
The National Restaurant Association released their “What’s Hot 2016 Culinary Forecast.” The report surveyed professional chefs, all members of the American Culinary Federation, on cuisine, beverages and culinary themes. The top trends for alcoholic beverages in 2016 are listed as craft and artisan spirits; locally-produced beer, wine and spirits; house-brewed beer; onsite barrel-aged drinks; and regional signature cocktails.
Also making the top trend list are culinary and edible cocktails, food and beer pairings, food and cocktail pairings and craft beer. The report also forecasts that Prohibition-era cocktails, infused and flavored tequilas, gluten-free beer and botanical liqueurs will be popular.