Posted on: January 1, 2026
New Year, New Trends
As we think ahead to the coming year, what beverage industry trends can we expect in 2026? If you work in the beverage industry, you’re always learning – keeping up with evolving consumer tastes is as important to your long-term success as an alcohol server training program like ours.
From the growth of low- and no-alcohol options to the rise of canned #cocktails, here are the 2026 alcohol trends we can expect in the new year.
#1. Craft Distilleries Are Still Expanding
Despite bankruptcy headlines that dominated early in 2025, the craft spirits market is still growing in the US with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.4% from 2024 to 2030.
Even bigger opportunities lie in the Indian and Asia Pacific markets, with CAGRs of 35.6% and 35.1% respectively, but the impact of US trade policies makes US distilleries’ ability to tap into these fast-growing markets uncertain.
Craft distilleries still largely live in just ten states. California contains 12.3% of the nation’s distilleries, followed by New York (6.5%), Texas and Pennsylvania (5.7%), and Washington state (5.0%). The next five states (Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Kentucky, and North Carolina) make up 17.8% of active craft distillers.
The remaining forty states comprise an average of just 1.2% each. That leaves a lot of room for growth of craft spirits markets in well-populated states like Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, and New Jersey.
#2. More Diversity in Craft Spirits
The craft spirits market is not just becoming larger but also becoming more diverse.
Whiskey represented 26.8% of craft spirits in 2024 and was suffering the challenges of an oversupply. As a result, distillers are branching out. Craft gin shows the highest growth potential with an expected CAGR of 12.25%, while craft rum stands at an expected 5.9% and vodka at 5.5%.
#3. More Low-Alcohol and No-Alcohol Options
Demand for low- and no-alcohol beverages is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7% through 2028. This is the continuation of a several-year trend. Between 2022 and 2024, 37 million Americans adopted no-alcoholic options, and 36 million adopted low-alcoholic options.
It’s a necessary evolution for the alcohol industry. According to Gallup, 46% of US adults in 2025 report that they do not consume alcoholic beverages, and 53% believe that moderate drinking is bad for their health, both of which represent record highs.
It’s even worse when you consider younger consumers. Of those aged 18 to 35, 66% see moderate drinking as bad. The percentage of young adults who abstain from alcohol entirely has jumped 10 points since 2001-2003, and among those who drink, there’s been a 6% drop in those who do so regularly and those who drink “more than they think they should.”
The rise of non-alcoholic drinks presents opportunities for alcohol producers to capture these consumers away from traditional beverages like soda and water.
No/low options appeal to drinkers as well. Some adults prefer to abstain on certain occasions and consume alcohol on others, and research has shown that it's common for consumers to switch between regular-strength alcoholic beverages and no/low products to regulate their intake over the course of a night.
So far, non-alcoholic options have driven growth in this category, and it looks like that trend will continue. However, one of the biggest low-alcohol drink trends is ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages. Low-alcohol canned cocktails and similar offerings are predicted to grow at a CAGR of 17% between 2024 and 2028.
#4. Ready-to-Drink Canned Cocktails
Speaking of RTD cocktails, canned cocktail growth is also anticipated to rise in full-strength beverages as well. Overall, RTD cocktails are expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.4% from 2025 to 2030.
Ready-to-drink options appeal to those who want a mixology experience on the go or at home without the need for a full bar setup. Canned cocktails offer a diverse range of flavors and provide a broader array of options for outdoor social gatherings and regular at-home consumption.
As discussed above, canned cocktails also align with the growing trend toward low-alcohol options.
#5. Hard Seltzers
Hard seltzers continue to thrive, becoming a staple in the alcohol market. The global hard seltzer market size is projected to reach $60.16 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.5%.
While initially popularized by millennials, hard seltzers have expanded their appeal across all age groups. They’ve also benefitted from the no/low-alcohol demand, but they also have a broader appeal. Their low-calorie, low-sugar credentials appeal to various diets, while the refreshing taste and variety of flavors have made them a popular alternative to traditional beers and cocktails.
Hard seltzer trends in 2026 will include functional fortification with vitamins and adaptogens, premiumization, natural production, sustainability, CBD-infused options, and flavors designed to appeal to emerging markets in Asia and Latin America.
Get Responsible Alcohol Server Training With TIPS
While beverage industry trends are an important part of a bar or restaurant's bottom line, some things never go out of style. Public safety restrictions around alcohol, like restricting sales to minors and intoxicated persons, will continue to be a liability issue for years to come.
Whether an alcohol server training program is legally mandatory or simply incentivized in your jurisdiction, it remains an excellent investment in protecting your business. TIPS Alcohol Safety Training courses equip your servers and managers with the skills they need to prevent illegal sales, promote responsible alcohol consumption, and protect your business from penalties and lawsuits.
