Low-ABV cocktails
Mocktails
Taking the low-ABV trend one step further as people become more health conscious, expect to see the no-booze mocktail rise up in Atlanta. Think drinks which look like cocktails and taste like cocktails but don’t contain alcohol like cocktails. There was much discussion on incorporating mocktails on bar menus beyond house-made sodas and sparkling water with lime.
Rum rising
Credit: Beth McKibben
Credit: Beth McKibben
Tiki trending up
Cocktail watch: the Swizzle
Martini madness
Credit: Bob Townsend
Credit: Bob Townsend
American single malt whiskey
There is a push to designate the American single malt as an official whiskey category by the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission and the American Craft Spirits Association . Tales tackled this whiskey's merits and those distilling it around the country in a sold out session. Brands like St. George Spirits in California, Westland Whiskey in Washington and Balcones Distilling in Texas have created their own versions of the malted, single distillery spirit. Add to that list Atlanta's ASW Distillery who earlier this year released a Scottish-style single malt in collaboration with Monday Night Brewing. This whiskey category will continue to grow in popularity with distilleries and consumers.
Spirit watch: saké and shochu
These Japanese spirits are moving to cocktail and bar menus beyond their traditional settings. Tales devoted two days in the tasting rooms to both spirits. This included clearing up common misnomers like saké isn't rice wine but is brewed like beer and shochu is distilled. Bartenders and enthusiasts were treated to tastes from a variety of brands and to cocktails using both as a base spirit. Keep an eye out, Atlanta.
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