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The holiday season brings unique opportunities for foodservice operators to elevate their beverage programs and capture increased consumer spending. With 19% of restaurants now offering non-alcoholic cocktails and the category experiencing 38% growth over the past decade, savvy operators are recognizing the profit potential in crafting inclusive beverage menus that appeal to all guests*.
This comprehensive guide demonstrates how to craft a festive beverage program that maximizes revenue, addresses diverse holiday preferences, and keeps your operation ahead of market trends. You’ll discover trending flavors, insights from current market data, and actionable strategies to help you drive beverage sales throughout the season and beyond.
The Growing Market for Holiday Beverage Innovation
Today’s beverage landscape has evolved dramatically, with consumers seeking sophisticated options beyond traditional sodas and juices. Fine dining establishments lead the charge, 45.3% now feature non-alcoholic cocktails, and fast-casual concepts have witnessed 137% growth in this category over the last decade.*
The holiday season amplifies this demand as guests celebrate with friends, family, and colleagues who may prefer alcohol-free options. Restaurants typically offer an average of just two non-alcoholic cocktails on their menus, leaving plenty of room for more creative options.
Regional dynamics matter: the Northeast favors sophisticated options like the Phony Negroni (188% above the national average), while southern regions gravitate toward fruit-forward picks with peach and agave leading trends. Understanding your local market is crucial for tailoring offerings that resonate during peak celebrations.
Click for Recipe Inspiration:
Trending Flavors That Drive Holiday Revenue:
Ginger
Now appearing in 13.2% of menus, ginger has seen a 24% growth in presence. This spicy, warming ingredient is valued for its versatility, adding a kick to everything from teas and tonics to seasonal cocktails.
Recipe:
Apple & Chai
These two beloved flavors perform exceptionally well in limited-time offers (LTOs) during fall and winter. Chai’s spiced complexity and apple’s crisp sweetness resonate strongly with seasonal trends and consumer preferences.
Recipe:
Cranberry
As a quintessential holiday flavor, cranberry continues to lead seasonal menus. Its tart yet sweet profile is featured prominently in both sweet and savory dishes, making it a staple in festive offerings.
Recipe:
Spritz Variations
Spritz cocktails, known for their refreshing and effervescent nature, have seen a remarkable 43% year-over-year growth. These variations, often featuring unique flavor infusions or twists on classics, are becoming a go-to choice for consumers seeking lighter, sophisticated drink options.
Other Trending Flavors
Market and seasonal data reveal standout flavor profiles perfectly suited to holiday celebrations:
Cinnamon: and other warming spices: Warming spices, led by cinnamon, are gaining strong momentum. Their comforting and aromatic profiles make them a popular choice for seasonal drinks, particularly in fall and winter offerings.*
Honey-based drinks: Honey is becoming a favored natural sweetener in the beverage world, with a 28% increase in popularity. Offering a balance of sweetness and depth, honey-based drinks appeal to those looking for wholesome and flavorful alternatives.*
Grapefruit: With a 51% surge in popularity, grapefruit is excelling as a zesty and versatile ingredient in both cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. Its bold, tangy flavor makes it a favorite for consumers seeking refreshing and citrusy options.*
Lime: Lime: Lime continues to shine as a key citrus ingredient, with a 26% increase in demand. Its bright, tart flavor is essential in a variety of drinks, from classic cocktails like margaritas to modern mocktails.*
Citrus and spice deliver the crisp, warming notes guests expect, while tea-based and chai beverages are emerging as innovative alternatives, offering complexity for pairings and operational versatility. Don’t overlook globally inspired flavors, such as ube and black tea, to offer something exciting and on-trend for your guests.*
Building Your Bridge to Festive Holiday Beverage Success
Holiday beverage excellence comes from the intersection of market insight, creativity, and rock-solid execution. By leveraging current consumer trends, embracing innovative flavors, and focusing on both guest and operational needs, you’ll set your beverage program and your bottom line up for lasting holiday success.
From developing signature menu items to delivering on-site product training, our experienced culinary team is here to help you elevate your beverage program and drive participation as you continue building your bridge to local sales success.
Are you ready to capture the full potential of the holiday beverage surge? Connect with Affinity Group today for a personalized consultation.
*Datassentials Consumer Preferences, Menu Trends