Mixing It Up with Specialty Drinks

If it seems like everyone’s mixing up a specialty drink these days, you’re probably right. Thanks in large part to recipes and techniques easily shared on social media, the at-home mixology trend that started during the pandemic shows little sign of slowing down.

40% of consumers in the U.S.—and more than 30% in the United Kingdom—said they made more cocktails at home in 2022 compared to 2020, according to Bacardi’s Consumer Survey 2022 cited in their 2023 Cocktail Trends Report. Almost 30% of respondents from the U.S., U.K., Mexico, India and South Africa said they increased their cocktail knowledge over the last two years.

But the mixology trend isn’t reserved for alcoholic drinks. Consumer focus on wellness has caused many people to look for non-alcoholic options (and not just during Dry January). In fact, Yelp predicts mocktails will be a top trend for 2023, citing the increasing popularity of dry bars and celebrities launching mocktail brands.

Soda has even gotten in on the game with “dirty soda” concoctions popular on TikTok. (New to the concept? Take regular soda—often diet—and create a clever concoction with flavored cream, syrup, fruit juice or fruit.)

The overarching key to all these drink concepts is consumers get to customize their beverages with a variety of fun and fresh flavors, as well as different techniques and presentations.

Speaking of presentation: All these specialty drinks call for some nice glasses to show them off (not only on social media, but as we entertain more at home). In fact, the 2022 HomePage News Consumer Outlook Survey—commissioned in partnership with the International Housewares Association—showed a strong intent to buy. 50% of respondents said they were somewhat or very likely to buy drinkware, which includes glassware, in 2022.

In the survey, 49% said they were likely to purchase tumblers in the next 12 months, followed by beer glasses (24%), wine/champagne glasses (21%), whiskey/spirits glasses (19%) and martini/specialty cocktail glasses (12%). Respondents were able to select two choices. Coffee/tea vessels also garnered 49% of votes.

The market appears to be growing for specialty and colored glassware. Both add a personal and customizable touch that younger consumers especially crave.

Glassware like the brightly colored choices in Qualia Glass’ Carnival collection or the wide variety of jeweled selections from The Queens’ Jewels make a statement not only while serving, but also while on display.

In addition to glassware, at-home mixologists are also looking for appliances and tools to help them create their specialty drinks.

Bar sets like this one from Legacy, a Picnic Time brand, are essential, as are blenders, shakers and mixing glasses. And don’t forget shaved ice makers like this one from DASH; Yelp says searches for slushie drinks (alcoholic or not) are up 77%.

Access the 2022 HomePage News Consumer Outlook Survey—commissioned in partnership with the International Housewares Association – for more insights on glassware and 14 other home and housewares categories.