8 Bartenders Weigh In: The Ultimate Cocktail Trend for Summer 2025

Embracing Summer with Refreshing Cocktails

As summer arrives, bringing with it warm weather and longer days, the quest for the perfect refreshing drink becomes a highlight of the season. While basking in the sun is a delight, the intense heat often makes it challenging to enjoy outdoor activities. However, a chilled beverage can significantly enhance your summer experience. This summer, we delve into the evolving cocktail trends that promise to keep you cool and refreshed.

The Evolution of Summer Cocktails

Each summer brings a wave of new drinking trends, influenced by various cultural shifts, celebrity endorsements, and the creative ingenuity of bartenders. As we transition into 2025, the cocktail landscape is more dynamic than ever, with a plethora of innovative ideas emerging from bars across the nation. We consulted eight talented bartenders to uncover the defining cocktail trends for this summer.

Trend 1: Tomato Mania

Jon Schott, a seasoned mixologist and restaurateur, proclaims that this summer marks the rise of “hot tomato summer.” Fresh, seasonal tomato-based drinks are becoming a go-to alternative to the usual spritzes and frozen cocktails many bars rely on during this time. Schott encourages both professional and home bartenders to experiment with garden-fresh tomatoes in drinks like martinis and margaritas, utilizing techniques such as vacuum sealing for infusion. Notable examples include the Tomato Negroni from Tayēr + Elementary and Domino’s Tomato Wine.

Trend 2: Spiritless Sips

The trend of alcohol-free beverages continues to gain momentum, as highlighted by Philadelphia’s Alexis Ortega. Bartenders are enhancing spirit-free cocktails with innovative tools and ingredients like hydrosols—flavored water derived from the distillation of plants. This growing category is becoming more sophisticated, with new techniques that elevate flavors and complexity, making them a delightful choice for those seeking a refreshing, non-alcoholic option.

Trend 3: The Savory Martini

Husband-and-wife duo Haleigh and Cody Brown from the Home Bar Network emphasize the rise of savory martinis. Gone are the days of simple gin and vermouth; today’s martinis are culinary playgrounds. Ingredients like pepperoncini brine, pickles, caviar, and even hot wings are being creatively incorporated into these iconic cocktails. For a trendy option, look for The Corner Store’s Sour Cream & Onion martini, which gained popularity through high-profile endorsements.

Trend 4: Milk and Bubbles

Mixologist Jairo Taveras introduces the concept of milk-washed cocktails, which are taking the bar scene by storm. This technique adds a luxurious, smooth texture to popular drinks, creating a visually stunning cocktail experience. The clarified Aperol Spritz, for example, offers a refreshing twist to a classic favorite, making it highly Instagrammable and perfect for summer sipping.

Trend 5: Sustainability Focus

Jorge Centeno, the chief spirits officer at Deer Path Inn, shines a light on sustainability and low-waste practices in cocktail crafting. From repurposing ingredients like expired vermouth to foraging for local botanicals, this trend encourages creativity and environmental consciousness. A simple yet effective approach involves making shrubs—mixing fruits, sugar, and vinegar—to create vibrant, acidic flavors ideal for summer cocktails.

Trend 6: Culinary Cocktails

Tyler Forand from Caribe Royale Orlando’s Rum Bar notes the integration of culinary techniques into cocktail creation. Venues like Double Chicken Please are setting trends with their inventive drinks, such as the NY Beet Salad cocktail, which blends gin with unique ingredients like mascarpone and yogurt. This trend invites patrons to enjoy interactive cocktails that surprise and delight.

Trend 7: Fats and Foams

Gonzalo Ramos, a New York City bartender, highlights the resurgence of fat-washing techniques, which add savory depth to cocktails. By infusing spirits with fats like avocado oil or bacon fat, bartenders create bold flavors. Additionally, the use of foams and airs enhances the sensory experience of cocktails, providing texture and visual appeal that guests find captivating.

Trend 8: Classic Martinis Reimagined

Finally, Julio Xococotla points to a nostalgic return to classic martinis. While the definition of “classic” can vary, the revival of traditional cocktails like the Dry, Dirty, or Vesper martinis showcases a timeless appeal. These drinks echo the elegance of the early 1900s, attracting both loyal fans and new enthusiasts alike.

Conclusion

As summer unfolds, the cocktail scene is brimming with creativity and innovation. From savory concoctions to spirit-free sips, bartenders are redefining what it means to enjoy a refreshing drink in the heat. So, as you embrace the sunny days ahead, consider exploring these exciting trends to elevate your summer experience. Cheers to a season filled with delightful flavors and memorable moments!