Social drinking might seem like a hazy concept right now, but it's quickly becoming a staple of bars and parties all over the world. Trend Hunter Editor Armida Ascano noticed the increasing popularity of social drinking, and has taken the time to explain what exactly this new drinking ritual is, and what has been done to help it grow.
Social drinking, as Armida explains, is a drinking activity that forces drinkers to interact with one another. To encourage this, many different inventions have been released, including the 'Offline Glass.' This beer glass only stands up straight if it's resting on a cell phone, forcing bar hoppers to put down their gadgets and pick up a conversation with a nearby stranger.
Some bars have begun activities that force people to get to know one another, such as Pinot's Palette. This unique bar combines painting with wine, allowing people to drink as they paint, switch easels with other people, and walk around the room to see what other wine drinkers have created.
Armida's favorite social drinking device is the Heineken 'Departure Roulette.' This roulette board is located in airports, and encourages travelers to hit a button that spews forth a destination at random. Once they press the button, these travelers have committed to visiting wherever it is the board offers up, making sure that they're remaining spontaneous and social with their drinking habits.
While social drinking is still a growing lifestyle option, it's definitely going to blow up within the next couple of years, making sure that bar patrons are never bored or alone again.
Literal Social Drinking
Armida Ascano Explains Why Social Drinking is Transforming Bars
Trend Themes
1. Social Drinking - An emerging trend that encourages drinkers to interact with one another, creating opportunities for socialization and connection in bars and parties.
2. Interactive Drinking Inventions - The rise of interactive drinking inventions such as the 'Offline Glass' and the Heineken 'Departure Roulette' that enhance social interaction and spontaneity while drinking.
3. Combination Bars - The emergence of combination bars like Pinot's Palette that combine drinking with other activities, such as painting, to create unique and engaging social experiences.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality Industry - The hospitality industry can capitalize on the trend of social drinking by creating venues that prioritize social interaction and offer innovative drinking experiences.
2. Technology Industry - The technology industry can explore opportunities to develop more interactive drinking inventions that enhance socialization, such as smart glasses or interactive bar games.
3. Event Planning Industry - The event planning industry can incorporate social drinking activities into events and parties, offering unique and memorable experiences to attendees.