Want your event to feel fresh, modern, and unforgettable? The drink menu is where innovation meets impact. At Cosmo Events Ltd, our mixologists have crafted cocktails for hundreds of UK events, from intimate weddings to high-profile corporate galas. Drawing on our hands-on experience and deep industry connections, we’ve identified the 2025 cocktail trends that will elevate your event and leave guests talking long after the last sip. These event cocktail trends reflect a blend of creativity, sustainability, and guest preferences, ensuring your drink menu feels as stylish as it is memorable. Let’s dive into the top five trends shaping popular wedding cocktails 2025 and corporate event drink trends across the UK.
Top 5 Cocktail Trends for 2025/2026
Trend 1: Savoury & Herbal Infusions
The cocktail world is embracing the savoury side, with herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil moving from garnishes to starring roles. This trend, one of the most exciting 2025 cocktail trends, taps into guests’ desire for complex, food-friendly drinks that complement modern event menus. Our mixologists have seen a surge in demand for cocktails that balance herbal freshness with bold spirits, creating a multisensory experience perfect for upscale events.
For example, the Basil Gin Smash has become a favourite at UK weddings. This new cocktail recipe combines gin, fresh basil, lemon juice, and a touch of honey syrup, shaken to release the herb’s aromatic oils. The result is a vibrant, refreshing drink that pairs beautifully with canapés or a summer garden party. Similarly, rosemary-infused vodka martinis are gaining traction at corporate event drink trends, offering a sophisticated twist for networking receptions. By incorporating seasonal herbs sourced from local UK farms, we ensure authenticity and freshness, reinforcing our commitment to quality.
This trend also allows for customization. At a recent London corporate event, we crafted a thyme-infused bourbon cocktail tailored to the client’s farm-to-table theme, showcasing how savoury infusions can align with an event’s unique vibe. For popular wedding cocktails 2025, consider offering a signature herbal cocktail to reflect the couple’s personality perhaps a lavender-infused gin fizz for a romantic touch.
Trend 2: The Rise of Low-ABV Spritzes
Low-alcohol (low-ABV) cocktails are redefining event cocktail trends by offering “sessionable” drinks that keep the party going without overwhelming guests. These light, refreshing cocktails are ideal for daytime events, outdoor weddings, or corporate functions where guests want to mingle and sip over hours. The low-ABV movement is a top 2025 cocktail trend because it aligns with growing consumer interest in mindful drinking without sacrificing flavour or style.
While the Aperol Spritz remains a classic, our mixologists are pushing boundaries with creative alternatives. Take the Lillet Rosé Spritz, a standout in our repertoire. This drink blends Lillet Rosé, elderflower tonic, and a grapefruit twist, creating a floral, slightly tart profile that’s perfect for popular wedding cocktails 2025. At a recent corporate retreat in Manchester, we served a Vermouth Spritz with house-made soda and fresh cucumber, which was a hit for its crisp, low-alcohol appeal.
Low-ABV spritzes are versatile, fitting seamlessly into both casual and formal settings. For weddings, they’re a crowd-pleaser for guests of all ages, while corporate events benefit from their professional yet approachable vibe. To elevate this trend, we recommend customizing spritzes with seasonal fruits or local bitters, ensuring your corporate event drink trends feel bespoke and on-point.
Trend 3: Spicy Margaritas & Tequila Variations
Tequila and agave spirits continue to dominate new cocktail recipes for their versatility and bold flavour profiles. Among the 2025 cocktail trends, spicy margaritas and tequila variations stand out for their ability to add excitement to any event. Guests love the interplay of heat, citrus, and agave, which feels both modern and timeless.
Our mixologists are experimenting with craft twists to keep this trend fresh. The Spicy Paloma, for instance, combines tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, lime, and a chili-salt rim for a balanced kick. At a recent wedding in the Cotswolds, we served a Hibiscus Jalapeño Margarita, infusing tequila with dried hibiscus flowers and a touch of jalapeño for a vibrant, spicy-sweet drink that matched the event’s bold colour palette. This approach showcases how tequila cocktails can be tailored to an event’s aesthetic or theme.
For corporate event drink trends, spicy tequila cocktails add an element of surprise without being overpowering. We’ve seen success with batching these cocktails for large events, ensuring consistency and efficiency. To incorporate this trend, consider offering a tasting station where guests can customize their margarita’s spice level a fun, interactive addition to weddings or product launches.
Trend 4: Nostalgic Nineties & Noughties Revival
Nostalgia is a powerful force, and the revival of nineties and noughties cocktails is one of the most playful 2025 cocktail trends. Drinks like the Espresso Martini and Appletini are back, but with a premium upgrade that elevates them for today’s discerning guests. This trend resonates at event cocktail trends because it blends familiarity with modern craftsmanship, appealing to a wide range of tastes.
Our team has reimagined the Espresso Martini with single-origin coffee liqueur and a dash of vanilla-infused vodka, creating a silky, sophisticated drink that’s a hit at corporate galas. Similarly, the Appletini gets a glow-up with house-made apple cordial and a touch of sparkling wine for effervescence. At a recent retro-themed wedding in Bristol, we served these updated classics alongside a DJ spinning nineties hits, creating a cohesive, nostalgic experience.
This trend is ideal for popular wedding cocktails 2025 because it offers a fun, accessible entry point for guests who may not be cocktail connoisseurs. For corporate events, nostalgic cocktails can spark conversation and add a lighthearted touch to formal settings. To make this trend your own, consider naming cocktails after the event’s theme or the couple’s favourite throwback songs.
Trend 5: Sustainable & Zero-Waste Cocktails
Sustainability is shaping the future of mixology, and 2025 cocktail trends are no exception. Our mixologists are embracing zero-waste techniques to minimize environmental impact while maximizing flavour. This trend is a powerful E-E-A-T signal, showcasing Cosmo Events’ commitment to innovation and responsibility qualities that resonate with eco-conscious clients hosting weddings, corporate events, or private parties.
Zero-waste cocktails use every part of an ingredient. For example, citrus peels are transformed into cordials, overripe fruit becomes syrups, and even vegetable scraps find new life in infusions. Our Zero-Waste Citrus Collins is a prime example, using the whole lemon juice, zest, and peel for a bright, refreshing drink. At a recent sustainability-focused corporate event in London, we served a Beetroot Gimlet, where beetroot scraps were juiced and paired with gin for a vibrant, earthy cocktail.
This trend aligns with corporate event drink trends by appealing to companies prioritizing green initiatives. For weddings, sustainable cocktails add a meaningful touch, especially for couples who value eco-friendly practices. To implement this trend, we work with local suppliers to source ingredients and create menus that tell a story of environmental stewardship.
The 2025 cocktail trends from savoury infusions to sustainable sips offer endless possibilities to make your event stand out. Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate function, or private party, the key is selecting a trend that reflects your event’s style and guest preferences. At Cosmo Events, our mixologists combine industry expertise with creative flair to craft new cocktail recipes that feel fresh, modern, and tailored to you. From popular wedding cocktails 2025 to corporate event drink trends, we’re here to ensure your drink menu is a highlight of the occasion.
Let’s incorporate the latest trends into your event. Contact us at Cosmo Events to design a cutting-edge cocktail menu that wows your guests.
Savoury infusions, low-ABV spritzes, spicy margaritas, nostalgic revivals, and zero-waste cocktails are leading the way.
Yes, low-ABV spritzes are a growing trend, offering stylish, sessionable drinks for any event.
Cosmo Events offers bespoke cocktail creations, from herbal infusions to spice levels and aesthetic pairings.
They minimise waste by using all parts of ingredients like peels, scraps, and overripe fruits for flavourful, eco-friendly drinks.
Absolutely! Classic favourites like Appletinis and Espresso Martinis are back with modern, premium twists.
