In our 2024 af&co. + Carbonate Hospitality Trends Report, we predicted that culinary-inspired cocktails would be a trend to watch—and even named the Caprese Martini our drink of the year. Bartenders were finding inspiration in beloved dishes, borrowing ingredients and techniques from the kitchen to create unique drinks that stood out on menus.
Three years later, the trend has continued to gain momentum. In fact, bartenders are getting considerably more adventurous, pulling from a broad range of cuisines and experimenting with bold, savory flavors. The unexpected creations give guests something to talk (and post) about. They also create opportunities for greater collaboration between the kitchen and bar, strengthening a concept’s overall identity.
Read on for some out-of-the-box examples that caught our attention.
We Called It. Now What’s Next?
Want to know what trends we’re predicting for 2027? Join us for one of upcoming livestream presentations of the 19th Annual Hospitality Trends Report from af&co. + Carbonate, exploring the emerging flavors, dishes, beverages, experiences, and cultural shifts poised to shape the industry in the year ahead—with insights and inspiration to help you put those trends to work for your brand.
The full report will be available to download for $65 beginning November 10.
What’s Cooking Behind the Bar
A Caesar You Can Sip
CookHouse (Baltimore, MD) is a neighborhood restaurant and cocktail bar where bartender Gabriel Valladares has turned the classic Caesar salad into a seriously savory martini. His Caesar Salad Martini is the result of a three-day process that starts with gin infused with romaine, celery, Parmesan, black pepper, and anchovy, then fat-washed with house-made Caesar dressing and served with a crouton garnish.
Read on for ten more examples.
