As we delve into Drink Trends March 2025, the beverage industry is continuing to evolve, driven by consumer preferences for bold flavours, functional benefits, and innovative combinations. From the resurgence of banana in cocktails to the growing influence of spices and tropical flavours, drink brands are capitalising on emerging trends that redefine how we experience beverages. Here’s a comprehensive look at the most significant drink trends shaping the industry this month.
Banana cocktails: A rising star in mixology
Banana is no longer just a nostalgic childhood flavour or a tropical vacation staple—it is now a serious contender in contemporary cocktails. Once limited to thick and overly sweet drinks, banana is being redefined in the craft cocktail world, offering depth, complexity, and versatility.
Why banana?
Banana’s natural sweetness and creamy texture make it an exceptional addition to cocktails, complementing both bold and subtle flavour profiles. Bartenders worldwide are embracing banana’s ability to enhance spirits like dark rum and smoky mezcal. Notable examples include the Midnight Banana at Mullets in Mt. Lebanon, US, which combines Jamaican rum, banana liqueur, ginger liqueur, cold brew, and vanilla for a sophisticated blend. Another example is The Scoundrel at Greenville, US, which features spiced rum and brûléed banana, offering a more refined take on the classic pairing. Meanwhile, The Clemente Bar and Studio in NYC presents Plátano de mi Ojo, a well-balanced cocktail that brings together tequila, mezcal, banana liqueur, Licor 43, and espresso liqueur.
The growing popularity of banana-based cocktails presents significant opportunities for drink brands. Banana liqueurs, syrups, and premium banana-infused spirits are becoming essential bar ingredients. Additionally, the ready-to-drink (RTD) sector stands to benefit, with potential for banana espresso martinis and other banana-forward beverages.
The spice revolution: Bold flavours & functional appeal
Spices, long confined to the culinary world, are making their mark in the beverage industry. Consumer interest in natural ingredients and functional benefits is driving innovation, bringing bold flavours and enhanced sensory appeal to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Aromatic versatility in beverages
The inclusion of spices in beverages adds complexity and depth. Cardamom, traditionally used in chai and Arabic coffee, is now enhancing craft sodas and wellness beverages. Saffron is making its way into aperitifs, liqueurs, and beers, with a notable example being the saffron gose by Quayle’s Brewery in the US. Turmeric, a widely recognized superfood, is finding its place in sodas, cocktails, and immunity shots, as embraced by brands like Mahendra Kaka Ni Soda in India. Ginger remains a staple in kombucha, wellness shots, and sodas for its bold flavour and digestive benefits.
Spicy ingredients like peppercorns and tamarind are also gaining traction. Sichuan and pink peppercorns add floral and citrus notes to cocktails, while tamarind brings a tangy-sweet profile to sodas and mixed drinks. These elements contribute to an exciting wave of spice-driven beverage innovation.
The surge of tropical beverage flavours
Tropical flavours are taking the beverage industry by storm, transforming both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink categories with their vibrant and exotic appeal.
Why tropical flavours are trending
Tropical fruits such as pineapple, mango, passionfruit, and guava offer a naturally sweet yet tangy taste, creating an escapist sensory experience. This trend is particularly strong in product innovation, with brands blending tropical flavours with functional benefits.
Leading brands & products
The RTD market is seeing exciting innovations, such as Served in the UK leading with a Lychee Martini, while Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop in the US brings a Passionfruit RTD to consumers looking for tropical convenience. The hard tea and kombucha sectors are also expanding with tropical flavours. Jiant Hard Tea in the US offers Pineapple Lime and Tropical Mango varieties, while Zip Kombucha infuses coconut into its sparkling hard tea.
The hard seltzer category continues to evolve, with Apres Drinks in the US introducing passionfruit-infused seltzers and Fellr in Australia launching double watermelon-flavoured seltzers. Meanwhile, the low and no-alcohol category is capitalising on tropical trends with brands like Mingle Mocktails in the US and Wicklow Wolf in Ireland incorporating mango, coconut, and pineapple into their alcohol-free beverages.
With consumers craving vibrant and refreshing flavours, tropical beverages offer immense opportunities for brands to innovate.
Seasonal & quick-serve drink innovations
As spring arrives, quick-serve restaurants (QSRs) are rolling out exciting new beverages to attract customers. This season, there is a clear focus on functional ingredients, nostalgia-driven flavours, and unique specialty drinks.
Notable spring releases
Black Sheep Coffee in the UK is launching functional lattes infused with mushrooms and prebiotics, appealing to health-conscious consumers. KFC’s Kwench in Manchester, UK, introduces an indulgent and refreshing drink line to expand its beverage offerings. In the US, Dunkin’ and Biggby Coffee are bringing back seasonal lattes featuring fresh, spring-inspired flavours. Perfy is pushing boundaries with an unexpected Pepperoni Pizza Soda, adding a novelty element to the market. Meanwhile, McDonald’s is reviving the Shamrock Shake, tapping into consumer nostalgia, while Starbucks Japan celebrates cherry blossom season with Sakura drinks.
QSRs are leveraging seasonal trends to enhance customer engagement and create limited-time offerings that drive sales.
Soft drink innovations: Expanding flavour horizons
The soft drink sector is undergoing a dynamic transformation, with brands introducing bold and unexpected flavours to capture consumer interest.
Latest soft drink launches
Dr Pepper has unveiled a Blackberry variant, available in both regular and zero-sugar versions in the US. Coca-Cola has released an Orange Cream flavour in the US and Canada, inspired by the classic Creamsicle taste. 7UP Tropical is now a permanent addition in the US, blending mango and peach flavours. Pepsi UK has expanded its portfolio with a Strawberries & Cream variant, offering a nostalgic twist. Mountain Dew has introduced a Honey Dew flavour, exclusively available in Canada. Sprite has launched a Strawberry Kiwi variant in the US, and Tango UK has debuted Strawberry Smash, a blend of strawberry and pineapple flavours.
The soft drink industry is embracing bold, fruity, and nostalgic flavours, appealing to a diverse range of consumer palates.
Drink Trends March 2025, highlight an exciting period of innovation in the beverage industry. Banana cocktails are emerging as sophisticated contenders, while spices and tropical flavours continue to drive product development. Quick-serve restaurants are leveraging seasonal trends, and the soft drink market is pushing the boundaries of flavour experimentation.
For drink brands, these trends present a wealth of opportunities to create unique, engaging, and functional beverages that cater to evolving consumer preferences. By embracing these innovations, brands can stay ahead of the curve and shape the future of the beverage industry in 2025 and beyond. Chat to our NPD team today to discuss your next project.
Image source: Trendhub The Food People 2025
