INDUSTRY TRENDS

Hot Menu Trends in 2023

Patrons are eager to return to bars and restaurants to reclaim a sense of community in 2023, according to the National Restaurant Association’s annual What’s Hot Culinary Forecast. This report offers a detailed look at the topics, trends and products expected to drive menus in 2023.

Despite the booming popularity of off-premise restaurant meals and snacks in recent years, pent-up demand for in-restaurant experiences — socialization, celebration and culinary exploration — is strong, with 70% of respondents noting a customer desire to gather on premise. Overall, cravings for dining are proving resilient amid inflationary pressures and customers are hungry to connect over shared meals that can’t easily be replicated at home.

Top 10 Hot Menu Trends for 2023

1. Experiences including local culture and community

2. Fried chicken and inventive chicken sandwiches

3. Charcuterie boards

4. Comfort fare

5. Flatbread sandwiches and healthier wraps

6. Menu streamlining

7. Sriracha variations

8. Globally inspired salads

9. Zero-waste/sustainable/upcycled foods

10. Southeast Asian cuisines (Vietnamese, Singaporean, Philippine, etc.)

The National Restaurant Association partnered with the American Culinary Federation and Technomic to conduct its annual survey in October 2022. More than 500 American Culinary Federation chefs and members provided insights to support an outlook of the leading menu trends for 2023.

The Little Book of Whiskey Cocktails

“The Little Book of Whiskey Cocktails,” written by Bryan Paiement, hit shelves just last year, and shares the stories of the whiskey-making world and recipes suitable for whiskey enthusiasts of all expertise levels. As a professional bartender at the Dunraven in Estes Park, Colorado, Paiement takes a practical approach to exploring the various ways in which the spirit can be mixed and enjoyed. He is also the author of “Sports Bar: Cocktails and Sports Trivia.”

The book begins with a brief history of whiskey, then Paiement answers many questions that even aficionados can’t help but stumble over: What is the difference between “whiskey” and “whisky?” Does bourbon have to come from Kentucky? How many times does Irish whiskey need to be distilled?

Then 40 classic whiskey cocktail recipes and 10 original recipes follow in this pocket-sized, 136-page book. Each carefully curated recipe is introduced with details on the cocktail’s origins and concludes with bartenders’ tips for mixing the perfect concoction. Paiement includes recipes from awardwinners like the Paper Plane, time-tested classics like the Old Fashioned and the Rusty Nail, and handcrafted originals like the Scotch Smash. The book concludes with a key of whiskey ware and bar tools, and an extensive repertoire of jokes.

“Paiement pays homage to many of the classic whiskey cocktails and creates new drinks that enthusiasts will love. This short book is filled with the history and lore that surrounds many of the beverages, and the author’s personal stories related to cocktail creation. This book is a must for anyone passionate about whiskey cocktails,” according to Albert W. A. Schmid, author of “Burgoo, Barbecue, and Bourbon: A Kentucky Culinary Trinity.”

Mary’s Spicy Bloody Mary Mix

As a gold and double-platinum winner three years in a row at the International Drunken Tomato Awards, Mary’s Spicy Bloody Mary Mix is made with hotpressed tomatoes for a thick and bold tomato flavor. Plus, the proprietary pickle brine is made in house. Simply gather vodka, margarita or chili salt, plus your accoutrements of choice, and the mix does the rest. Home to seven different cocktail mixers, Mary’s focuses on ingredients that are meticulously selected, fresh, and 100% all-natural and organic.

Say Cheers and Slrrrp!

Get the party started quickly with prepackaged gelatin shots from SLRRRP! These grab-and-go, plant-based gelatin shots feature premium alcohol and awardwinning flavors. Choose from vodka, malt liquor or cinnamon whiskey. The fruit flavors contain 13% alcohol for the regular size (50 ml) and 8% alcohol for the minis (35 ml), whereas the cinnamon whiskey contains 15% alcohol. With no refrigeration required, a two-year shelf life, and availability in 12- or 20-packs, these shots are vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free. TLW

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