Last week, we hopped on a plane to attend the wildly popular Bar Convent Berlin, the world’s leading trade fair for bar and drinks professionals. Known for setting the pace for innovation in the global drinks industry, this year’s event showcased the latest trends, products, and insights shaping the future of bars, cocktails, and the spirits category.

 BCB brings together leading industry experts, brand ambassadors, bartenders, and disruptive start-ups to exchange knowledge and celebrate creativity across the industry. So, here’s a rundown of some of our favourite trends and takeaways from this year’s expo!

The environment you drink something in is as important as what’s in the glass.

It was clear that guests are seeking more than just great drinks—they want immersive, unforgettable experiences that stretch beyond the familiar.

We noticed a real shift towards creating theatrics, from creative installations to multi-sensory experiences. Each tapping into a demand for unique, Instagrammable moments, blending mixology and entertainment.

Some brands were more successful than others at creating a clear red thread that connected their creative installations back to their brand stories and truths to offer a more meaningful experience. For example, Stork Club’s Bakery celebrated the all-important rye ingredient – the hero ingredient in its whiskey. Guests could sip an Old Fashioned, enjoy a delicious array of open sandwiches on artisan rye bread, and discover the intricate brand process stories in a fun, immersive way.

Meanwhile, Monkey 47’s Pawn Shop immediately caught our eye with cult classic movie props and memorabilia that made us feel like we’d stepped back in time. While we appreciated interactive experiences like ‘the secret suitcase’ to engage us while we waited for our cocktails, it was unclear how it connected to the ‘rare but true’ brand personality.

Technology is transforming the way that we interact with drinks.

BCB highlighted the rise in tech-driven bartending and showcased some of the most cutting-edge tools and innovations bartenders use.

One of our favourite stands was a collaboration between Renais, Ohaus, and KNF who partnered to showcase the cutting-edge technology used in the lab at Dram Bar. The team were eager to share their passion and knowledge for crafting cocktails. From Lacro-fermentation to clarified cocktails we left feeling excited about the geekier side of cocktail making.  

Reviving Forgotten Classics

While innovation is key, we also noticed a growing interest in revisiting traditional spirits like vermouth, sherry, cherry liqueur, and the Italian Classic – Limoncello.  A bridge between old world and modern mixology.

Iconic cocktails such as the Negroni, Old Fashioned, and Martini were also given a modern twist across all spirits categories, with bartenders including their modern flair to offer a fresh take on time-honoured recipes. Mount Gay Rum offered a ‘Coffee Bar’ experience showcasing its rum in the Espresso Martini for those looking for an alcohol-spiked energy boost throughout the day.

Bar Convent Berlin 2024 has proven once again why it’s the go-to event for anyone in the drinks industry. We left feeling creatively inspired, informed about upcoming trends, and fascinated by the innovative tech setting new standard and taking brands and bars to new heights. It’s given us a new perspective on how we bring drinks brands to life in 2025 and beyond.