It’s that time of year when many in the restaurant industry enhance their beverage program, updating drinks and menus as spring gives way to summer. Gone are the apple ciders and white chocolate peppermint martinis. Have you decided what’s going to replace them?
Recently, F&B Insights took a deep dive into the top four trending beverages of 2024 and compared their pricing year-over-year. The most popular drink saw a price increase of 10%, demonstrating the forever reliable price versus demand. Have you noticed how gas prices start to climb as soon as people start planning their summer vacations?
Well, that’s a little like these four trending beverages. Most everyone wants one, and they’re willing to pay for it. Is it on your menu, and are you charging enough? Or are you affecting demand and charging too much? That’s where F&B Insights comes in, sharing the menus of local and national brands, allowing you to price compare.
Let’s explore the popular drinks of 2024 and see which ones might align with your brand.
Sidecar
Coming in at number four is Sidecar, a classic, refreshing cocktail, just the type of beverage appealing to today’s restaurant-goers. F&B Insights reports it’s up about 4% compared to last year, and bars and restaurants are pricing it anywhere from $16 – $19 in the major cities, making it one of the priciest on the list. Invented in World War I, not everyone agrees upon the origins of its interesting name. According to Liquor.com, Dale DeGroff, also known as “King Cocktail,” believes it was named for the mixture remaining in the shaker after pouring the drink. Served alongside the cocktail in a shot glass, it provides added guest value and the opportunity to tell an interesting story. In today’s world, the stories you share about the beverages you serve are almost as important as the taste and presentation. The Recipe 2 oz. VSOP Cognac 1 oz. Cointreau ¾ oz. Fresh Lemon Juice Coat the rim in lemon and granulated sugar, shake, strain, and serve with a lemon or orange twist.Aperol Spritz
This drink is akin to the Kansas City Chiefs, always on top, year after year. For some, it’s a welcome tradition. For others, it’s repetitive and slightly annoying. Wherever you fall, the Aperol Spritz is probably a drink that already graces your menu, or it should. Refreshing and fizzy, it defines a summer beverage program. F&B Insights places it at number three, with a 5% increase from last year. It ranges from $13 – $15 in the major metropolitan areas of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami. This iconic Italian aperitif came to life in 1919 and is a popular option in the Northern cities of Venice and Milan. Its aromatic botanicals and sparkling water or wine make it a thirst-quenching favorite that reached mass appeal in the U.S. in the 2010s and is still going strong. The Recipe 3 oz. Prosecco (One of the top recommendations is Bisol Crede Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore) 2 oz. Aperol 1 oz. Club Soda Add the ingredients to an ice-filled glass and garnish with an orange slice.Paper Plane
Another drink worthy of a story, Melbourne’s Sam Ross, co-owner of the legendary Attaboy in New York, is accredited with making cocktail history. Not only is he the designated creator of the Paper Plane, but he and his business partner, Michael McIlroy, received the title of North America’s Best Bar in 2022. Ross named the drink after the hit song “Paper Planes,’ by the British hip hop artist M.I.A. Said to satirize the widespread negative stereotypes of immigrants, unlike the drink, it garnered its fair share of controversy. Today, Paper Plane’s vibrant color and bittersweet flavor make it a favorite among bourbon fans. F&B places it at number two, increasing 6% YoY and averaging $15 – $18. The Recipe This hard-to-mess-up recipe is made with equal parts of all ingredients. 1.5 oz. Amaro, such as Nonino 1.5 oz. Aperol 1.5 oz. Bourbon 1.5 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice Shake, strain, and garnish with an orange peel.Espresso Martini
And the winner of the top trendy drink is, wait for it, the espresso martini. Did you see that coming? No? Neither did I. In light of today’s diners enjoying caffeinated cocktails, we probably should have seen the writing on the wall. Frothy, caffeinated, with espresso beans dotting the surface, it’s made for those who have embraced the current martini craze while wanting a wake-up call at the same time. F&B’s data reveals a 10% jump from last year, with prices ranging from $15 – $18. You’ll also find that it’s not just Americans who have risen this noble drink to fame. It’s the number-one cocktail in Australia. The Recipe 2 oz. Vodka, like Grey Goose 1 oz. Coffee Liqueur (Mr. Black, St. George’s NOLA, and Borghetti di Vero Caffe Expresso Liqueur are top contenders) 1 oz. Room Temperature Expresso Shake, pour, and garnish with three coffee beans. At F&B Insights, we provide restaurants, bars, and suppliers with the data they need to thrive in our current competitive market. AI-driven menu pricing ensures you’re not leaving money on the table or pricing yourself out of the market. With access to the world’s largest menu database, you always know what your competitors are offering and their prices. To learn more about F&B Insights or to schedule a free trial, contact F&B Insights today.