New data has revealed one of the fastest growing cocktail categories in the American on premise over the last 12 months has been spritzes.

The latest edition of CGA’s Cocktail Sales Tracker has highlighted a significant move away from heavier and higher-alcohol cocktails towards more refreshing alternatives. The spritz has enjoyed a remarkable 30% increase in value velocity over the last 12 months—the highest of any of the top 30 cocktails in the US.

Other fastest growing cocktails include the Bellini and Paloma, which have seen year-on-year value velocity uplifts of 19% and 8% respectively. Lesser-known but fast-rising cocktails include the Gin Fizz, which has recorded a 45% increase, albeit from a low base. The spritz was the sixth most popular cocktail in the US in the first quarter of 2024, up by two places from the fourth quarter of 2023, while the Bellini has climbed one place to ninth.

CGA’s USA Bartender Report delivers more evidence of the shift in cocktail preferences towards more refreshing and visually appealing drinks. Asked about likely cocktail trends for 2024, 45% of bartenders anticipate more bold and vibrant cocktails that are served with social media appeal in mind.

CGA by NIQ’s regional director – North America Matthew Crompton said: “The shift in consumers’ preferences towards lighter and more colourful cocktails is one of the most significant sales dynamics we’ve seen in the on premise for some time. Drinks like the Spritz and Bellini are thriving because of their refreshing profile, visually appealing presentation and versatility across multiple social celebratory occasions—and the warm summer months are sure to drive even greater interest.”

Zoncello becomes a million-bottle brand

Australians have also embraced the category with limoncello spritz Zoncello, which is credited with putting the wine category back in growth, having cracked the million-bottle sales mark.

Only released in February last year, the innovation has been a runaway success for Yarra Valley wine producer Zonzo Estate. Made with Zonzo Estate’s Limoncello and Prosecco, it retails for less than $25 a bottle.

Dan Murphy’s began stocking it nationally in August 2023 and it went on to become the retailer’s no. 1 new wine product for 2023. Zoncello is now available at a wide range of independent and big-box retailers throughout the country.

“In December, we were sending out 100 pallets (around 65,000 bottles) a week,” Zonzo Director Rod Micallef told the Australian Financial Review this week. “It was insane.”

The success of Zoncello led Micallef to relaunched Zonzo’s premixed Bellini in April.

Now dubbed ‘Bellina’, the Zonzo Estate Bellini was Australia’s first-ever bottled one of its kind, combining locally sourced juicy peach nectar and award-winning Zonzo Estate Prosecco, ready to be popped and poured.