"This year's drink trends run the gamut, from debatably unhinged ( giant Martinis served with a dozen olives and straws) to extremely controversial (cocktail bars operating without ice ). Will these new developments continue on into 2026, or will they remain a blip? To find out, I asked a handful of experts for their takes. Here's what they had to say."
"Some say the classic glass is out, and bartenders are opting for alternatives. Experts Featured Ben: Nick & Noras are the essential Manhattan glass. Frankly, do not serve me a Manhattan in another glass. Courtney: Nick & Noras, in my opinion, combine the best elements of other glassware options. Kenzo: I'm always more interested in new shapes and designs. I never like flashy garnishes for cocktails, but a beautiful and unexpected glass is always nice."
"The Martini "Refrost" The move where bartenders transfer your half-consumed Martini into a fresh, frosted glass is everywhere from Hillstone to cocktail bars in Chicago, New York City and beyond. Jesse: I think this trend is a little silly honestly, but it shows commitment to hospitality and attention to the guest experience. If your bartender is being that attentive to the guests' needs, I'm all for it!"
Drink trends range from oversized, theatrical Martinis served with many olives and straws to cocktail bars eliminating ice. Alternative glassware, especially Nick & Nora glasses, is gaining favor as a refined vessel that balances elegance and practicality. The Martini "refrost" practice involves transferring a partially consumed Martini into a freshly chilled glass to preserve temperature, prompting divided responses that praise hospitality and criticize unnecessary fuss. Some bartenders prioritize novel glass shapes and subtle presentation over flashy garnishes. Debates about these developments focus on hospitality, temperature control, aesthetics, and whether such moves will endure into 2026.
Read at PUNCH
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