6 drinks that are in this summer and 4 that are out, according to bartenders and mixologists
- Business Insider asked bartenders about which drinks are in and out for this summer.
- Classic punches and nonalcoholic beverages will be popular as the weather warms.
- But the experts said to skip piña coladas, smoked cocktails, and espresso martinis.
Inflation has made alcohol increasingly more expensive — whether you're out at a bar or mixing cocktails at home.
To avoid wasting money on a bad drink trend, Business Insider spoke with bartenders and mixologists to find out what's in and out for the summer.
James Grant, bartender and director of beverage at Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, loves a classic margarita to cool off in the summer.
"This is literally never going out of style," he told BI. "It's adaptable, versatile, and the standard bearer for agave spirits that are absolutely on fire right now."
Whether you're out at a bar or hosting a party at home, you can't go wrong with punch.
"A classic punch is always great when you want to share a drink with friends," Grant said. "Something like the Philadelphia Fish House punch is a great starting point."
The recommended batch cocktail is typically made from cognac, Jamaican rum, and peach and lemon flavorings.
Frozen cocktails are a no-brainer in the summer. But the possibilities extend beyond frozen margaritas or daiquiris, according to Panji Wisrawan, head mixologist at Pinstripe Bar at Viceroy Bali.
"One of the best cocktails I've encountered is the frozen gimlet, made by blending gin with cordial and crushed ice, resulting in a smooth, frozen yet floral and punchy take on the classic gimlet," he told BI.
A spritz, also known as an apéritif or aperitivo, is typically a mix of sparkling wine, digestive bitters (e.g., Aperol), and soda water.
"The choices are diverse, whether you prefer floral options like the Hugo spritz or something more serious like the Campari spritz," Wisrawan said.
Nonalcoholic beverages and mocktails are more popular than ever.
Sunshine Foss, founder and CEO of boutique liquor store Happy Cork, told BI, "Nonalcoholic drinks, like alcohol-free beers, botanical-infused sparkling waters, and sophisticated mocktails that mimic the taste and experience of traditional cocktails, are on the rise."
Phil Collins, mixologist and beverage director at both Table One Hospitality & Kin Gin, said spicy drinks are a summer staple.
One of his favorite orders is a spicy mezcalita (a margarita made with mezcal instead of tequila).
"I think it's time to bring in heat and smoke from mezcal, which pairs perfectly with all of the watermelon, strawberry, passion fruit, and tropical goodness," he told BI.
Plus, spicy flavors may actually help you stay cool since they typically increase perspiration.
Many people know and love piña coladas, but there are so many other drinks to choose from these days.
"Skip the piñas and give yourself some color," Collins told BI.
According to the bartender, the classic tropical drink may even make hangovers worse.
"Oftentimes the creaminess of the Coco Lopez and all that sugar — plus being out in the sun — can be a nightmare," he said.
Although smoked cocktails are Instagram-worthy, Paul Barcelo, a bartender at Lazy Bear in San Francisco, said they've run their course.
"I think the smoke-gun bubbles are out," he told BI. "People want more simple preparations these days."
Tyler Chauvin, assistant general manager of food and beverage at Swingers NoMad, said the era of frosé (frozen rosé) has ended.
"The never-ending combination of pink wine, lavender, and fruit juice every summer is getting boring," she told BI.
Although the rich coffee flavors of an espresso martini can boost energy on a night out, bartenders and mixologists are coming up with more creative takes.
Justin Goo, bartender and general manager at Abacá, believes the trendy martinis will be replaced with other variations, like a boozy sparkling Americano, this summer.