Mocha Mousse – Pantone colour of the year
Drink Trends January 2025 highlight a world of exciting opportunities for drink brands as the consumer landscape continues to evolve. This year, the Pantone Colour of the YearโMocha Mousse ushers in a trend inspired by comfort, indulgence, and the delectable flavours of chocolate and coffee.
Mocha Mousse embodies the rise of “little treat culture,” focusing on personal indulgence and self-care. ย Consumers are seeking more than just beveragesโthey want experiences of comfort, warmth, and richness in every sip.
Beverage brands can embrace this trend by introducing products that celebrate the Mocha Mousse theme. For example, Dunkin’ Spiked has launched a 6% ABV peppermint mocha iced latte, blending the comfort of coffee and chocolate with an alcoholic twist.
The possibilities for drinksโfrom boozy creations to cosy hot chocolatesโare endless. ย Innovations in non-alcoholic drinks crafting drinks that balance indulgent flavours with modern preferencesโthink vegan, low-sugar, or functional benefitsโcan help brands capture a wider audience.
Alcohol-free Christmas celebrations โ A growing trendย
The trend toward alcohol-free celebrations continues to gain momentum, with 21% of UK Christmas parties in 2024 expected to have been alcohol-free, according to event booking platform Togather. This shift, driven largely by Gen Zโs preferences and a rising interest in health-conscious living, presents a significant opportunity for drink brands.
With 74% of respondents citing health as their top reason for choosing alcohol-free or low-alcohol options, there is a growing demand for creative mocktails, artisanal sodas, and other innovative non-alcoholic beverages. These parties, often hosted in Instagram-worthy venues with bold entertainment and larger-than-life themes, are increasingly becoming high-budget, premium events. For brands, this is a chance to align with health-focused celebrations and redefine social drinking with innovative, high-quality offerings.
Drink brands kickstart the New Year with innovative January launches focused on health
January, known for New Yearโs resolutions, is a time when health-conscious consumers prioritize wellness and actively seek products that align with their goals. This month provides an ideal opportunity for beverage brands to introduce innovative products that cater to this health-focused mindset.
White Claw 0% is a game-changer in the non-alcoholic seltzer space, following its successful US debut. With premium flavor and complexity that rival alcoholic options, this beverage features hydrating electrolytes, low sugar, and just 15 calories per can. Itโs a perfect choice for those seeking a guilt-free, refreshing alternative. This product exemplifies how drink industry trends are driving demand for sophisticated non-alcoholic options with health benefits.
The Australian brand Raw C is redefining hydration with its naturally low-sugar coconut waters. Free from artificial additives, the range offers five bold flavors: Pineapple, Watermelon, Sparkling Lychee, Sparkling Ginger Beer, and Sparkling Kola. Packed with natural electrolytes, Raw C is an excellent choice for consumers focused on hydration and overall wellness, reflecting the rise of health-centric drink industry trends.
Cowbell Hydration, an innovative offering from a leading US beverage company, is designed for optimal hydration with a scientifically formulated 4:1 sodium-to-potassium ratio. Featuring a clean label, low calories, and added electrolytes, this drink supports fitness enthusiasts and everyday consumers in meeting their wellness goals. It highlights the broader drink industry trend of functional beverages that cater to active lifestyles.
Starbucks 2025 winter drinks menu โ flavours to watch
The leaked US Starbucks 2025 Winter menu showcases a blend of bold and innovative options that highlight evolving beverage preferences. The lineup includes elevated coffee experiences, such as cortados made with ristretto shots, alongside fruit- and herb-infused offerings like the Blackberry Sage Refresher. Indulgent choices such as the Chocolate Hazelnut Cookie Cold Brew and Pistachio Latte also reflect growing interest in plant-based and unique flavour combinations. These trends point to a continued focus on variety, creativity, and catering to diverse tastes in the coffee and beverage space.
Meanwhile, Premier Inn has introduced the “Dream Catcher,” a vodka-based cocktail designed to stand out with its signature purple hue. Featuring a Parma Violet flavour and a vegan foam topping resembling clouds, this enchanting pre-bottled drink is aimed at capturing the imagination. Its elegant design and innovative flavour profile position it as a competitor to New Yorkโs classic martini, offering a sophisticated option for modern consumers.
Listening bars: emerging trend and strategic opportunity
Listening bars are an emerging trend due to their unique blend of nostalgia and modernity, catering to consumers’ growing desire for immersive and meaningful experiences. Rooted in the Japanese Kissa culture of the 1920s, these venues offer a communal space for music enthusiasts to reconnect with high-quality, analogue sound, often delivered through vinyl and state-of-the-art audio systems. This counters the dominance of algorithmic playlists, offering a tactile, authentic experienceโ.
For drink brands, listening bars offer unique opportunities to showcase innovative cocktails, natural wines, and premium spirits. Their curated beverage lists align with the venues’ focus on quality and craftsmanship, often highlighting sustainability and novel ingredients. Events like wine tastings, album launches, and themed nights allow brands to engage directly with consumersโ.
These bars also foster a sophisticated atmosphere, attracting a discerning audience interested in culture and quality. The integration of retail elements, such as bottle shops, provides additional avenues for product placement and salesโ. By collaborating with listening bars, drink brands can position themselves as part of an upscale, experiential movement, enhancing visibility and consumer loyalty in a growing trendโ.
Let us help your brand stay one step ahead
As Drink Trends January 2025 set the tone for indulgence and health, we invite you to collaborate with us on your next project. From concept to launch, our commitment to excellence ensures your brand stays ahead in the dynamic world of beverages. Contact us today to explore the possibilities!