Trending Alcoholic Drinks for 2026: What’s Hot in Liquor Retail

As you plan inventory for 2026, it can be tough to decide which new products to stock first.

Alcohol sales may be declining, but that doesn’t mean shoppers have stopped seeking fun, interesting beverages — they’re just choosing them in different ways.

We’ve gathered the latest insights on trending alcoholic drinks to help liquor retailers stock products that appeal to both regulars and new customers, so you can make informed decisions and focus on items that actually sell.

Trending Alcoholic Drinks: What To Stock in 2026

Even with overall alcohol consumption down, demand for distinctive and experiential beverages remains strong — and local retailers can capture this market by offering products shoppers can’t find at big-box stores.

Here’s what to watch out for, what’s driving each trend, and how to approach them without taking on too much risk.

1. Sober Curious? NA Options Take the Spotlight

(Image source: Self)

With more shoppers thinking about their health before grabbing a beer or glass of wine, and the rise of “sober curiosity” among younger generations, nonalcoholic (NA) beverages have surged in popularity over the past few years.

Analysts expect the NA market to grow from $298.4 billion in 2024 to a whopping $457 billion by 2030, spanning everything from nonalcoholic beers and wines to inventive, flavorful alternatives that shoppers can enjoy anytime — whether at a social gathering or simply for personal enjoyment.

Low-ABV spirits are also part of this shift, offering consumers flavorful, spirit-forward options with lower alcohol content. Lightly fortified aperitifs, cocktail-ready spritzes, and sessionable blends appeal to shoppers who want the ritual and taste of a cocktail without the higher alcohol content, making them a natural complement to NA beverages.

NA and low-ABV drinks open a door to a new segment of customers while still supporting your traditional product assortment — but not without the right strategies in place.

Here are a few challenges you may run into and practical ways to solve them:

Overstocking can tie up cash flow if certain NA items don’t sell as quickly as expected.
- Solution: Start with small quantities, track early performance, and scale based on real customer interest.
Some NA beverages contain trace amounts of alcohol, and unclear labeling can confuse shoppers or lead to accidental purchases.
- Solution: Make alcohol content easy to spot on shelves and packaging so customers know exactly what they’re choosing.
Predicting annual demand can be challenging, especially when there are so many new flavors, formats, or brands entering the market.
- Solution: Use your point of sale (POS) system to track SKU performance and repeat purchases, then adjust your assortment before reordering.

When approached thoughtfully, stocking high-quality NA beverages can draw in new shoppers and help set your store up as the go-to spot for a wide range of consumer tastes.

2. Botanicals & Functional Spirits: Drinks With a Twist

(Image source: The Mixer)

At first glance, functional and botanical spirits may seem like a completely new lane — but botanicals have shaped alcoholic beverages for centuries.

Gin gets its signature profile from juniper. Amaros rely on roots, herbs, and spices. Vermouth has always leaned on botanicals to build complexity.

So while “functional” and “botanical” may sound trendy, the concept of plant-based flavor isn’t new. What is new, however, is how quickly this segment is expanding within the nonalcoholic category.

Increasingly, shoppers gravitate toward these drinks for depth, variety, and a sense of intentionality. Many also care about sourcing, which pushes interest toward brands that use responsibly grown botanicals and plant-based ingredients.

Functional and botanical spirits can help you expand your product offerings, but not without a few key considerations:

Some functional ingredients fall under changing regulations, especially those involving hemp or adaptogens.
- Solution: Check state-level rules before stocking and adjust your selection as guidelines shift.
Wholesale costs tend to be higher because botanicals, functional additives, and small-batch production raise prices.
- Solution: Start with a focused assortment to see which flavors and brands your customers respond to before expanding.
Shoppers may feel unsure about how to use these products, especially if they’re new to alcohol-free cocktails.
- Solution: Teach staff to describe flavor profiles and suggest simple serving ideas so customers feel confident trying something unfamiliar.

Your POS system can help you track which bottles gain traction, which ones drive repeat purchases, and how quickly this specific category grows in your store. With that visibility, you can then scale this segment thoughtfully without tying up cash in slow-moving SKUs.

3. Margaritas Set To Reign in 2026

(Image source: Downshiftology)

Experts expect the margarita to be the biggest trending alcoholic drink in 2026, according to Bacardi’s Cocktail Trends Report. Tequila and mezcal continue to grow, with premium and single-estate (i.e. made entirely from agave grown on one farm) options drawing attention from millennials and Gen Z.

This trend offers liquor retailers a chance to meet demand while emphasizing quality and authenticity. Offering a range of tequilas alongside complementary mixers lets shoppers recreate the cocktail experience at home.

Margaritas and agave spirits come with a few key considerations:

Price-sensitive shoppers may hesitate to try premium or single-estate tequilas.
- Solution: Offer tiered options (e.g. standard, premium, top-shelf) so there’s something for every budget while still promoting higher-margin products.
Seasonal demand can spike around holidays or summer months, leaving shelves empty or overstocked at the wrong times.
- Solution: Track historical sales and use POS reporting to anticipate peaks, then adjust orders so inventory matches seasonal demand.
Limited shelf space for large-format bottles or boxed mixers can make it hard to display everything.
- Solution: Rotate SKUs based on what sells fastest and feature high-margin or high-demand items prominently to maximize space.

Margaritas have been a classic cocktail for decades, so this trend doesn’t mean you should suddenly focus only on tequila and limes.

Instead, think about how to make the category stand out — display bottles clearly, group complementary mixers like lime juice and triple sec nearby, and consider bundle deals to encourage larger purchases.

At the same time, continue stocking your other fan-favorite spirits so every customer can find what they’re looking for.

4. Ready-To-Drink, Ready To Sell

(Image source: RTD Magazine)

From canned cocktails to wine spritzers and hard seltzers, ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages continue to draw interest into 2026 due to their convenience, flavor variety, and consistent portion sizes.

Analysts expect the global premixed cocktail market to rise steadily over the next decade, driven by shoppers who want bar-level cocktails without the prep — especially younger customers who prefer spirit-forward blends and fruit-heavy flavors.

Here are a few opportunities and challenges to keep in mind:

Multipacks can overshadow single cans, making it harder for customers to test new options.
- Solution: Keep a small singles section chilled near the front of the store so shoppers can try a flavor without buying a full pack.
Brand recognition drives many RTD purchases, but emerging brands can get lost in the mix.
- Solution: Create small, dedicated displays for new or local RTDs to give them a fair shot before deciding if they deserve long-term shelf space.
Seasonal shifts, especially summer, can rapidly change demand.
- Solution: Review last year’s sales patterns and adjust your orders ahead of peak months to stay stocked with the flavors customers ask for most.
Labels and packaging often look similar, which may confuse customers if not properly organized.
- Solution: Group RTDs by spirit base (tequila, vodka, whiskey, etc.) and use clear signage so shoppers can quickly find what they want.

You likely already have an RTD section in your store, and it may be driving steady sales, but there’s often more potential sitting right on the shelf. The category moves quickly, with new flavors hitting the market every quarter — and shoppers tend to grab whatever stands out first.

Thoughtful displays, clear labeling, and strategic placement of singles, multipacks, and complementary mixers can help maximize sales while keeping the section fresh and appealing.

5. Quality Over Quantity

(Image source: The Inquirer)

Consumers are increasingly adopting a “drink less, buy better” mindset, prioritizing quality over quantity in every purchase. Sustainability and ethical sourcing have become important factors in their decisions, and many shoppers also want to support their local communities.

Stocking products from local breweries, distilleries, and wineries lets you meet both of these preferences — introducing unique, high-quality options that large liquor chains don’t typically offer while appealing to shoppers who care about where their drinks come from.

Adding local and premium products gives retailers a chance to differentiate their store and tell compelling brand stories, but there are a few considerations:

Higher wholesale costs for small-batch or locally-produced items can strain budgets, especially if products don’t sell quickly.
- Solution: Monitor sales and margins carefully to identify which local and premium products perform well before expanding your assortment.
Shoppers may be unfamiliar with small or local brands, which can slow adoption and lead to hesitation at checkout.
- Solution: Implement informative signage, in-store promotions, and staff-led recommendations to introduce shoppers to new products.
Limited seasonal or small-batch availability can create inconsistent stock levels, leaving gaps on shelves or disappointing repeat buyers.
- Solution: Build strong relationships with local producers to plan orders ahead of peak seasons.

While customers appreciate seeing local and premium products on your shelves, this trend also benefits your business. Partnering with local breweries, distilleries, and wineries unlocks access to exclusive products, co-branded promotions, and in-store events that drive traffic and repeat visits.

Start by connecting with producers directly, learning their stories, and exploring ways to feature their products through tastings, seasonal bundles, or joint marketing. These partnerships give your store access to unique offerings and create memorable experiences that keep shoppers coming back.

Use the Right Tools To Track Trending Alcoholic Drinks

Trends like NA beverages, botanical spirits, and RTDs are exciting, but they’re just that — trends.

What sells in January may not sell in July, and every store’s audience is different. Successful retailers track sales year-round and check in with shoppers to see what they want.

A liquor-specific POS, like Bottle POS, gives you the data behind which items are popular, which ones drive repeat purchases, and which promotions truly work. Paired with customer feedback, you can tailor your inventory and marketing to match your audience and seasonal demand.

Stay competitive this year with better pricing using our free Pricing Calculator — compare your inventory against competitor prices, protect your margins, and make more confident decisions.