Archive · 18 Dec 2025
Maximalism Returns to Cocktails with Bold Flavors
Cocktails are getting more exciting and colorful again.
After a period of simple drinks, bartenders are now creating cocktails with bold flavors, bright colors, and big garnishes.
They are using special glasses and even making drinks that smell and look amazing.
This trend is like a grown-up version of the flashy drinks from the 1990s.
Bartenders are also being more careful about the environment, using garnishes that can be eaten or reused.
These fancy cocktails help keep bartending exciting and give people a reason to visit bars.
Some examples include a mushroom-shaped cocktail in Seoul and a drink served in a giant shell in London.
People love these drinks so much that they want to take pictures and share them on social media.
At home, you can try making your own fancy cocktails by using special glasses and fun garnishes.
Maximalism is back in cocktails, featuring bold colors, layered flavors, and oversize garnishes.
Bartenders are creating more elaborate and immersive drink experiences, inspired by the 1990s but with a more thoughtful approach.
Sustainability is a focus, with edible or reusable garnishes and collaborations between bars and kitchens.
Fancy cocktails help sustain the bartending profession and give people a reason to visit bars.
Examples of maximalist cocktails include the 'Foggy Fongo' at Alice in Seoul and the 'Beyond the Sea' at Nightjar in London.
- Who
- Bartenders and drinkers worldwide
- What
- Maximalism trend in cocktails
- When
- Currently, after years of minimalist drinks
- Where
- Globally, with examples from London, Seoul, Nassau, and New York
- Why
- To offer more than just a simple drink, providing an immersive and memorable experience
- Trend
- Maximalism in cocktails
- Key Features
- Bold colors, layered flavors, oversize garnishes, theatrical glassware
- Inspiration
- 1990s drinks service
- Sustainability
- Edible or reusable garnishes
- Industry Impact
- Sustains the profession of bartending
- Signature Cocktail at Alice
- Foggy Fongo
- Signature Cocktail at Nightjar
- Beyond the Sea
- Social Media Influence
- Photogenic presentation