22 drinks trends you need to know in 2025

Of all the trends rippling through the UK drinks scene, the biggest impact and sales driver is health and wellbeing.

Those products boasting added nutritional and functional benefits, or that fit into conscious consumerism, are experiencing massive growth, and are being seen by experts as the ‘ones to watch’.

The healthier drinks sector can be separated roughly into three parts.

Firstly, no and low alcohol. The demographic for alcohol-free or low-alcohol beers, spirits and cocktails is vast, ranging from Gen Z (who are tending to drink less than the generations before them), to Millennials, who are alternating between alcohol and alcohol-free, and those who more generally are cutting back to improve their lifestyle.

A second area of interest is low-calorie and low-sugar products, affected by both HFSS regulations, and a switch in consumer perceptions. The ongoing conversation around UPFs means they’re seeking out more natural options in this space, rather than those with chemical additives. According to the British Soft Drinks Assocation’s most recent report, low and no calorie drink sales are up, and 90% of all dilutables sold in the UK in 2023 were marketed as having few or no calories. Those brands and retailers that can combine trending flavour profiles with natural, calorie-free sweeteners, then, are onto a winner.

The third concern for consumers is functionality – which is seen as perhaps the biggest category for growth in health drinks right now. ‘Clean’ energy in the form of green tea-extracted L-Theanine,  added B12 and coffee; added protein and collagen; functional mushrooms; gut-friendly bacteria, and female hormone health supporting ingredients such as ashwagandha and magnesium are all causing a buzz that savvy retailers shouldn’t ignore.

Outside of the realms of health, in soft drinks shoppers are looking for interesting, quirky juices, juice shots, anything containing matcha, and ‘posh pop’, taking cue either from global flavours seen on social media platforms, or nostalgic, traditional tastes from childhood.

And in alcohol, there’s been a tide change too. English rum, especially those with added spices or botanicals, are taking off, joined by the more exotic infused gins and vodkas, Mexican spirits and RTD cocktails – for which there’s a massive appetite, with growth indicated at nearly 50% between 2018 and 2022 in the 2024 Simpson’s Beverage Report. The popularity of RTD cocktails has naturally spilled over into wine in the last two years. Canned wine has seen a shift in quality and premiumisation that’s translated into greater appeal, with Mintel’s data showing canned wine from a favourite brand appeals to 40% of drinkers, or 61% of 18 to 34-year-olds, primarily because the format helps them to moderate.

Read on to discover more of the need-to-know products you should be stocking in 2025.

1. Craft soda

The move towards moderation (or skipping alcohol entirely) has inspired a great deal of innovation in the soft drinks industry, particularly around craft sodas. And consumers are lapping them up, keen to explore a new world of flavour combinations and formats, from fancy iced tea, to reimaginings of childhood classics. 

Many of the top sellers are erring towards the low-cal market, such as Riviera’s Peach Iced Tea – a new, all-natural, vegan, non-carbonated drink inspired by the Med.

We also like Luscombe Drinks’ sunshiney Sicilian Citrus Crush, made with Sicilian lemons and oranges grown near Mount Etna, The London Essence Co’s Aromatic Orange & Fig Crafted Soda (interesting enough to drink on its own), Soda Folk’s creamy, dreamy Cream Soda, packed with real Madagascan vanilla, and Jolly’s Pink Lemonade, crafted in the West Country with Cornish spring water, mint and strawberries.

Modern takes on ‘posh pop’ include Rapsacallion Soda (their Cranachan is pudding in a can), and Idyll, which favours using wild and natural British fruits and botanicals in its blends.

2. Health shots

Whether at the gym, on the school run, or at the office, consumers can’t get enough of health shots, as a nifty, quick way to dose up on key nutrients. Ginger and turmeric are the ingredients to watch in this category.

MOJU’s Fresh Root Ginger Shots hit the market bang on the money, being made with 20% Peruvian ginger, apple, acerola cherry and lemon, Plenish’s Beet Balance delivers 100% of your daily recommended amount of Vitamin B6, and Jinger’s Pineapple & Ginger Shot is zippy and refreshing.

3. Low and no

The low and no market continues to outperform against the majority of traditional alcohol categories, with analysts at the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) reporting a 10% decrease in wines and spirits, against a 23% rise in low and no last year.

The sector even has its own vernacular now. ‘Book ending’ is starting and finishing your evening with a non-alcoholic beverage, while ‘zebra striping’ involves alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

When it comes to what to stock, Djin’s Nature Passion (a non-alcoholic, sugar-free, gluten-free gin) is the most titled non-alcoholic gin alternative in the world and worth checking out. As is Clausthaler’s Dry Hopper beer – recognised amongst experts as one of the best in the category.

And Sandford Orchards’ Red Zero cider was recently voted the best alcohol-free cider, crafted traditionally, using British cider apples.

We also Like Prano Cardamom – an all-natural non-alcoholic ginger-based aperitif, and Citizen Spritz’s elegant, award-winning bottled mocktails.

4. Gourmet cordials

We love a cordial in the UK. Richer, spicier flavours will be warmed on the stove to take off the winter chill. While bright, fresh varieties can be showcased in myriad ways. Stirred in still or sparkling water. As a fanciful finish to a glass of bubbly. Or even drizzled liberally over puddings and fresh fruit. Consumers are loving either nostalgic, traditional, botanical tastes, or a hint of the tropics right now.

Belvoir’s Elderflower & Rose Cordial is a good bet for summer, mixing beautifully into still or sparkling water, or even in sparkling wine as an aperitif.

Country Cordials’ Ruby Lemon sparks nostalgia, combining strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrant and lemon.

And Bristol Syrup Company is doing loads of cool things with cordials, including mixing up Disco Grenadine – a fruitilicious syrup made with raspberry and sweet pomegranate with myriad uses.

5. Flavoured water

HFSS regulations have perhaps impacted the soft drinks market most, inspiring a new generation of brands to formulate products that are either low in or free from sugar. One of the most exciting areas of growth is flavoured water. Often containing zero calories, they’ve got mass appeal – particularly amongst parents wating the limit the amount of sugar their children consume.

Cans Cherry uses pure water from the Alps and real fruit juice, with no added sugar, sweeteners or anything artificial. Dash Water marries filtered spring water with natural flavourings from ‘wonky’ fruit that would otherwise go to waste. And Marlish is canned at source in Northumberland, blending slowly filtered spring water with natural flavours, such as Sicilian lemon extract, coming in at less than 4 calories per can.

6. Functional

Consumers want more from their food and drink in 2025, and brands across categories are constantly seeking out ways to appeal to their desire for products with added function.

Topping the functional drink charts are those infused with nootropics (such as mushrooms) which aid both relaxation and focus, CBD (for inflammation and wellbeing), and minerals and adaptogens for enhanced hormone health, such as magnesium and ashwagandha. 

We like Muush’s Rhubarb & Apple (a non-alcoholic mixer combining tart rhubarb, crisp apple and functional mushrooms), Three Spirits’ calming Nightcap elixir, Quirky Monkey’s Reishi Mushroom Coffee Infusion, Punchy Drinks’ Blueberry Hydration Drink, Grass & Co’s Liquid Relax (with reishi, ashwagandha, magnesium and Vitamin B6), and Kin Euphorics’ Kin Spritz.

7. Natural energy

Sugar-laden drinks pumped with artificial colourings are out (even with the traditional younger target consumer) and are being replaced by ‘clean’ options that offer a natural boost from plant extracts.

Virtue Drinks’ Clean Energy gives a boost with natural yerba mate and green tea extracts and added B vitamins. We like Brite’s Lemon Lime drink, which is sugar free, and packed with green tea, green coffee bean extract, organic ceremonial grade matcha and guarana. And Gusto Organic’s Kola is a 100% natural energy drink with kola nut, guarana and 14 botanicals.

8. Health boosting

Vitamin C has long been added to fruit juices and cordials to boost drinks’ health claims, but within the last two years this space has increased hugely, particularly across RTDs, as consumers look to enhance their diets with easy fixes. 

B Vitamins (for energy) and magnesium (a calming mineral responsible for more than 300 processes in the body) appear to be making the biggest impact, alongside superfoods such as turmeric and ginger.

Dr Funk’s range of cans each have their own unique health-promoting properties, such as the mango and violet-flavoured Vital Edition, with magnesium and six added vitamins.

Agua de Madre’s newest launch is Remedio – a fermented elixir packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants and designed to be enjoyed as a soothing natural remedy when you’re feeling at a low ebb.

Or put a spring in your step with Revibed’s Passionfruit & Ginger superfood infusion, with added ginger root, turmeric and black pepper extract – and no sugar.

9. Kombucha

Kombucha’s appeal as a gut-friendly, low-sugar drink has moved out of the health food sector and firmly into the mainstream in the last two years. Investment across the category has made this a competitive space, with something for every kombucha drinker – from the newbie who wants to try a gentler product, to those moderating their alcohol consumption, and die-hard fans craving kombucha at the more tart, piquant end of the scale. 

We like the gentle taste of Oichi’s White Grape, Verbena and Citrus version, which is wonderful for celebrations – as is Saicho’s complex Darjeeling Sparkling Tea, with notes of stone fruit.

Suma’s ever-growing range is worth seeking out too, with flavours including Cola, and Peach & Turmeric.

10. Gut-friendly

Everyone is obsessed with their guts right now thanks to the work of Tim Spector and other leading scientists, who’ve shown that everything from our weight to our mental wellbeing is impacted by the balance of bacteria and viruses which live in our tummies.

There is still much, much more to learn, but in the meantime, the message is clear: to improve health we should be eating more fibre, and introducing more varieties of plant foods to our diets.

The drinks sector has responded, with an ever-growing collection of fibre-added and gut-supportive products coming to market.

Willy’s Apple Switchel is one we like in this space, as is the entire Fhirst range (especially Cherry Vanilla) which really deliver on flavour, while containing no added sugar, and 2 billion stable living probiotic cultures alongside 5g of prebiotic fibre. Dalston’s has a gut-friendly range too now – Happy Gut, filled with 3g of dietery fibre, zinc, magnesium and calcium. 

We’re also fans of Happy Inside, whose drinks with prebiotic fibre, are non-sparkling and sugar free.

11. Botanical

Wonderfully wild flavours, from herbs and spices to floral infusions, are striking a chord with consumers, who love the uniqueness they bring to the glass.

Multi award-winning Botivo is gaining rapid traction in this space with its non-alcoholic aperitivo, infused with rosemary, wormwood, orange zest, gentian and thyme.

We can’t get enough of Pomello’s luscious Elderflower & Grapefruit Aperitif. And LA Brewery’s Sparkling White Rose kombucha is a stunning wine alternative for al fresco dining, enhanced with white rose petals and elderflower.

Another brand we’re enjoying at the moment is Foreva Farmers, whose Elderflower & Honey Tonic Water is subtly sweet and utterly refreshing, made with real elderflower and local honey on the brand’s Herefordshire farm.

12. Matcha

Sales of matcha have grown dramatically in the last 12 months, making this green tea the ‘it’ drink of the moment. It’s a must-stock for today’s cafes and retailers. If you want to buy the best, go for ceremonial grade, which is crafted from the young, most delicious cream of the crop.

Matcha and Beyond’s Chai Matcha really taps into what consumers want right now in a home and coffee shop serve, bringing together the finest matcha from tea fields in Kagoshima, Japan, with warming spices from India and Sri Lanka in a sugar-free blend. OMGTea’s Organic Matcha Grade AAA is super premium with a sweet, umami taste. And Grind has just launched its own at-home matcha tea, following the hugely successful launch last year of its RTD matcha lattes.

13. Grapefruit

No bar is without grapefruit tonic, soda, bitters or spirits at the moment. Tart, sweet and bitter all at once, the citrus fruit’s star has risen alongside tequila – they’re a match made in heaven. We’re fans of Malvern Gin’s Malvern Cello Lemon – the distiller’s take on a classic limoncello, infusing a neutral base spirit with Italian lemon peel and pink grapefruit peel. It really packs a punch.

14. Rhubarb

An absolute British classic, and increasingly sought after flavour profile by consumers when they reach the drinks aisle thanks to its nostalgic taste.

Redcastle Gin’s Blood Orange & Rhubarb Gin Liqueur is a winner, as are Drinks Kitchen’s Spiced Rhubarb non-alcoholic aperitif with juniper, ginger and chilli, and Wildjac’s Rhubarb Rum. - now also available in a Frugal bottle.

15. Global flavours

Help your customers take their tastebuds on a trip around the world by bringing a few quirky flavours to the drinks aisle. Think tropical fruits, exotic spices and mystical botanicals.

Carving a path in this space is Chapmans of London, which is being seen at some of London’s bougiest locations with its Original Chapmans Drink – a Nigerian speciality of sparkling blackcurrant, blood orange, pomegranate, cucumber and bitters.

The yuzu craze isn’t going anywhere, and Diistil’s Yuzu Distillate really brings out the unique flavour of this Asian delicacy.

Or head to India, with Desi Daru’s colourfully-bottled Alphonso Mango Vodka, crafted using English wheat, and distilled seven times for the smoothest finish.

16. Spiced and botanical rum

Rum (especially spiced rum) is hitting the spot as producers pay more attention to expressing and marketing the botanicals and spices they use, following in the footsteps of the craft gin industry.

Some cracking varieties are coming out of the UK at the moment. Exeter’s Two Drifters Rum is carbon negative, aged in French oak and ex-Madeira casks, with gentle notes of orange peel and muscovado. Rum Bothy’s Spiced Bothy Rum combined distilled and cask-aged rums with hand-picked Strathmore Valley saffron, orange and mixed spice. And Mapmakers Rum from Dunnet Bay Distillers is distilled twice in bespoke copper pot stills, blending the brand’s house rum with Caribbean rum, Loch Calder water, and Scottish botanicals – from scurvy grass and sea kelp, to lemon verbena.

17. Canned cocktails

This category shows no signs of slowing down. Those who didn’t turn their summerhouse or shed into a pub in the summer of 2020 are more than happy to reach for pre-mixed bottled and canned cocktails, drawn in by those that are bar-strength, made with premium spirits, and (of course) arrive in pretty packaging they’re keen to show off at home, at the races, picnics and parties.

The varieties from Niche Cocktails offer a sophisticated serve, in elegant packaging that pops. We like the brand’s award-winning full strength Negroni, made using Adnams’ Copper House Gin.

MOTH Drinks’ Paloma is bang on trend, mingling the zesty juiciness of grapefruit with top drawer tequila.

Angels Dare is one to watch as well. Their mixes are very exciting and unlike anything else on the market. Take Secret Orchard as an example – gin, peach, elderflower, apple and lemon.

18. Gin

Gin, of course, retains its core audience, who are always looking for the ‘next big thing’ to add to their home collection. Though sales, many in the industry feel, have plateaued, there’s certainly still interest amongst avid gin fans. But what they want has changed. They’re not after cheap, novelty varieties that simply look good on the shelf, they’re choosing brands with sustainable claims, brands that put flavour first, and have a sense of premiumisation.

Key popular botanicals to note include lemon, orange, bergamot, coriander, cardamom, rosemary, lavender and chamomile.

We think Shed 1 Distillery’s Yiayia Gin, winner of a Great British Food Award, is one to watch. Inspired by the creator’s Greek heritage, it blossoms with an almost savoury, citrussy taste, being infused with seaweed, mushrooms, vine and fig leaves, lemon and rose pelargonium.

And Eden Mill’s Love Gin is a beautiful spin on the usual raspberry-infused pink gins. Their version delivers strawberry, rhubarb, vanilla, citrus, rose water and a touch of green apple.

19. Tequila – and other Mexican spirits

The appetite for Mexican drinks hasn’t wavered in the last year, with consumers continuing to spend more on tequila, with sales up 3.4% in the past 12 months. This lines up with their at-home dining exploration of authentic Mexican cuisine, and their desire to pair their burritos, tacos and totopos with country-specific drinks.

Shoppers are looking beyond cheap supermarket brands, and are genuinely interested in learning more not just about tequila, but mezcal and corn whisky too.

Aged for a year in custom American oak barrels, and tripled filtered for purity and clarity, Tequila Enemigo’s Enemigo 89 is a smooth drop, with luscious vanilla and coconut flavours.

Ojo de Tigre’s crystal clear 100% artisanal mezcal strikes a chord with a profile of fresh herbs, caramel and dried fruit.

Or go for shelf appeal with something like Licor de Elote from Nixta – a sweet, buttery spirit distilled with maize grown near the Nevado de Toluca volcano, served up in a kitsch corn-shaped bottle.

20. Better quality mixers

Excellent spirits deserve to be paired with elevated tonics and mixers, and this is an arena that’s seen continued growth in the last two years. Modern mixers are being created with the moderating drinker in mind, so they combine with consumers’ favourite tipples, but can also be enjoyed alone, over ice.

Shoppers are looking for brands bringing new flavours to the market, and for cans and bottles that inspire their next tipple, giving serving and pairing advice.

Fitch & Leedes, for example, recommends stirring its subtle rose and cucumber-scented Pink Tonic with a light, floral gin, Double Dutch’s Pomegranate & Basil tonic brings warmth to a herbal gin or mezcal, and Navas’ Garden Tonic (with rosemary, thyme, pine and citrus) gives craft vodka a lift. 

21. Retro

Nostalgia is here to stay. Across the food and drink landscape consumers are reaching for flavours and formats that remind them of their childhood. Long summers in the park. School days. High days. Holidays. Packaging and branding hinting to yesteryear is proving a hit.

What’s clear is no drinks cabinet is complete without a few blasts from the past, and shoppers are really favouring products that make them feel warm and fuzzy inside.

Fentiman’s Dandelion & Burdock slots nicely into this theme, as does Mawson’s Sarsaparilla, made to a time-honoured recipe with natural ingredients including sarsaparilla, ginger and liquorice.

The funky design of Karma Drinks’ classics, along with their clean, ethical ingredients makes them a winner – especially their Organic Karma Cola.

While Breckland Orchard’s naturally flavoured cream soda with lashings of soft vanilla and a hint of rhubarb is a regular customer favourite for the brand, who’s customers adore its old-fashioned flavour.

22. English sparkling wine

A modern British classic that shouldn’t be ignored. Continental winemakers are snapping up land in England’s wine growing regions as the quality of bubbly made on British turf continues to impress on the international stage.

The mild climate of Southern, Western and Eastern parts of England, married with soil substrata similar to that in Northern France and Germany, and many decades of expertise, are a ‘triple threat’, with English sparkling wine makers enjoying the fruits of their labour as the awards flow in. Kent, Surrey, Sussex and the Crouch Valley in Essex are all areas to watch.

Top bottles to look out for include Gusbourne Estate’s incomparable 2019 Rose (blush with the luxurious perfume of ripe berries), Winbirri Vineyard’s white peach, blossom and spice-filled Vintage Sparkling Reserve 2016, Flint Vineyard’s award-winning Charmat Rose, Nyetimber’s unforgettable Classic Cuvee, and Ashling Park Estate’s Sparkling Rose (with seductive aromas of summer fruits).