So much to toast to: 5 drink trends of 2019

From a greater emphasis on flavour over presentation, to consumers getting more discerning about what they mix their high-quality spirits with, 2019 saw several trends in the wider drinks world further take root here. Sustainability continues to be a buzzword, as is "low-no", referring to low-or non-alcoholic drinks catering to the more heath-conscious consumer. Gin does not seem to be slowing down as a category either, with rum slowly making its mark. Even with 2020 looming, it seems these trends are here to stay

Bacardi’s range of premium rums (above), St George Atlas orange gin and Hendrick’s first variation gin in almost 20 years, called Orbium.
Bacardi’s range of premium rums (above), St George Atlas orange gin and Hendrick’s first variation gin in almost 20 years, called Orbium. PHOTOS: HEINEKEN, HENDRICK'S, MO BAR, NO SLEEP CLUB, THE ALEX BLAKE CHARLIE SESSIONS, THE LONDON ESSENCE COMPANY
The non-alcoholic lager Heineken Zero is a popular beer alternative that was released this year.
The non-alcoholic lager Heineken Zero is a popular beer alternative that was released this year. PHOTOS: HEINEKEN, HENDRICK'S, MO BAR, NO SLEEP CLUB, THE ALEX BLAKE CHARLIE SESSIONS, THE LONDON ESSENCE COMPANY
MO Bar’s Americano is made with vermouth, a fortified wine which has relatively low alcohol content.
MO Bar’s Americano is made with vermouth, a fortified wine which has relatively low alcohol content. PHOTOS: GRUB, MORSELS, MOTT 32, PRIVE, RAFFLES HOTEL, THE ALKAFF MANSION, TIGER SUGAR DESSERT, YOCHA KOMBUCHA
Among the minimalist drinks at No Sleep Club in Keong Saik Road is Vodka Soda.
Among the minimalist drinks at No Sleep Club in Keong Saik Road is Vodka Soda. PHOTOS: GRUB, MORSELS, MOTT 32, PRIVE, RAFFLES HOTEL, THE ALKAFF MANSION, TIGER SUGAR DESSERT, YOCHA KOMBUCHA
Bacardi’s range of premium rums, St George Atlas orange gin (above) and Hendrick’s first variation gin in almost 20 years, called Orbium.
Bacardi’s range of premium rums, St George Atlas orange gin (above) and Hendrick’s first variation gin in almost 20 years, called Orbium. PHOTOS: GRUB, MORSELS, MOTT 32, PRIVE, RAFFLES HOTEL, THE ALKAFF MANSION, TIGER SUGAR DESSERT, YOCHA KOMBUCHA
Bacardi’s range of premium rums, St George Atlas orange gin and Hendrick’s first variation gin in almost 20 years, called Orbium (above).
Bacardi’s range of premium rums, St George Atlas orange gin and Hendrick’s first variation gin in almost 20 years, called Orbium (above). PHOTOS: HEINEKEN, HENDRICK'S, MO BAR, NO SLEEP CLUB, THE ALEX BLAKE CHARLIE SESSIONS, THE LONDON ESSENCE COMPANY
EcoSPIRITS is a low-waste spirits distribution technology that eliminates packaging waste of bottles by using larger vessels.
EcoSPIRITS is a low-waste spirits distribution technology that eliminates packaging waste of bottles by using larger vessels. PHOTOS: GRUB, MORSELS, MOTT 32, PRIVE, RAFFLES HOTEL, THE ALKAFF MANSION, TIGER SUGAR DESSERT, YOCHA KOMBUCHA
Tonic waters from The London Essence Company.
Tonic waters from The London Essence Company. PHOTOS: HEINEKEN, HENDRICK'S, MO BAR, NO SLEEP CLUB, THE ALEX BLAKE CHARLIE SESSIONS, THE LONDON ESSENCE COMPANY
Anjali Raguraman
Correspondent
Updated
Dec 16, 2019, 12:43 PM
Published
Dec 08, 2019, 05:00 AM
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There are now more options than ever for those who want to go easy on the alcohol, thanks to lowalcohol or booze-free drink options being more readily available at bars and restaurants.

As drinkers become more health-conscious, more bars have dedicated entire sections of their cocktail menus to low alcohol by volume (ABV) or non-alcoholic cocktails, such as Skai bar at Swissotel The Stamford, which has non-alcoholic cocktails, several of which are made with the non-alcoholic spirit Seedlip.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on December 08, 2019, with the headline 5 drink trends of 2019. Subscribe

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