Overview

In episode 4 of Trend Me Tipsy we cover data from August 4th through August 10th, 2025. This week’s data reveals a fascinating mix of influences driving cocktail curiosity, from a clear impact from general summer vibes and peak travel season, to specific ingredient trends driving interest in multiple related cocktails.

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Trending Cocktails

Dark ‘n Stormy

What’s this: The Dark ‘n Stormy is a classic and refreshing cocktail that originates from Bermuda. It is a simple yet flavorful drink primarily composed of dark rum and ginger beer. The name of this cocktail is inspired by its distinctive appearance, where the dark rum is carefully layered atop the ginger beer, creating a visual resemblance to stormy clouds or a dark, turbulent sea. This layered look is a signature characteristic of the drink. It is often considered a great non frozen beach drink, offering a refreshing alternative for those seeking a tropical vibe without the blended texture. Its composition makes it somewhat similar to a Moscow Mule, given the shared use of ginger beer as a key element. The Dark ‘n Stormy is also noted for being easy to make at home, making it a solid choice for warm evenings. It embodies a simple, classic, and refreshing quality that is highly appealing, especially in hot weather.

Interest increase: Breakout

Reason for interest spike: The recent breakout status of the Dark ‘n Stormy, signifying a surge of 5,000% or more in search interest, did not appear to be driven by a single, identifiable article or viral social media post. Instead, its increased popularity seems to be predominantly influenced by the general mood and seasonal factors. This period is recognized as peak summer travel season, with many individuals heading to coastal destinations. The Dark ‘n Stormy perfectly aligns with this atmosphere, being described as a great beach drink that fits the vacation vibe. Search interest for the cocktail was particularly heavy in coastal cities, reinforcing the connection to beach and warm weather locales. The trend suggests a collective desire for simple, classic, and refreshing drinks when temperatures are high. It is less about a specific trigger and more about the overarching summer environment and the inherent appeal of a cool, easy to make beverage in such conditions. The increase in interest for ginger beer, a key ingredient, which saw a 300% rise in searches last week, may also contribute by pulling related drinks like the Dark ‘n Stormy along with its trend. This suggests that interest in a core ingredient can lead to a surge in popularity for cocktails that prominently feature it

Recipe: Dark ‘n Stormy from Liquor.com

Slow Gin Fizz

What’s this: The Sloe Gin Fizz is a bubbly and refreshing cocktail that represents a slight modification to a classic fizz cocktail. Its defining ingredient is sloe gin, which is gin that has been infused with sloeberries. Sloeberries are small, dark purple fruits, resembling plums, and are known for their distinctly tart, astringent, and often bitter taste. These fruits, which are technically drupes from the blackthorn tree, are traditionally used in sloe gin production, as well as in various jams, jellies, and other culinary applications. Beyond sloe gin, the cocktail typically includes fresh lemon juice and simple syrup to balance the flavors. It is then topped with club soda for its characteristic effervescence, contributing to its refreshing quality. Some variations of the Sloe Gin Fizz may also incorporate an egg white, which when shaken, adds a frothy head and contributes to a smoother texture. The drink is known for its light and effervescent nature, making it a sophisticated choice.

Interest increase: Breakout

Reason for interest spike: The reason behind the breakout status of the Sloe Gin Fizz appears quite clear and directly linked to media influence. VinePair, a respected online source, recently published an article where they polled 18 bartenders about the most underrated summer drinks of 2025. The Sloe Gin Fizz secured the number two spot on this influential list. This type of prominent feature from a reputable source can significantly boost awareness, especially for a cocktail that utilizes an ingredient like sloe gin, which may not be a standard component in every home bar or even widely stocked in all establishments. While this is not equivalent to a viral social media post, the article’s impact demonstrates that well researched traditional media can still effectively drive trends and spark curiosity. The increase in search interest for the Sloe Gin Fizz could be attributed to people discovering this relatively lesser known cocktail through the article, leading to a surge in searches to learn more about it. The rise from potentially low to significant interest highlights how specific media placements can build awareness and introduce new drinks to a broader audience

Recipe: Sloe Gin Fizz from Liquor.com

Boulevardier

What’s this: The Boulevardier is a sophisticated cocktail that is often described as a Negroni but with whiskey, specifically bourbon or rye, replacing the gin. It maintains a classic formula, combining the chosen whiskey with Campari and sweet vermouth. While the precise ratios can vary, a common approach involves using equal parts of each of these three ingredients. This classic swap of the base spirit gives the Boulevardier a distinct character from its Negroni cousin, appealing to those who prefer whiskey’s profile. The drink is celebrated for its elegance and straightforward preparation, despite its elevated feel. It is considered a classic formula swap, offering a similar bitter and sweet balance to the Negroni but with the warmth and depth of whiskey. The Boulevardier is an excellent choice for impressing guests or simply elevating a casual evening, making a regular get together feel more refined. It feels quite elevated due to its classic ingredients and balanced profile.

Interest increase: 100%

Reason for interest spike: The 100% increase in search interest for the Boulevardier appears to be a confluence of factors, primarily linked to a broader Campari trend and social media influence. Interest in Campari, a core ingredient in the Boulevardier, has been on the rise since early May. This surge for Campari is connected to the viral popularity of the Negroni Sbagliato with Prosecco, popularized by actress Emma D’Arcy in a 2022 interview. It suggests that individuals who developed an interest in Negronis or Sbagliatos are now exploring similar, yet different, cocktails, with the Boulevardier fitting this criteria perfectly. People might be seeking variety from the popular Negroni, looking for “what’s next” that offers a familiar structure but with a new twist. This is a case where the increased interest in a specific ingredient, Campari, is driving curiosity and searches for drinks that feature it prominently, rather than the drink itself initiating the ingredient’s popularity. Additionally, BarSchoolNY recently posted an Instagram reel featuring the Boulevardier as an excellent drink for impressing friends while hosting, providing a social media nudge to its growing interest. This combination of an ingredient trend and subtle social media promotion has contributed to its recent surge

Recipe: Boulevardier from Liquor.com

Mexican Mule

What’s this: The Mexican Mule is a refreshing cocktail that builds upon the popular Moscow Mule template. Its primary distinction is the substitution of tequila for vodka as the base spirit. In addition to tequila, the drink incorporates ginger beer, which provides a spicy kick, and fresh lime juice, contributing a bright, citrusy flavor. This combination results in a drink that is both refreshing and relatively easy to make. It offers a fantastic cold and gingery option, particularly appealing to tequila lovers. The Mexican Mule is often explored by those who enjoy the traditional Moscow Mule but are curious about different spirit bases or prefer tequila. It stands as a good alternative for those who typically opt for a Moscow Mule or even a Margarita, offering a familiar yet distinct flavor profile.

Interest increase: Breakout

Reason for interest spike: The breakout status of the Mexican Mule seems to be driven by a combination of hot weather and a significant surge in the popularity of one of its core ingredients: ginger beer. Searches for “ginger beer” alone saw a massive 300% increase last week, indicating a strong, underlying interest in this key component. This trend in ginger beer directly links the Mexican Mule to other popular drinks, like the Dark ‘n Stormy, which also feature ginger beer and experienced trending status. During hot weather, people naturally seek cold, refreshing, and gingery drinks, which the Mexican Mule perfectly provides. Furthermore, there has been a noticeable increase in searches comparing “Mexican mule vs Moscow mule,” suggesting that people are actively curious about the differences between these variations and are exploring new options within the “mule” family. This indicates that the interest is being driven by the heat, the buzz around ginger beer, and a general curiosity to try different takes on classic refreshing cocktails. It is another example where the growing interest in a specific ingredient, ginger beer, is pulling along related cocktails like the Mexican Mule into the spotlight.

Recipe: Jalisco Mule from Patron

Vodka Gimlet

What’s this: The Vodka Gimlet is a straightforward and highly refreshing cocktail, considered a super simple and classic choice. It is primarily composed of vodka, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. This concise list of ingredients contributes to its ease of preparation and its clean, crisp taste. As a variation of the traditional gimlet, which historically uses gin as its base spirit, the Vodka Gimlet offers a more neutral and often smoother profile for those who prefer vodka. To prepare it, the ingredients are typically shaken together with ice, which thoroughly chills and dilutes the mixture. The finished cocktail is then served in a chilled glass, often garnished with a fresh lime wheel to enhance its tart and refreshing qualities and add a touch of visual appeal. It is known for its tart and refreshing flavor, making it a reliable choice. The Vodka Gimlet is often sought out for its unpretentious yet satisfying nature, fitting well into classy but relaxed social gatherings.

Interest increase: 200%

Reason for interest spike: The 200% increase in search interest for the Vodka Gimlet does not appear to be linked to any singular, obvious external trigger, such as a major article or a viral video. Unlike some other trending cocktails, there was no specific push found to explain this particular surge. Instead, the rise in interest for the Vodka Gimlet seems to be part of a slower, more gradual trend. Data indicates that general interest in gimlets has been quietly and steadily creeping up since a low point in November of the previous year. This suggests that the current spike is not merely a one week anomaly but rather a continuation of a sustained, perhaps organic, return to classic cocktails. It implies that people may be rediscovering or increasingly searching for simple, dependable, and classic cocktail variations they can consistently rely on. This reinforces the idea that not every trend requires a large scale marketing campaign or a viral moment; sometimes, renewed interest stems from the inherent appeal of a solid and timeless drink. The Vodka Gimlet fits the desire for something reliable and good, that is easy to make at home for a classy yet relaxed get together.

Recipe: Vodka Gimlet from Liquor.com