including casual restaurants, neighborhood bars, pubs, and entertainment venues. While some trends like arak and rakija show stronger presence in upscale restaurants, others like dampfbier and roggenbier are popular in pubs and sports bars. The key is matching the trend to your venue’s style and customer preferences.

What is kanna and how is it used in beverages?

Kanna is a South African succulent plant considered a natural mood enhancer and relaxation aid. In beverages, it’s used as a functional botanical ingredient in cocktails, mocktails, and other drinks. With growing interest in wellness and functional beverages, kanna represents the intersection of nightlife and health-conscious drinking, appearing primarily in neighborhood bars, nightclubs, and outdoor events.

How do these trends compare to previous beverage trends?

These 2026 beverage trends represent a shift toward cultural authenticity and heritage ingredients compared to previous years. While craft cocktails and local ingredients dominated recent years, 2026 trends emphasize international exploration, traditional production methods, and unexpected ingredient combinations. The focus has moved from innovation for innovation’s sake to meaningful connections with tradition and culture.

What is raicilla and how is it different from tequila?

Raicilla is a traditional agave spirit from Jalisco, Mexico, made using different agave varieties and production methods than tequila. Its flavor profile ranges from fruity and floral to herbal and funky, offering more diversity than tequila. With 49% interest among aware consumers, raicilla appeals to agave spirits enthusiasts seeking new experiences while supporting small-scale traditional producers.

Where can consumers try these emerging beverage trends?

Consumers can find these emerging drink trends in progressive cocktail bars, craft beer pubs, upscale restaurants, and lounges that prioritize innovative beverage programs. Yemeni coffee houses are appearing in hotels and urban dining districts. Check local beverage-focused establishments, attend industry events, or look for venues known for cultural authenticity and menu experimentation. Many trends are in the “Inception” stage, so early adopter venues in major metropolitan areas are your best bet.