Cocktail Trends for
BY CHARLENE ROOKE
The new year is an ideal time to sample fresh flavours and new drinks. While you may have a favourite drink that you regularly order at a bar or a simple cocktail recipe that you have perfected and regularly mix up at home, try shaking up your routine. These globally curated cocktail trends can inject some bartender savvy into your mixology and bring inspiration from top establishments into your own home bar. You might discover a new favourite!
Agave All Over
Spirit of the East
Cocktails made with mezcal, tequila and other Mexican spirits distilled from agave plants are current bar stars. Part of the appeal is exploring agave’s distinctive range of notes, from earthy to citrusy and floral, from bright and peppery to funky and vegetal. Sample mezcal bottlings with different agave varieties, regions and production techniques that bring the spirit’s signature smoke. Tequila connoisseurs can taste both blanco (unaged) and barrel-aged versions, from reposado to añejo and extra añejo.
Japanese rice wine isn’t just for sake and sushi pairing anymore. Along with Korean food, the spirit soju is a breakout trend on the hospitality scene. Asian drinks tend to be lower in alcohol than traditional spirits, making them ideal for trending lower- proof cocktails. Their mellow tastes blend with any fruit, in flavoured bottlings and easy juice and soda cocktails. Watch for Japanese shōchū, distilled from grains and ingredients such as sweet potatoes or sugar cane, as the next spirit rising.
Espolòn Añejo Tequila $58.99 Mexico 533638
Jinro Chamisul Original Soju $9.09 South Korea 873208 360 ml
Discover a unique balance of earthy and roasted-pepper agave notes with vanilla, dried fruit and spice flavours from oak aging.
With just 20.1 percent ABV, this soft, fruity rice spirit makes fresh-tasting, lower-strength cocktails from any juice and a splash of soda water.
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