Embracing the Growing Trend for Superior High-End Spirits

The past couple of years have seen a shift in global drinking habits, with more artisanal distilleries meeting the growing demand for prestige spirits. As a result, sales of high-end flavoured vodkas and seasonal liqueurs are outstripping those of standard alcoholic beverages.  Whether you’re sipping delicately infused on their own or using them to mix a refreshing summer cocktail, carefully crafted spirits made with unique and localized ingredients not only have a superior taste but also offer environmentally-aware consumers drinks that are created sustainably and with wellbeing in mind.

Premiumisation of Spirits

Consumers of alcohol, and in particular millennials, have become more discerning about the spirits they drink, and they are increasingly moving away from buying standard versions of unflavoured gin and vodka.  Instead they are upgrading to a range of drinks from crafted spirits to specialist, artisanal liqueurs that offer higher quality and greater integrity in both their production and taste. Local and craft distilleries are meeting the demand for high-end, exclusive spirits with the use of premium ingredients and innovative creations produced in smaller batches. This premiumisation of spirits has in part been driven by more people staying in and enjoying locally produced drinks at home, whether drunk neat, with mixers or as a base for cocktails.

Supporting Sustainability

Smaller artisanal distilleries are also embracing sustainability by carefully managing their use of natural resources and reducing or offsetting their overall carbon footprint.   In the hospitality industry too, the commitment to sustainability is increasing as pubs and bars swap plastic for stainless steel straws and repurpose citrus peel to avoid food waste. By only using locally grown seasonal fruit, distillers create unique drinks while also minimizing their impact on the environment. This is something you can do at home when you are making your own cocktails with high-end spirits. Experiment with traditional recipes in order to include fruit that is in season and readily available, and, rather than throwing away bruised fruit, use it to make syrups and infusions.

Adding Botanicals

While botanicals first became popular through their use in gin, distilleries now add botanicals to a range of spirits. Like the juniper in gin, botanicals are plant parts commonly added for the subtle flavours and scents that they can impart to a drink.  However, spirits containing distilled botanicals are also growing in popularity with health conscious drinkers because of their therapeutic properties, and their addition to lighter drinks that are lower in calories and alcohol content.  As well as buying specially distilled spirits, you can create new flavours by adding your own botanicals to drinks, from spices like nutmeg or cinnamon from the kitchen cupboard, to fresh herbs such as mint or rosemary from the garden

Global drinking trends are changing as more people choose premium drinks over standard spirits. Whether you are enjoying a cocktail in a bar or purchasing spirits to drink at home, crafted spirits not only provide superior taste and therapeutic benefits, but also meet higher standards of sustainability in their production.