In the drinks space, there is a significant trend towards sustainability and the use of local, organic ingredients. There’s a growing interest in incorporating health-boosting elements such as herbs and superfoods, aligning with a holistic approach to well-being. Low-calorie consumption and being health conscious are now a norm with people looking to adopt a new lifestyle in consuming cocktail or mocktails. Guests are also drawn to activities that combine leisure and creativity, such as Sip and Paint sessions paired with cocktails. These trends reflect a shift towards more personalized, memorable drinking experiences that celebrate local culture and mindful consumption.
Health-conscious options are a highlight, especially among non-alcoholic beverages like home-brewed probiotics and health drinks, reflecting the growing demand for wellness-focused choices. Additionally, high-quality tea and coffee sourced directly from estates, providing a signature and speciality Indian tea and coffee experience in in house tea rooms are in.
In the drinks space, new trends are emerging that emphasize curated cocktails with bolder, unique flavors and advanced techniques. Colorful drinks are no longer the norm as detailed and experiential presentations take center stage, often incorporating molecular and scientific methods in mixology. The coffee culture has evolved significantly, with a rise in manual brewing varieties, innovative gadgets, and an increased emphasis on vegan options. Health drinks are gaining popularity, including cold-pressed juices, probiotics, and beverages without added sugar. Outlets are moving away from processed ready-made syrups in favor of homemade flavors, and fermentation is being used as a technique to extract unique flavors. Additionally, food pairing is expanding beyond wines to include mixed drinks, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Sustainability is becoming a key focus in the drinks industry. There is a strong push to promote local ingredients, spirits, and wines, adhering to the concept that food should not travel far to minimize the carbon footprint.
As health consciousness grows, many hotels are adding wellness-focused drinks to their menus. These include low-alcohol or non-alcoholic cocktails, superfood beverages and herb-infused drinks. This allows guests to maintain a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing their taste or experiences.
Hotels are also introducing interactive drinks menus. Guests can use DIY cocktail kits in their rooms to mix their own drinks with pre-measured ingredients or select flavour profiles and garnishes at the bar using interactive menus.
The drinks menu and design in hotels have evolved into a canvas for creativity and guest engagement. By incorporating themes, local ingredients, artistic presentations, performances, house-made infusions, wellness options, interactive experiences and technology, hotels are transforming how guests perceive and enjoy their drinks.
Read the full story that first appeared in Hotelier India’s August 2024 issue here:
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