According to Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report 2025, multi-sensory cocktails are due to be all the rage this year! These drinks engage sight, smell, taste, touch, and even sound, transforming a simple sip into an unforgettable experience. Here’s how to get started with them:
Play with Visual Appeal
- Layered Drinks: Create visually striking cocktails by layering ingredients of different densities (e.g., grenadine, juices, spirits). Pour slowly over the back of a spoon to maintain separation.
- Floating Garnishes: Use fresh herbs, edible flowers, or fruit slices for a pop of colour and elegance.
- Coloured Ice: Freeze juices, teas, or herbs into ice cubes to add a visual and flavour boost as they melt.
- Dramatic Presentations: Use garnishes like dry ice or a misting bottle filled with aromatic bitters to create an element of surprise.
Amplify Aromas
- Herb Activation: Muddle fresh herbs like mint or basil before placing them in the drink to release their aromas.
- Smoked Cocktails: Use a lighter to ignite a small sprig of rosemary, cinnamon stick, or citrus peel, then cover the drink with a glass to trap the smoke. When served, it releases an enticing scent.
- Scented, Salted, and Sugared Rims: Rub a citrus peel or herb along the rim of the glass to add a burst of fragrance with every sip. Dip the glass rim into salt, sugar, or some variation of each.
Experiment with Texture
- Foams and Froths: Whisk aquafaba or egg whites into a foam and layer it on top of cocktails for a silky texture.
- Muddling Ingredients: Muddle fruits, herbs, or spices to add a pulpy texture or bursts of flavour.
- Crushed Ice: Use crushed or pebble ice for a fun, tactile drinking experience that also keeps the drink cool.
Introduce Unexpected Flavours
- Infused Syrups or Spirits: Create unique flavours by infusing simple syrups or spirits with spices, herbs, or fruits. Think lavender syrup or jalapeño-infused tequila.
- Contrast Flavours: Balance sweet, sour, and bitter elements to surprise the palate with every sip.
Incorporate Sound
- Fizzy Drinks: Use sparkling water, tonic, or soda for effervescence. The sound of bubbles adds an auditory layer to the experience. The clinking of ice cubes also offers a nice touch.
- Ambience: Match your drink experiences to the setting with complementary music, lighting, or themes.
Make It Inclusive, Interactive & Seasonal
- Zero-Proof Options: Offer multi-sensory mocktails that rival their boozy counterparts. Use non-alcoholic spirits, fresh ingredients, and the same attention to detail.
- Customisable Drinks: Let guests choose from a variety of garnishes or flavoured syrups to make their drink unique.
- Seasonal Menus: Incorporate seasonal ingredients to create cocktails that reflect the time of year, adding a sensory connection to nature.
- Storytelling: Share the inspiration behind each cocktail or explain the sensory elements included. Customers love learning about the drinks they’re enjoying.