S2 E30 Cocktails With Friends Hotline | 2025 Trends

S2 E30 Hotline | 2025 Trends

Bob Cutler answers a hotline question about what cocktails will trend in 2025, pointing to the Paper Plane as the likely cocktail of the year due to its consistent recipe and balance. While Espresso Martinis remain popular, bartenders are experimenting with mezcal and bourbon twists to keep them fresh. Beyond that, Bob highlights the growing influence of miso-infused cocktails, tea-based drinks, and the continued rise of mezcal, reflecting broader shifts in drinking habits. The key takeaway? Watch grocery store trends for clues to cocktail culture shifts, and support your favorite drinks, bars, and brands with positive word-of-mouth and reviews.

Key Topics

• The Decline of Creamy Cocktails & Espresso Martini Evolution: Why bartenders are pushing for new variations.

• The Paper Plane’s Rise as the Cocktail of the Year: What makes it so balanced, easy to replicate, and universally enjoyable.

• What’s Next in Cocktail Culture: The rise of miso, tea-based drinks, mezcal, and shifting industry trends.

Episode Index

• (0:57) – Espresso Martinis Are Evolving: While still popular, variations using mezcal and bourbon are emerging as bartenders innovate to keep the drink fresh.

• (1:41) – The Paper Plane Will Dominate 2025: This equal-parts whiskey cocktail (bourbon, lemon juice, Aperol, Amaro Nonino) is projected as the next major trend.

• (9:45) – Miso and Tea-Based Cocktails Are on the Rise: Expect to see miso-infused drinks and tea-based cocktails (both hot and cold) as new flavor profiles enter the mainstream.

• (10:47) – Mezcal is the Next Big Spirit: As whiskey trends slightly down, mezcal and tequila continue their rapid rise, bringing more smoky and complex cocktails into the spotlight.

• (20:37) – Cocktail Trends Follow Grocery Store Trends: As tea grows in popularity as a consumer product, expect tea-based cocktails to flourish in bars.