Every holiday season brings a new wave of beverage trends… and let’s be honest… some deserve a warm sendoff while others can quietly slip out the back door. As we head into a fresh year of festive sipping, it’s the perfect time to look at which 2024 drink trends aren’t making a comeback in 2025.
At Liquid Caterers, we love innovation. We also love when a trend knows when to bow out gracefully. So here’s our roundup of the holiday drink ideas that had their moment in the spotlight… and are now officially off the menu.
In theory, these were showstoppers… stacks of meats, cheeses, olives, and fruit towering out of a cocktail glass like a festive Jenga tower.
In practice?
Nobody actually wants to spear a salami slice out of their martini at a corporate holiday mixer. Guests finally admitted it… the gimmick was fun… but the experience was messy.
2025 is all about refinement over chaos. Taste-first garnishes are back on top.
Last year, pickle took over. Pickle margaritas. Pickle spritzes. Pickle hot toddies (yes, it happened).
People tried to make “holiday pickle cocktails” a thing… but it turns out even the boldest palates have limits.
The verdict? A little brine goes a long way. The pickle-forward trend has officially retired its sleigh.
Butterfly pea flower + citrus had a tight grip on 2024.
It was fun… it was whimsical… it was TikTok’s favorite party trick.
But clients this year are shifting toward beverages with richer flavors, deeper storytelling, and intentional presentation. The novelty just isn’t hitting like it used to.
2025 is leaning into warmth, elegance, and layered flavors instead of spectacle for spectacle’s sake.
Spicy cocktails will always have a place — don’t worry.
But 2024 pushed things a little far. We saw “nuclear level” mules and margaritas that were more dare than drink.
This year, balance is in. Smoky depth. Gentle heat. Pepper accents instead of pepper dominance.
Your guests’ taste buds can finally relax.
Gingerbread martinis with cookie rims, hot cocoa cocktails so sweet they made your teeth wobble, eggnog topped with entire pastries… 2024 loved a sugar moment.
And while indulgent sips still have a place in our hearts, 2025 is all about subtle sweetness and sophisticated holiday flavor profiles.
Think: toasted spice, caramelized citrus, vanilla bean… not “I can’t tell if this is a drink or a dessert plate.”
Look, we admire the creativity.
We admire the wellness enthusiasm.
But holiday cocktails with added protein powder? They had a brief (very brief) cameo.
Guests this year want clean, crisp, and craveable… not “my drink doubles as a post-workout recovery shake.”
Across the board, 2025 is leaning into:
It’s less “look at me” and more “wow… this tastes incredible.”
People want drinks that feel special… cozy… elegant… and effortless. Not gimmicky. Not chaotic. Just really, really good.
We’re already showcasing the 2025 holiday favorites — from aromatic winter spritzes to fireside espresso cocktails to spa-inspired zero-proof menus. And yes… custom garnishes are absolutely sticking around.
If you need help crafting your holiday beverage experience… well… that’s literally what we do.
Forget basic and boring… let’s make your 2025 celebrations unforgettable.
Ready to build your menu? Let’s make magic happen.
