What’s Trending in Mixology?
When it comes to housemade craft cocktails, Lokal is leading the charge in innovation and creativity in Jersey City. With a signature cocktail list created by a master mixologist, our drinks hit all the notes one would expect from true cocktail historians. From fresh takes on fun and fruity options to sleek, sophisticated classics presented with artful attention, you’ll find it hard to choose just one.
What’s Trending in Mixology Right Now?
Mixology is the study of the chemistry and history of drinks, and our mixologists seek to contribute to the evolution of this field of bartending1. In other words, we take our drinks seriously by constantly reviving and refining our idea of what makes a great cocktail.
Current trends in mixology include:
- Botanical or vegetative beverages
- Umami and savory flavors
- Asian influences
- Sustainability2
- Smoked cocktails
- Revived or updated classics (particularly the martini)
- Low alcohol by volume (ABV) or non-alcoholic options3
How Lokal Brings Mixology Trends to Life
Our cocktail menu interprets and incorporates these trends by using globally inspired, house-made, and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
Botanical or Vegetative Beverages
Botanical ingredients add bright, herbal notes, nuance, and complexity without overpowering the overall flavor. Garnishes with edible flowers3, fruits, and herbs can elevate a drink, creating a photo-worthy drink. On our menu, you’ll find options made with butterfly pea flower, bee pollen, aquafaba (water from cooking chickpeas, a plant-based alternative to egg whites), and hibiscus syrup to name a few.
Umami- and Savory-Centric Flavors
The emergence of savory elements in mixology is still relatively novel, which adds an element of the unexpected to drinks2. A few of our signature cocktails are crafted with a nod to the savory with ingredients like cinnamon syrup, jalapeño, or dramatic spices and garnishes.
Asian Influences
Our cocktail menu incorporates many Asian ingredients such as the savory spice, garam masala, the soft and subtly sweet fruit, lychee, and yuzu, an East Asian citrus that tastes like a mixture of grapefruit, mandarin, and lemon.
Revived or Updated Classics
One of the biggest trends in mixology in the past few years has been the resurgence of the illustrious martini and as a result, many classics are coming back in style but with unexpected takes and twists1. You’ll find ‘90s nostalgia crossing over into cocktail menus as well, but this time, they’re emerging reinterpreted for a contemporary crowd with added freshness or refined ingredients.
Signature Cocktails to Try at Lokal
On our forward-thinking menu, you’ll find notes from all these trends in mixology highlighted, these are some of our favorites.
Named after a 1920s starlet, The Pépa Bonafé is a bright cocktail crafted with brandy, cinnamon syrup, hibiscus syrup, lime juice, and your choice of vodka or mezcal for a smoky undertone. It’s served flambé style for added drama.
The Elliott Stubb is an updated take on a whiskey sour composed of yuzu, aquafaba, blueberry honey syrup, verjus, bee pollen, and your choice of tequila or bourbon.
Giving elevated margarita vibes, The Margaret Sames plays on both the savory and Asian influences with ginger syrup, watermelon juice, lime juice, a jalapeño and garam masala rim, and your choice of soju or mezcal.
The Lychee Martini is the definition of an elegant, revived classic with its fresh lychee puree, vodka, and floral notes from St. Germain.
Visit Lokal for Your Next Cocktail Night
If you’re in search of inventive, sustainable, and fun cocktails in Jersey City, we encourage you to explore our menu and stop by Lokal to sample the current trends in mixology for yourself. Check out our food and drink specials during happy hour, from 4 pm–6 pm.
Sources
- Graham, C. What Is Mixology? The Spruce Eats. Retrieved April 17, 2025, from https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-mixology-759941
- Micalleff, J. 10 Cocktail Trends Shaping The 2025 Beverage Market. Forbes. Retrieved April 17, 2025, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2024/12/11/the-ten-top-cocktail-trends-shaping-the-2025-beverage-market/
- Stemmet, A. 2025 Top Cocktail Trends Revealed. The Mixer. Retrieved April 17, 2025, from https://www.themixer.com/en-uk/trends/cocktail-trends/
