Low-ABV Cocktails Dominate Summer Drinking Trends

The movement towards low-alcohol cocktails has become a permanent fixture in U.S. dining establishments. Milos Zica from Cafe Susanne observes that patrons are looking for a mix of traditional and lighter beverages. Bar Susanne features a spritz menu that includes fortified wines and citrus flavors. In New York's East Village, Stars serves low-ABV cocktails all year, highlighting white wine spritzes and vermouth sodas. Jeanne Torres from The Musket Room crafts house-fermented sodas for these drinks. Stars has introduced a low-proof espresso martini. The mini cocktail trend persists with The Dutch's martini bar and Capitaine's petite martinis. Atlanta's Miller Union has a no-and-low-ABV menu, while San Francisco's Trick Dog incorporates sherry as a low-ABV foundation. Zica advises having sparkling wine and vermouths on hand for home mixing.