Fastest-Trending Drinks & Brands for Liquor Stores in 2025

Liquor Store Customers Want More Than Just Spirits

Today’s liquor stores are becoming hubs of discovery. Shoppers want premium spirits, innovative ready-to-drink cocktails, and even alcohol alternatives that let them socialize in new ways. Keeping up with these trends — and presenting them well — can set independent liquor stores apart from the competition.

Trending Drink Categories

1. Tequila & Mezcal

Tequila continues to outpace vodka and whiskey, with artisanal brands and smoky mezcals leading the premium charge.

2. Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Cocktails

Canned cocktails are booming, from High Noon and Cutwater to craft-inspired labels. Their convenience makes them a staple for younger consumers.

3. Premium Whiskey

Limited bourbons, Japanese whiskies, and rare cask releases are attracting collectors and casual fans alike.

4. Alcohol Alternatives

Non-alcoholic spirits, mocktails, and functional beverages are creating new sales opportunities. Trending brands like Brez Drinks are making waves in this space, showing that customers want options beyond traditional alcohol.

5. Hard Seltzers & Hybrids

Though the craze has leveled off, hard seltzers remain popular, especially with new flavors, spiked lemonades, and hybrid fusions.

Why This Matters for Liquor Stores

Carrying the right mix of trending categories builds customer loyalty and boosts basket size. But the real differentiator is merchandising: how you showcase those products. Liquor stores that dedicate space, signage, and premium displays to trending categories are more likely to attract curious shoppers and drive discovery.

How DGS Retail Helps Liquor Stores Stand Out

• Gondola Shelving Configurator: Perfect layouts for highlighting tequila, RTDs, or non-alcoholic sections.

• Free Store Design Service: Plan liquor, wine, and alternative beverage sections for flow and visibility.

• Wood Gondola Options: Create a boutique look for premium categories.

• Aisle & Category Signage: Bold signs like “New Arrivals,” “Cocktails To-Go,” or “Mindful Drinking” help customers find trending items quickly.

Final Takeaway

Liquor stores in 2025 must balance tradition with innovation. Stocking and showcasing categories like tequila, premium whiskey, RTDs, and alcohol alternatives (with names like Brez capturing headlines) will keep your store competitive and future-ready. And with merchandising support from DGS Retail, you’ll have the tools to present these trends in a way that excites customers and boosts sales.