FIRST SIP

The transition into spring always sparks a desire for something new . After spending the bulk of the dark , chilly days of winter at home , people are ready to get out once the days get a little longer and warmer , and they want to experience something fresh and delicious .

Experience is the key word : Consumers today desire more than just a cocktail they could probably make at home . They want hospitality , and look for some kind of “ wow ” factor in a beverage program .

From incorporating exotic flavors to using gorgeous glassware to adding texture to cocktails and eye-catching garnishes , bars and restaurants have ample ways to add to the drink experience . And this issue offers plenty of ideas to help you do that .

For starters , our cover story on 2024 beverage trends distills down what we think are the best of the predictions for this year . These include a deeper dive into the flavors of Latin America , savory cocktails ( namely tomato-accented Martinis ), tea-based beverages , craft Gin & Tonics and other fizzy drinks based on the Spritz . ( For more on new gins and how bartenders are using them , see page 22 .)

White wine is also having a moment . While interest in whites typically heats up along with the weather , the wine has shown staying power beyond the summer , especially with younger consumers . A few interesting whites show up on page 14 , where pros share their picks for wines to offer by the glass ; we also have ratings and reviews of Old World wines on page 28 .

We take a look at the still hot but slightly cooling tequila category on page 19 , and the ready-to-drink ( RTD ) phenomenon on page 16 . Several on-premise operators have launched canned versions of their craft cocktails ; could this be an option for your business ?

And on page 8 , we introduce you to Razzoo ' s Cajun Café , which aims to bring the flavors and vibe of New Orleans to its 23 locations in Texas , Oklahoma and North Carolina . The Dallas-based chain recently revamped its drink menu , adding nearly a dozen new specialty cocktails . With fun names , trending spirit brands , plenty of color and unique presentations from mason jars to fish bowls , the brand ’ s beverage program taps into a few trends for 2024 .

Cheers !

Editor Melissa Dowling 763-383-4442 • mdowling @ epgacceleration . com

Managing Editor Kyle Swartz 763-383-4447 • kswartz @ epgacceleration . com

Contributing Editor Krystina Skibo

National Account Director Debbie Rittenberg 763-383-4455 drittenberg @ epgacceleration . com

Marketing and Engagement Sales Manager Jamie Boldt 763-383-4456 jboldt @ epgacceleration . com

Associate Managing Art Director Nicole Siewert

Senior Product Manager , Data & Insights Marina Velez 763-383-4453 mvelez @ epgspecialtyinformation . com

List Rental Kris Grauer kgrauer @ npsmediagroup . com 203-822-7933

Reprints For more information on e-prints or reprints from Cheers magazine , visit https :// epgacceleration . com / marketing-services / and contact us today or email us at info @ epgacceleration .

Beverage Group Vice President Jeremy Nedelka Sr VP / Audience Development Joanne Juda-Prainito Corporate Operations Director Bernadette Wohlman CEO Marion Minor

BRAND ACCELERATION

Cheers is published by EPG Brand Acceleration Editorial and executive offices at 7760 France Avenue South , Suite 810 , Bloomington , MN 55435 Telephone : 763-383-4400

Cheers ( ISSN 1051-564X — USP Number 007-239 ) is published four times per year ( Spring Summer , Fall , Winter ) by EPG Brand Acceleration , 7760 France Avenue South , Suite 810 , Bloomington , MN 55435 . Periodical Rate Postage paid at Port Jervis , NY and additional mailing offices . Postmaster : Send address changes to Cheers , P . O . Box 96 , Port Jervis , NY 12771-0096 Subscriptions : Oneyear digital subscription rates : USA / Canada / Other Counties $ 12.00 All subscriptions payable in U . S . dollars . Payment must accompany order . Call the Cheers customer service number at 763-383-4492 or email customerservice @ epgacceleration . com Contents copyright © 2024 by EPG Brand Acceleration , 7760 France Avenue South , Suite 810 , Bloomington , MN 55435 . Reproduction without the express written consent of the publisher is prohibited . EPG Brand Acceleration , publishes Cheers , Beverage Dynamics , StateWays , Beverage Wholesaler , Industry Overview , Handbook Advance , Liquor Handbook , Wine Handbook , Beer Handbook and Fact Book .

4 Cheers • Spring 2024 www . cheersonline . com