2025 Global Spirits Brands Report: The Trends and Brands Shaping the Cocktail World
From a simple Negroni to a smoky Mezcal Margarita, every sip tells a story of brand heritage and flavor exploration. Bars have become more than just places for drinks—they are spaces where creativity, history, and culture merge. The Drinks International Brands Report 2025 acts as a compass for the cocktail world, highlighting bartenders’ favorite brands and forecasting market trends, leading us into a new age of flavor.
Global Bar Landscape: Every Bar Has a Story
This report draws from 100 of the world’s most influential bars, selected from global lists such as The World’s 50 Best Bars and Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. The geographical distribution reflects the diversity and global reach of cocktail culture.
Participating Bars by Region
- 37% Europe
- 23% Asia
- 18% North America
- 14% South America
- 6% Australasia
- 2% Africa & Middle East
From hidden speakeasies in London to rooftop lounges in Taipei, each bar brings a unique story and perspective, forming the soul of this year’s brand report.
2025 Bartenders’ Favorite Brands: A Clash of Classics and Rising Stars
Bartenders are the heart of the bar scene, and their choices directly shape cocktail market trends. This year’s findings reveal a few key shifts: Gin is back on top, Tequila dominates as the new mainstream, while Vodka is slowly losing its once-dominant position.
Top 5 Bartenders’ Favorite Brands
NO.1 Tanqueray (Gin)
“Tanqueray is the soul of a Negroni,” says Sarah, a renowned bartender in London. “Its flavor complexity never overpowers the cocktail.” This year, Tanqueray reclaimed the top spot, becoming the go-to choice for bartenders.
NO.2 Sipsmith (Gin)
The biggest surprise of the year, Sipsmith climbed from outside the rankings to second place, representing the rise of craft gin.
NO.3 Michter’s (American Whiskey)
This Kentucky bourbon is known for its rich caramel and vanilla notes, making it a perfect match for an Old Fashioned.
NO.4 Campari (Liqueur)
No Negroni is complete without Campari. It brings that magical balance of bitterness and sweetness, earning a permanent place in every bartender’s toolkit.
NO.5 Ocho (Tequila)
Ocho breaks the mold of traditional tequila, winning bartenders over with its terroir-driven flavors and artisanal approach.
The Best Spirits by Category
Gin: The Everlasting Trendsetter
Gin remains the star of the cocktail scene, driven by the popularity of Negroni and Dry Martini.
- Top-Selling Brands: Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, Beefeater
- Emerging Trend: Craft gins like Monkey 47 and Roku are quickly gaining traction in premium markets.
Rum: The Timeless Caribbean Charm
Rum continues to be a staple in classic cocktails. While Bacardi and Havana Club dominate the market, brands like Planteray are gaining momentum with innovative approaches.
- Top-Selling Brands: Bacardi, Havana Club, Planteray
Whisky: The Intersection of Tradition and Innovation
Bourbon’s steady growth and the high demand for single malt Scotch continue to shape the whisky market.
- American Whiskey: Michter’s, Bulleit, Maker’s Mark
- Scotch Whisky: The Macallan, Johnnie Walker, Laphroaig
Tequila & Mezcal: The New Cocktail Powerhouses
If you haven’t tried a Mezcal Margarita yet, you’re missing out on one of this year’s most popular cocktails.
- Recommended Mezcal Brands: Del Maguey, Siete Misterios, Montelobos
Classic Cocktails and Brand Recommendations
Negroni — The Perfect Stage for Gin
- Recommended Brands: Tanqueray, Beefeater, Bombay Sapphire
Old Fashioned — A Whiskey Lover’s Dream
- Recommended Brands: Michter’s, Bulleit, Maker’s Mark
Paloma — A Fresh Take on Tequila
- Recommended Brands: Don Julio, Patrón, Olmeca Altos
Future Market Trends and Outlook
Gin and Agave Spirits Will Continue to Grow
With the ongoing popularity of Negroni and Margarita, demand for these two spirit categories shows no signs of slowing down.
Increased Demand for Premium Brands
Consumers are focusing more on brand stories and product quality, with The Macallan and Michter’s standing out.
The Rise of Asian Brands
Japanese whisky Nikka and Taiwan’s Kavalan are gaining global recognition and expanding their market presence.
Conclusion: A Flavorful Adventure Awaits
The 2025 Global Spirits Brands Report is more than just an analysis—it’s an invitation to embark on a flavor adventure. Whether you’re a bartender or a cocktail enthusiast, these brands represent the essence of cocktail culture. Next time you’re at a bar, explore some of these recommended spirits and savor the stories they tell.
