Menu Trends: State of the Adult Beverage Menu

Bigger menus, bolder choices! Alcoholic beverage menus are expanding across beer, wine, cocktails, and more. This report uncovers key trends by segment that are shaping the industry.

Consumer Insights, CPG & Retail, Economy, Food Supply Chain, Food Tech, Food Trends, Foodservice, Restaurants

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Explore key trends, category shifts, and the strategies shaping the future of adult beverage menus

Datassential’s State of the Adult Beverage Menu report reveals how beer, wine, cocktails, and other alcoholic beverage offerings are expanding and evolving. While other menu categories faced significant contraction during COVID-19, adult beverage menus remained resilient, continuing to grow post-pandemic.

From fine dining’s ingredient-driven cocktails to fast casual’s shift toward wine and health-conscious offerings, every segment presents new opportunities for innovation. As beverage menus rotate frequently, highlighting limited-time offerings and encouraging exploration through discounts can drive consumer interest.

What’s inside?

Fruity flavors like rhubarb and kiwi have seen cross-category growth
Cocktails are growing in a segment you may not expect: QSR
Beer menu appearances are growing strongly in fast casual
Alcohol-free iterations are growing fastest in the wine category

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INSIGHTS IN THIS REPORT:

The number of beers on midscale menus rose 16% last year, while the number of wines fell by 7%
Wine grew the most on fine dining menus at 9%, as that segment continues to grow menus to pre-pandemic levels
The term “punch” grew the most on beef menus last year, up 142%
Rosa Reposado was the top-growing spirit, growing by 202%
An unexpected veggie is the third-fastest-growing on cocktail menus; Green Bean, up 171%