Emerging Trends in Craft and Artisanal Spirits Consumption Among Millennial and Gen Z Consumers to Incorporate into Curated Collections

Millennials and Gen Z are transforming the craft and artisanal spirits market with unique values and consumption patterns. To design curated collections that resonate deeply with these consumers, integrate the following emerging trends shaping their preferences.

1. Sustainability and Ethical Production

Sustainability is a non-negotiable trend for Millennials and Gen Z, who prioritize environmentally responsible brands.

• Organic and Natural Ingredients: Spirits made from certified organic grains, botanicals, and fruits, free from synthetic chemicals, rank highly.
• Eco-Friendly Packaging: Recyclable bottles, biodegradable labels, and minimal packaging directly influence purchase decisions.
• Carbon Neutral and Regenerative Practices: Brands adopting carbon offsetting or regenerative agriculture gain strong brand loyalty.

Actionable Tip: Curate collections featuring certified organic or carbon-neutral spirits. Use storytelling on product pages or labels to highlight environmental commitments. Consider brands like Square One Organic Spirits that prioritize sustainability.

2. Low- and No-Alcohol Spirits for Wellness and Social Versatility

Millennials and Gen Z increasingly value low- and no-alcohol options that support wellness without compromising flavor.

• Functional Ingredients: Adaptogens, botanicals, and vitamins impart additional wellness benefits.
• Complex Flavor Profiles: Modern low-ABV spirits rival traditional ones, moving beyond bland alternatives.

Actionable Tip: Include premium no- and low-ABV spirits like Seedlip or Ceders, emphasizing their wellness benefits and versatility in craft cocktails. Highlight mixology potential to appeal to cocktail enthusiasts.

3. Radical Transparency and Authentic Storytelling

Transparency about production, sourcing, and brand ethos is essential.

• Behind-the-Scenes Access: Virtual distillery tours and detailed production stories foster trust.
• Founders’ Narratives: Personal, authentic stories of distillers resonate with these consumers.
• Ingredient Provenance: Clear information on ingredient origins links products to culture and terroir.

Actionable Tip: Showcase brands with rich storytelling through blogs, videos, or QR codes linking to brand narratives. Brands like Westward Whiskey excel in transparent storytelling.

4. Embracing Global and Cultural Diversity in Spirit Selection

Millennial and Gen Z consumers actively pursue diverse, global flavor profiles.

• International Craft Spirits: Rising interest in mezcal, baijiu, saké, and pisco enrich cursory collections.
• Authentic Collaborations: Spirits co-created with indigenous and local communities offer unique cultural experiences.
• Hybrid and Fusion Spirits: Blends like barrel-aged tequila mezcal or spiced saké draw adventurous palates.

Actionable Tip: Include globally inspired craft spirits and educate consumers about cultural origins. Explore offerings from distilleries like Del Maguey Mezcal or Japanese craft distillers.

5. Small-Batch, Limited-Edition, and Ultra-Premium Bottlings

Exclusivity and artisanal craftsmanship are strong purchase motivators.

• Limited Editions: Scarcity adds urgency and collectible value.
• Unique Aging and Finishes: Age statements and innovative cask finishes signal high craftsmanship.
• Experimental Batches: Limited runs with unusual ingredients or processes cater to novelty seekers.

Actionable Tip: Feature limited editions from brands like WhistlePig and spotlight their exclusivity. Market these as collector’s items or unique gifts.

6. Innovative Flavors and Botanical Infusions

Novel flavor profiles are prioritized for personalized and intriguing experiences.

• Wild-Harvested Botanicals: Craft gins and rums infused with rare herbs and spices are popular.
• Unconventional Ingredients: Coffee, chili peppers, and other unique infusions broaden appeal.
• Seasonal and Rotating Flavors: Seasonal releases create anticipation and fresh appeal.

Actionable Tip: Curate spirits with exciting botanical blends and introduce rotating seasonal selections, such as those from Hendrick’s Gin.

7. Personalization and Interactive Digital Experiences

Personalized and tech-enabled experiences deepen engagement.

• Custom Labeling and Blending: Personalized bottles and custom mixes appeal to self-expression.
• AR and QR Code Content: Digital enhancements deliver cocktail recipes, distillery tours, and brand stories.
• Community Feedback Platforms: Involving consumers in flavor or product decisions builds loyalty.

Actionable Tip: Collaborate with brands offering personalization, and integrate tools like Zigpoll for interactive consumer feedback and market research.

8. Health-Conscious Consumption Embedded in Spirit Choices

Health trends directly affect spirits selection.

• Low Sugar and Clean Labels: Spirits without artificial sweeteners or additives are preferred.
• Allergen-Free Options: Gluten-free and grain-free claims attract sensitive consumers.
• Functional Spirits: Adaptogen and nootropic-infused spirits are emerging favorites.

Actionable Tip: Prioritize artisanal spirits emphasizing clean ingredients and health benefits, such as Runamok Maple Spirits.

9. Social Responsibility and Community-Driven Brands

Social justice and community impact guide many purchase choices.

• Support for Marginalized Producers: Brands owned or led by women, BIPOC, or LGBTQ+ founders resonate.
• Community Investment: Distilleries supporting local causes deepen consumer loyalty.
• Fair Trade Ingredient Sourcing: Ethical sourcing practices build consumer trust.

Actionable Tip: Highlight social missions and impact stories in your collections. Feature brands like Sombra Mezcal that prioritize community empowerment.

10. DIY Cocktail Culture and Home Mixology

At-home cocktail crafting is integral to younger drinkers’ spirits consumption.

• Cocktail Kits and Pairings: Bundling spirits with mixers or tools attracts home bartenders.
• Unique Cocktail Recipes: Curated recipes encourage experimentation and repeat purchases.
• Virtual Tastings and Workshops: Online/offline sessions boost engagement and knowledge.

Actionable Tip: Curate collections around cocktail themes and provide mixology guides. Partner with brands offering kits, such as PUNCH.

11. Transparent Pricing and Value-Driven Purchases

Millennials and Gen Z demand honesty and clarity on value.

• Straightforward Pricing: Avoid hidden markups to build trust.
• Accessible Premium Options: Affordable luxury is appealing if price-to-quality ratio is clear.
• Value in Narrative and Craft: Story and craftsmanship justify premium costs.

Actionable Tip: Offer tiered pricing with transparent value messaging, encouraging exploration from affordable to premium bottles.

12. Sustainability and Minimalism in Barware and Accessories

Serving aesthetics complement spirit consumption values.

• Eco-Friendly Barware: Preference for recycled, handcrafted, or sustainable materials.
• Minimalist Design: Clean, modern tools align with contemporary tastes.

Actionable Tip: Bundle curated spirits with minimalist, sustainable barware to enhance consumer experience and reflect shared values.

How to Build Millennial and Gen Z-Centric Craft Spirits Collections

To develop curated collections that captivate Millennial and Gen Z consumers, integrate these trends thoughtfully:

• Center sustainability, ethical sourcing, and social impact.
• Include flavorful low- and no-alcohol spirits with functional benefits.
• Prioritize transparency and authentic storytelling.
• Feature diverse global spirits and small-batch editions.
• Embrace flavor innovation and seasonal releases.
• Offer personalization and interactive digital engagement.
• Promote health-conscious, allergen-free options.
• Support underrepresented producers and community-oriented brands.
• Curate around cocktail culture with educational content.
• Ensure competitive, transparent pricing.
• Complement collections with sustainable, minimalist serving accessories.

Leverage interactive platforms like Zigpoll to connect with your audience, gather real-time insights, and dynamically tailor your collections to evolving preferences. This approach will position your brand as a leader in the evolving artisanal spirits landscape, engaging younger consumers with authenticity, innovation, and purpose.

Cheers to crafting curated collections that resonate with the future of craft spirits consumption!