Experts are forecasting a major shift in beverage preferences, moving from predictable orders to more adventurous, functional, and nostalgic choices. Whether it's a morning caffeine hit or a Friday night cocktail, the next wave of trends is all about complexity and customization.
The Rise of the "Dirty Matcha" and Geisha Coffee
Giorgio Rigali, a communications expert, suggests that Geisha coffee—noted for its intense floral aroma—is set to become a staple for enthusiasts. According to the report, this move toward rare varieties aligns with a broader trend where 56% of coffee shop menu items are now customizable. for those who want a hybrid, the "dirty matcha" (a combination of premium matcha and espresso) is expected to surge.
This isn't just about flavor; it's about the intersection of wellness and premiumization. At Farmer J, this experimentation has already led to viral hits like the iced banana miso matcha latte and the iced tahini pistachio matcha cloud drink. As consumers become more experience-driven, these complex flavor profiles are becoming the new standard for the morning rush.
Why 80s-inspired Lambrusco and English Charmat are Replacing the Aperol Spritz
The 80s aesthetic is making a comeback in the glass, with senior food and drink writer Mel Giandzi predicting a spike in rosso Lambrusco. This nostalgia is fueling the Emilia-Romagna spritz, a vibrant mix of bitter Campari and sweet, fizzy, berry-like Lambrusco. It is described as a more balanced and palatable alternative to the traditional bitter spritz.
For those looking for a more affordable but chic option to bring to a dinner party, the "English charmat" style of sparkling wine is being highlighted as a crowd-pleaser. This style of sparkling wine is a relatively new innovation that uses Italian techniques with a British flair, offering a light, fruity, and less sweet alternative to most prosecco.
The 52% Surge in Mid-Strength Wines and the Return of Sherry
As more people move toward a lifestyle of moderation without sacrificing quality, mid-strength wines are seeing massive growth. The report notes that Waitrose has seen sales of these wines grow by 52% during the summer. This trend reflects a desire for "sessionable" drinking—options that offer freshness and flavor with a lower alcohol content.
Expert Paskin suggests that white port and Fino sherry are also making a comeback. These are being embraced by younger drinkers as lower-ABV alternatives to gin and tonics or sugary cocktails, overturning the stereotype that they are only for a certain age demographic.
From Electrolytes for Screen Time to the Pickle-Flavored Spritz
Functional hydration is moving beyond the gym and into the workday. Mandy Saven, content director at trend intelligence agency Stylus, notes that electrolytes are becoming an all-day wellness habit used to improve cognitive performance and offset the effects of screen-heavy, indoor lifestyles. the apepal lies in the combination of hydration and low sugar without the caffeine crash.
Meanwhile, our palates are moving away from pure sweetness toward savory and salty notes. Ali Recanati observes a growing demand for these profiles, exemplified by Farmer J's Yew pickle and yuzu spritz. This trend follows the long-standing dominance of pickles in the food scene, moving from the "pickleback" shot into more sophisticated, drinkable formats.
Which brands are driving the Geisha coffee and matcha shifts?
While the trends are clear, several details regarding the experts and their affiliations remain unverified in the report. Specifically, the source mentions Giorgio Rigali and Paskin without explicitly naming their specific companies or organizations. Additionally, while the "dirty matcha" is predicted to pop up on menus, it remains to be seen how widely these niche, expensive ingredients like Geisha coffee will penetrate mainstream cafe culture beyond specialty shops.
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