The past year saw a resurgence of classic cocktails, with drinks like the Old Fashioned and Martini making a comeback. However, 2022 also saw the rise of new, innovative drinks that pushed the boundaries of what a cocktail could be.
One of the most popular drinks of the year was the "Hinoki Martini." This cocktail, created by master bartender Masahiro Urushido, features Grey Goose vodka and Spring 44 Mountain Gin as its base spirits, paired with an astringent fino sherry and a subtle Junmai Daiginjo to boot. The drink is finished with a dash of hinoki tree (Japanese Cyprus) extract in order to balance the palate with a touch of wood and smoke. The drink is served in a wooden masu that is filled with ice, garnished with a kombu brined olive, a cypress leaf, and rakkyo.
Another top contender was "Forever Young." This refreshing take on the infamous Adonis cocktail, created by sommelier Kim Kyungmoon, combines Yangchon Chungju (a Korean rice wine), Cocchi Vermouth di Torino (a sweet vermouth), Amaro Nonino Quintessentia (a bitter aperitif), and a dash of orange bitters to finish. The drink is served in a Nick and Nora glass, topped with a strip of orange peel.
The humble Espresso Martini also made a strong showing in 2022, with the classic combination of vodka and espresso getting a modern twist. Bartenders experimented with different liqueurs and syrups, such as hazelnut or vanilla, to add depth and complexity to the drink.
Classic cocktails, too, had their moment. The negroni, an Italian cocktail with gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, was a standard at bars all over the world. Bartenders, however, were putting their own spins on the traditional recipe. One popular variation was the "cold brew" negroni, which involved steeping coarsely ground coffee in the Campari for a unique twist on the original. Another trend was the aged negroni, which involved aging the cocktail in a miniature oak barrel to add depth and complexity to the flavor. These unique takes on the classic Negroni showcase the inventiveness of today's bartenders while providing an exciting alternative to the standard drink.
Cocktails made with India's favorite spirit were also on the menu. Drinks such as the Dark and Stormy, which is made with dark rum, ginger beer, and lime juice, graced the side of almost every pool deck on a hot summer day. Classics like the pina colada also had their moment in the sun; the tropical drink proved to be the perfect way to beat the heat with its familiar and refreshing notes of pineapple, coconut cream, and white rum.
In 2022, rosé-based cocktails emerged as a popular trend among mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts alike. The subtle floral notes and dry finish of rosé wine or liqueur make it an ideal ingredient for a wide range of cocktails, from refreshing spritzers to more complex, spirit-forward drinks. Some popular rosé-based cocktails in 2022 included the Rosé Gin Fizz, which combined gin, rose liqueur, lemon juice, and soda water for a light and effervescent drink, and the Rosé Margarita, which blended tequila, rosé liqueur, and lime juice for a unique twist on the classic margarita.
Low-alcohol cocktails, also known as "session cocktails," proved to be extremely popular in 2022. Low-proof versions of classic cocktails like the old fashioned and more contemporary drinks like the Smoke and Mirrors were served by bartenders all over the world. Session cocktails continue to be popular among businessmen and day drinkers owing to the low alcohol content of the drinks, which makes it possible to work after a short drinking session with minimal impairment, or the risk of having a hangover the next day.
Milk-based cocktails were another trend that made waves in 2022. Bartenders combined ice cream, milk, and a spirit, such as bourbon or rum, to create a delicious and indulgent treat. The "Banana Foster Shake" was a particular favorite, featuring banana ice cream, dark rum, and a caramel drizzle.
Lastly, the year 2022 also saw a growing interest in non-alcoholic cocktails, as more and more people chose to abstain from alcohol for various reasons. The "Virgin Spritz," made with grapefruit soda, cranberry juice, and soda water, and garnished with a grapefruit slice and rosemary, was a fan favorite in this category.
As we look back on the past year, it's clear that 2022 was a year of experimentation and innovation in the world of cocktails. From fragrant martinis to tropical pina coladas, mixologists pushed the boundaries of what a cocktail could be, and we can't wait to see what new creations they come up with in the coming year. Let us raise our glasses one last time in honor of the fine beverages that the year 2022 has provided.