Rhode Island’s 2024 Trends Forecast

As we enter a new year, we asked a group of beverage professionals what they’re expecting to see in the world of wines, spirits and beers in 2024. In cocktails, tastes continue to become more simplified with the popularity of classic cocktails coming to the fore.

Customers continue to request mocktails and nonalcoholic options, while the ready-to-drink space is projected to see continued growth. As the industry continues to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 era, concern about ingredients and sustainability have begun to influence some drink decisions. Here are their predictions:

“In 2023, the trend was cocktail-forward. We’re thankful for inventive cocktails passing over our pines. In 2024, we’ll raise the bar by infusing healthy botanicals into menus.” – John Begin, Head Bartender, Gardiner House and Founder, Newport Cocktail Wars

“Classic cocktails are making a comeback with modern twists. Dehydrated garnishes are taking over. More egg whites, more saline and more kitchen-inspired ingredients.” – Tyson Pianka, Wharf Southern Kitchen & Whiskey Bar

“Tequila continues to fly. Tito’s is nonstop. High Noon still growing. Seltzers are dying. RTD’s climbing. Economy slowing, beer and wine softening—guests starting to watch their pocketbook, trading down. Craft cocktails and mocktails booming.” – Len Panaggio, Managing Partner, New England Restaurant Financial Group

“Exploration and premium glass choices are what we are seeing. Guests have been apt to try new regions and styles when choosing a bottle. Our by-the-glass program has been reflecting the willingness to try higher-priced offerings, despite the struggles of the everyday living cost increasing. Our craft alcohol-free choices have also been quite popular.” – Elisa Wybraniec, Certified Sommelier, DWS and Wine Director, Coast Guard House

“In 2024, I expect the beverage industry to see a notable expansion of zero-proof offerings, becoming inclusive and tapping into a wider audience. Events take center stage with a new excitement for bartenders and creators, providing innovative ways for customers to engage with the bar programs and brands. The influence of cannabis legalization introduces a dynamic shift—the industry must continue to be creative, inspire and provide top-notch hospitality in this ever-evolving landscape since 2020.” – Lupe Aguilar, Founder, Rhody Foody

“We predict that craft beer drinkers will likely stick to what they know and like in 2024 rather than venturing too far out of the box. While we will continue to see customers drink spirits, beer will continue to be the most widely consumed alcoholic beverage by volume. Luckily, we offer both craft beer and spirits.” – Alan Brinton, Co-owner, Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island and South County Distillers

“Considering the majority of samples I receive, the trend of low-ABV canned cocktails looks strong in 2024, with no shortage of new ones being released.” – David Dadekian, President, Eat Drink RI

“I’d say 2024 will see consumers continuing with a ‘localization’ of their booze. The days of blind allegiance to a faraway producer are dwindling, and have been replaced with, ‘What do you have that’s local?’” – Vito Lantz, Co-owner, Lucky Enough Drink & Eat

“In our quest to offer better nonalcoholic options, it was a pleasant surprise to see how the quality of nonalcoholic wines is improving. Standout examples from Germany include Dr. Fischer Steinbock and Dr. Loosen Dr. Lo. My favorite nonalcoholic beer has always been Einbecker Alkoholfrei. We are excited to explore the stylistic change in the red wines of Spain’s Ribera del Duero as winemakers are shifting from opulent powerful wines to a lighter, less concentrated style through the use of concrete as opposed to barriques and the allowance of up to 25% of white Albillo.” – Matthew MacCartney, Group Wine Director, Ocean House Collection

“What I see trending in 2024 is a more educated bar guest. In our information age, we as consumers have classic cocktails closer to us than ever. Though I feel the renaissance is currently happening, as a bartender I’m being asked for more classics than ever. And as a storyteller, I couldn’t be more excited to not only be able to tell these stories but to also make these classics. In the case of spirits, I see gin coming back into the light. A simple spirit to create with the capacity to be incredibly complex. Different approaches to the distillation process, with the ability for distillers to tell the story of their region through different botanicals. I feel these processes will make gin the one spirit to be recognized in 2024.” –  Jonathan Edgell, Mixologist at Large, Gardiner House