The 5 Cocktail Trends Everyone Will Be Enjoying in 2026

Even though nonalcoholic beverages have seen a huge increase in popularity in recent years, cocktail culture isn't going away. It's simply evolving into a new form focused on connection, with Gen Z drinkers leading the way.

To offer insight into what to expect at bars and venues in the coming year, Bacardi partnered with trend forecasters, The Future Laboratory, to produce its annual 2026 Cocktail Trends Report. Drawing on consumer surveys, bartender interviews, global data, and its network of brand ambassadors, the spirits brand has uncovered the key trends taking over in 2026. From low-ABV spritzes to glamorous cocktails, here's what people will be sipping in the new year.

Earlier Dinners and Happy Hours

According to Bacardi, happy hour is back, with the rise of "daycaps," which are cocktails enjoyed after the workday instead of late at night. The report revealed that people are heading out to socialize earlier in the evenings. Notably, younger consumers are leading the charge, with over 51 percent of people in France and 34 percent of those in the U.S. embracing the after-work routine.

Along with this trend comes low-ABV spritzes, smaller serves like mini martinis, and dessert-inspired cocktails that serve as "sweet treats" for younger generations. In fact, Bacardi predicts the Piña Colada will be one of the most popular drinks of 2026.

This return to happy hour is also impacting dinner times. In the U.K., for example, the average dinner reservation now sits at 6:12 p.m., with just 2 percent of bookings made for after 9 p.m., according to the report.

Game Nights Out

With 84 percent of consumers saying technology has made social interactions feel less personal, bars and liquor brands are promoting screen-free gatherings, communal serves, analog entertainment, and rituals that spark real conversation. It's about offering community-driven experiences that give drinkers not just somewhere to go, but somewhere to belong.

This trend is also inspiring events that incorporate hobbies, like game nights. For example, mahjong paired with cocktails is popular in San Francisco, and in other parts of the U.S., Canada, and Germany, board games, trivia, and cards are fast replacing dance floors as a way to connect, with almost half (47 percent) of Canadian Gen Zers and 39 percent of consumers in Germany noting game nights are a key draw to a venue, according to Bacardi.

Using Local Sources

According to the report, bartenders are getting inspired by local flavors and looking to micro-farms, regional ecologies, and scientific experimentation to mix things up. And customers are following suit. The report reveals that more than 80 percent of U.S. consumers read labels before deciding to buy a product, with almost two-thirds (63 percent) paying more attention to label information compared to five years ago. Among the information, the region of origin is key for over three-quarters (77 percent) of consumers.

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Creating Immersive Experiences

Drinks brands are now going beyond beverages to create lifestyle experiences that blend fashion, music, design, travel, and sport. According to the report, Gen Z and millennials choose brands that reflect their identity, with 70 percent of people saying emotional engagement drives loyalty. Bars and brands are responding with immersive cocktail worlds, drink characters, playlist pairings, traveling pop-up menus, and branded sensory elements like scent, sound, and storytelling. Cocktail menu design is also going bigger and bolder, with elaborate themes and intricate formats that reflect the venue.

Celebrating Maximalist Mixology

Even though people may be drinking earlier in the day, the party vibes are still going strong, with glamorous cocktails and over-the-top concoctions on the rise. According to the report findings, over three-quarters of survey participants (76 percent) value heightened, memorable experiences, as bars embrace edible pearls, metallic garnishes, fire presentations, and high-drama glassware.