It’s coming to that point in the year when it’s time to say goodbye to our summer menus. Bar owners may think of summer as the peak season, with cool, refreshing drinks accompanying long, warm nights. But this doesn’t have to be the case. In fact, with the colder seasons come a wide variety of new flavours, as well as emerging trends to capitalise on.
Timeless classics with a premium twist
While it may sound like an oxymoron, timeless could well be the trend of A/W 2025/26. There’s been a growing interest in the classics, which looks set to continue into the colder months. According to Google search data from Ahrefs, searches for “classic cocktails” have increased by 5% in the past year, and are forecast to grow another 5%. Specific classics such as the margarita (+5%), French 75 (+9%), negroni (+9%), and whiskey highball (+12%) are all seeing rising interest, too.
It isn’t just timelessness consumers are after, but quality too. Stats show that while the hospitality industry has seen fewer visits recently, those who do visit not only stay for longer, but also opt for premium drinks (Vinetur). To help make every visit count, it’s more important than ever to give them a true high-end experience.
This doesn’t just go for drinks, but for the entire bar set-up. From smart aprons and uniforms to sleek stainless steel bartending tools (which don’t just look good, but are made to last), the small details that you may not even realise customers look for are getting noticed. Perfecting the small stuff makes all the difference when elevating customer experience.
Embracing the cosiness of the season
As the nights draw in and the weather turns cooler, consumers tend to turn towards warmth, comfort, and cosy vibes. In fact, Costa Coffee’s 2025 survey has found that 28% of Brits say they turn into “cosy comfort seekers” as autumn rolls around, with hot drinks and comfort food being a staple for many at this time of year (Birmingham World).
So, expect customers to value warmth and comfort over the next few months. This could be in the form of hot alcoholic drinks with classic, comforting flavours like spiced apple, vanilla, and cinnamon. This contrasts with the hot and spicy flavours that have been dominating spring and summer 2025.
According to The 2025 Pinterest Autumn Trend Report, there has been a spike of interest in autumn scents (+77%), including caramel (+49%), apple (+53%), and vanilla (+117%). This further emphasises that comfort will be key in the coming months, with consumers having an affinity for warm and nostalgic aromas.
Sweet accompaniments for drinks
It isn’t just cocktails that look set to get sweeter, but bar snacks too. The 2025 Pinterest Autumn Trend Report shows us that users have increasingly searched for seasonal sweet treats. Searches for cinnamon focaccia, for example, are up +562%. In fact, sweet focaccia as a whole has increased. This trend could inspire a rise in sweet charcuterie boards, which pair perfectly with a variety of wines.
There has also been a huge increase in searches for mini dessert ideas (+529%), from mini birthday cakes (+243%) to mini tin cakes (+351%). This lends itself perfectly to hospitality settings, especially bars. Bite-sized treats are ideal for guests who have already enjoyed a meal and are looking for something small and sweet alongside a few drinks to round it off. They can also be sold as pairings with various drinks, including cocktails, wines, and even ales for those who are looking to add a hint of sweetness to their drinking experience.
Going sustainable by keeping it local
We once thought of France, Spain, and Italy as the best and most reliable wine producers, but times are changing. English wine has soared in popularity in recent years. In fact, sales of English wine are up 17% year-on-year at Ocado. And the supply is there to meet this demand, too. With warmer summers, we’re also seeing impressive yields in English vineyards, with earlier (and higher quality) harvests.
As well as an increase in availability and quality, the higher interest in English wines could be an indicator of sustainability still being at the forefront of many consumers’ minds. According to the Food Manufacture’s Sustainability Report 2025, consumers are increasingly prioritising making sustainable choices in bars, including opting for ethically sourced options. A large English wine collection can appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, so it’s well worth bar owners embracing this trend in the coming months.
“Rather than saying goodbye to summer, now is the time to welcome autumn and winter with open arms. With new seasonal flavours to embrace and experiment with, alongside a renewed interest in the classics, bar owners can take advantage of this period by updating their drinks menu to incorporate the latest trends.
“It isn’t just your menu that can benefit from a refresh — use this time to improve your bar set-up too. Investing in durable, long-lasting bar supplies perfectly ties in with the timeless trend, and is also a sustainable and cost-effective choice.”– Guy Cooper, Managing Director of Mitchell & Cooper