Drink trends December 2024 highlight the growing demand for bubble-free alcohol in the RTD beverage market driven by Gen Z’s preference for non-carbonated options and bloat-free drinks. Innovations include hard water with fruity flavours, iced tea-based drinks with light or dark spirits, coconut water blends with tropical enhancements, and fruit juice-based cocktails like modernized screwdrivers. These offerings cater to health-conscious consumers with lower alcohol and sugar, while evoking nostalgia through classic drink revivals. Concurrently, festive holiday drinks showcase diverse seasonal flavours worldwide, from shakes to lattes. Beverage giants like Coca-Cola and Pepsi launch retro and novel flavours, while brands like Simpsons Beverages drive innovation across global markets.
The Rise of Bubble-Free Booze: A New Era in RTD Beverages
The rise of bubble-free alcoholic beverages is transforming the ready-to-drink (RTD) market, driven by changing consumer preferences for innovative, non-carbonated options. This trend, which has gained traction among Gen Z due to their affinity for non-carbonated soft drinks and the desire for bloat-free alcohol, spans a wide variety of drink styles, reflecting its broad appeal and versatility.
Hard water is a key player, serving as a still water-based alcoholic drink enhanced with vibrant fruity flavours like citrus, berry, and tropical tones. These beverages often use vodka, tequila, or sugar brews as their alcoholic base. The simplicity of the combination is offset by the diversity of flavours, which appeal to a wide audience.
Iced tea-based alcoholic drinks are also surging in popularity, offering a refreshing, lightly caffeinated option that blends well with both light spirits like vodka and dark ones like whiskey. These pre-mixed drinks, conveniently packaged in cans, provide a modern twist on a familiar beverage.
Coconut water is another standout, with its natural tropical flavour serving as a perfect base for alcoholic blends. Producers enhance its appeal with added flavours such as mango, pineapple, and watermelon, creating a unique and refreshing option that evokes a beachside vibe.
Fruit juice-based alcoholic drinks, reminiscent of classic mixes like the screwdriver, are being revitalized with youthful branding and new packaging formats like cartons. Hard lemonade, a classic non-carbonated drink, has also seen innovation, with versions incorporating iced tea or tequila for hybrid combinations.
This bubble-free booze trend aligns with two major consumer movements: the push for individual health, reflected in lower alcohol and sugar content, and a craving for classic comfort, as nostalgic non-alcoholic beverages are reimagined in boozy forms. As the category evolves, it promises continued innovation and expanded global popularity.
Festive Flavors: A Rundown of 2024’s Holiday Drink Releases
For the holiday season, several major brands have launched festive drinks and treats. Shake Shack offers three holiday shakes: the Christmas Cookie Shake, Chocolate Yule Log Shake, and Apple Cider Donut Shake, each featuring seasonal flavours.
Whataburger introduces a White Chocolate Peppermint Shake, blending vanilla, white chocolate, and peppermint. Five Guys presents a Candy Cane Crunch mix-in for their shakes, allowing customers to create up to 500 combinations.
Starbucks Malaysia unveils Salted Pretzel Cocoa Latte and Frappuccino, along with Peppermint Mocha and Toffee Nut Crunch Latte. Starbucks USA introduces its 2024 Christmas menu, featuring new holiday drinks and cold foam flavours like gingerbread and sugar cookie.
Tim Hortons UK brings back favourites like Peppermint Mocha Latte and Gingerbread Oatmilk Latte, alongside new offerings like the Holiday Chai Latte. Coca-Cola Freestyle machines debut holiday flavours such as Sprite Cherry Pineapple Punch and Coca-Cola Tropical.
The very latest beverage launches and flavours from around the world
Coca-Cola has reintroduced Barrilitos, a nostalgic Mexican soft drink brand from 1938, in the US. The revamped lineup features four fruit-flavored options: Mandarina (mandarin), Manzana (apple), Piña (pineapple), and Ponche de Frutas (fruit punch).
Pepsi has also launched a new Cherries and Cream flavour, available in both full-sugar and zero-sugar varieties across the US and Canada.
In Australia, Bundaberg is bringing back its Spiced Ginger Beer, a holiday edition with a blend of cinnamon and cloves. Meanwhile, in Singapore, Perrier has unveiled Maison Perrier, a collection of sparkling waters in six refreshing flavours, along with mocktail-inspired beverages like Rosélinni (peach) and Lemonjito (lemon).
Simpsons Beverages: 90 years of innovating flavours for drink brands
With over 90 years of experience, Simpsons Beverages specializes in crafting innovative drinks across various categories. Our expertise can help bring unique and exciting flavours to your brand. Reach out today to learn how our NPD experts in our on-site innovation centre can support your next project.
Image source: Trendhub The Food People 2024
