Weekly Bar & Table Trends 20250302 

This week’s bar and dining trends report highlights four key topics: a documentary celebrates 40 years of Dick Bradsell’s Espresso Martini, with Shanghai’s Barules joining the tribute; U.S. alcohol markets face upheaval from EU’s 50% whiskey tariffs and trade tensions; fashion brands like Uniqlo and LV venture into cafés, sparking a dining trend; and the RTD scene thrives with Stagrestis’ non-alcoholic Negroni alongside celebrity collabs.

Documentary Revisits Dick Bradsell’s Legacy: 40 Years of the Espresso Martini

The late British mixology legend Dick Bradsell, renowned for creating the iconic Espresso Martini, is once again in the spotlight as the cocktail marks its 40th anniversary in 2025. A newly released micro-documentary has captured the industry’s attention, delving into how Bradsell, in a 1980s London bar, ingeniously blended espresso with vodka to craft this groundbreaking drink. The film not only recounts the story behind its creation—said to be inspired by a model’s request for something to “wake her up and shake her up”—but also features interviews with contemporary bartenders who share how this cocktail shaped their careers. Meanwhile, Shanghai’s emerging bar Barules pays tribute to Bradsell by featuring the Espresso Martini on its menu, alongside locally inspired variations. This wave of commemoration not only honors Bradsell’s innovative spirit but also highlights how classics find new life in modern times. Over the next few months, expect more bars worldwide to draw inspiration from the documentary and reinterpret this master’s creations.

U.S. Alcohol Tax Turmoil: Market Ripples from Tariff Wars

Recent U.S. tax policies and international trade tensions are significantly impacting the alcohol market. As new tariff proposals emerge, the EU is set to impose a steep 50% retaliatory tariff on American whiskey, with Canada and China following suit by targeting U.S. alcohol products with additional levies. This multi-front tariff war stems from U.S. restrictions on imported goods, prompting industry giant Diageo to propose alternatives to mitigate the fallout. On the domestic front, American consumers may soon face higher prices for European imports like French wines and Scotch whisky—staples in upscale bars. Experts warn that if these tariffs take full effect, the U.S. alcohol market could see supply-demand imbalances, driving up local prices and weakening export competitiveness. Bar owners will need to monitor policy shifts closely, adapt sourcing strategies, and possibly pivot to promoting domestic products to offset rising costs. This tax storm undeniably adds uncertainty to the 2025 alcohol landscape.

Cross-Industry Dining Boom: Fashion Brands Enter Coffee and Bars

(Via th.louisvuitton.com)

The convergence of fashion and dining is shaping up as a major trend in 2025. Recently, Uniqlo opened a café in Manhattan, New York, infusing its minimalist aesthetic into drinks and spatial design, enticing shoppers to linger over coffee and light bites. MUJI is also expanding its coffee and dining offerings, emphasizing natural materials and simplicity. Meanwhile, Louis Vuitton’s café in Bangkok, Thailand, takes luxury to new heights with exquisite desserts and premium coffee, establishing itself as a local hotspot. These brands’ forays into dining go beyond business diversification—they’re crafting lifestyles that reinforce their identities through food and ambiance. For bar and dining operators, this trend signals heightened competition and inspiration. Future bar designs may lean harder into storytelling and cultural resonance, potentially sparking unexpected cross-industry collaborations that bring diverse experiences to the glass.

RTD Market Surge: Stagrestis’ Non-Alcoholic Negroni Steals the Show

(via stagrestis.com)

The Ready-to-Drink (RTD) market is heating up in 2025, fueled by celebrity collaborations and bold flavors. Rapper Lil Yachty has debuted a fruit-forward RTD line targeting younger drinkers, while basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal offers a sporty take on pre-mixed cocktails, prioritizing convenience. A former Diageo drinks scientist has also launched a high-end RTD brand, showcasing precision-crafted flavors. Standing out amid the pack is Stagrestis’ non-alcoholic Negroni, a game-changer that mirrors the classic Negroni’s bittersweet harmony without a drop of alcohol, catering to the “sober-curious” crowd. Using botanical extracts, it preserves the layered notes of gin, vermouth, and citrus, offering a guilt-free cocktail experience anytime, anywhere. This RTD boom reflects both celebrity influence and a growing demand for health-conscious convenience. Bars might consider stocking such innovations or developing their own RTDs to meet evolving consumer tastes, signaling a dynamic year ahead for the drinks market. 

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