The Drinks of the Future

Take a sip of mood-modulating drinks developed by bartenders of the future

George Barton | November 29, 2021

Body

- 5 minute read -

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The future's so close
we can taste it

And change is already in motion. But how will bartenders incorporate the next wave of active ingredients into their menus to meet the needs of consumers over the next 10 years?

We spoke with Miles McQuarrie—restaurateur, beverage director and brand mixologist to combine these major consumer trends of today and to develop the drinks of tomorrow.

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The Energetic Margarita
(2022)

Your happy hour just got an all-round boost

This is for consumers looking for more control in unpredictable settings, without sacrificing the alcohol buzz.

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Booze with Benefits

A premium revision of a classic cocktail, this is booze with benefits. The Douglas Fir extract around the rim of the glass will help boost your focus to complement the buzz of the tequila.

"You'll feel better instantly with this body boost."
Miles McQuarrie:

• 1 oz blanco tequila
• .75 oz lime juice
• .5 oz cucumber juice
• .5 oz douglas fir liqueur
• .25 oz Guarana extract
• .25 oz 2:1 sugar syrup
• .25 oz basil extract
• top w/ 1 oz mineral water

Functional Benefits: Boost positivity, reduce fatigue, improve focus, and relief from cold symptoms.

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Everything in Moderation

This drink taps into the rising trend of Gen Z shifting to cocktails, more premium experiences and adventurous flavors with low alcohol options. The functional benefits of the actives ensure that they stay focused and in the moment, to maximize socializing with friends.

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The Health Elixir
(2023)

Homegrown and ready-to-drink

This is for consumers dedicated to sustainable living and a health-conscious diet, but still enjoy their alcohol.

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Wine all the Time

Compressed local goodness created by you, at home, using locally sourced Muscadine grapes & juniper berries with a reusable flask for complete circular living.

"A healthy punch of flavor."
Miles McQuarrie:

• 1 oz barr hill gin
• .75 oz muscadine wine
• Muscadine cordial*
• .5 oz luxardo bitter bianco
• .5 oz lime

Functional Benefits:
Muscadines promote healthy liver function, pack powerful antioxidants and are rich in fiber—all of which limits the hangover (apparently).

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Socially Conscious Sipping

As the world becomes even more focused on climate change, our choices will reflect not only who we are, but what we stand for. This drink is filled with purpose thanks to its low impact on the environment through a sustainable production process.

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The Magic Mushroom
(2024)

Where digital & real worlds collide.

This is for consumers looking for a calming escape and an enhanced sensorial experience without the worry of losing control, or the need for alcohol.

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Constant Calm

Micro-shots of psilocybin are combined with wearable tech to enhance feelings of calm through personalized visual projections.

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Micro-Shot

1. Your micro-shot of psilocybin comes in a variety of flavors and can be taken wherever, whenever— thanks to its discreet format. You'll start feeling the effects within five minutes.

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Personal Experience

2. Your wearable tech then translates those effects from your biodata into beautiful projections that are unique to you, creating a truly personal experience wherever you are.

A subtle citrus refreshment that lingers long on the palate.

• .75 oz lemon juice
• 2 tsp mushroom tincture

Functional Benefits:
A sense of calm and sociability, with potential benefits for treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction.

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Enjoy Your Trip

This might sound far out, but it's closer than you think, as brands like the VR start-up Tripp are already combining virtual and alternate realities psychedelic imagery to boost mental wellness. They just acquired PsyAssist to move deeper into psychedelic-assisted therapies and just raised $11 million in funding to further enhance their offering. And with depression and cases of anxiety rising globally, this will only accelerate psychedelics mass integration.

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Everyday Ecstasy
(2025)

Shift your mood in an instant

This is for consumers looking for a swift boost in any situation, whether alone or with friends. There is no alcohol in sight with the active ingredient being MDMA.

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Pocket-sized Pick-Up

With no alcohol, we might see a shift in social consumption from liquid to vapor through personal devices that offer dual functionality that fits people’s lifestyles. Everyday Ecstasy offers users exactly that, with two options for usage:

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Personal Diffuser

1. For people who want faster onset results, the device can be used for nasal inhalation to increase efficacy on-the-go.

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Precision Drop

2. For people looking for a more mellow experience, simply press the button to drop a precision controlled amount into your drink.

A liquid lift in two forms.

MDMA

Functional Benefits: Uplifting and mild sense of euphoria to lift spirits and enhance social experiences. Also showing potential benefits for treating anxiety, depression & PTSD.

Moodulation

We looked at this in our F[P] article on the same topic, showcasing that mood modulation is already here and growing exponentially, as shown by the global CBD market which is expected to rise from $3.7bn in 2021 to $55.8bn in 2028. This drink takes that to the next level through psychedelics going mainstream to help treat the rise in anxiety & depression.

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In The Future…

The drinks of the future are an endlessly curious topic, one we couldn't keep to ourselves, so we also spoke to Jen Denis, Brand Development & SVP Creative at Green Thumb Industries, to get her view on what the future might look like...

“Non-alcohol bars will be more sensorial, filled with new ways to consume – inhale, let it seep into your skin, things like that.

Currently, when cannabis or other psychedelics are consumed, it takes a bit for the effects to start. Scientists are working on speeding up the time so that it’s more akin to alcohol – you consume and feel it immediately.

The big push is going to be with cannabinoids – the combinations and effects that science is uncovering are widely different. There will be more of a focus on overall wellness, sleep, alertness, and more.”

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Thanks for reading this article in our series The Future of Alcohol.
To discover more about how brands, products, and experiences are set to radically transform,
click here.