Lifted Spirits, a Kansas City distillery that serves up a variety of creative cocktail creations, has recently introduced a drink that relies on the quality of the glass nearly as much as the ingredients in the drink itself. 'The Wild East' is one of Lifted Spirits' most popular drinks thanks to its smoke-filled preparation process that contributes to a sweet and spicy taste profile and cherry wood aroma.
To prepare The Wild East, the Lifted Spirits bartender ignites a few chips of cherry wood directly on the bar. The tender then takes a tumbler glass and plonks it directly over top of that flame, putting it out and filling the glass with rich smoke. This leads to a sweet and smokey scent on the tumbler that in turn makes the finished drink all the more interesting.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Smoke-infused Cocktails
- There is opportunity for bars and distilleries to innovate by incorporating smoky notes into their signature cocktails.
- Sensory Experience Cocktails
- Cocktail bars can differentiate themselves and attract customers by offering unique and memorable sensory experiences through innovative ingredients and preparation methods.
- Glassware Innovation
- There is room for glassware manufacturers to innovate and create glasses that enhance the drinking experience, such as ones designed to capture and release aromas.
Where This Applies
- Hospitality
- The hospitality industry can incorporate these trends to enhance the overall drinking experience for customers and differentiate themselves in a crowded market.
- Beverage Manufacturing
- Beverage manufacturers can incorporate smoky and unique flavor profiles into their products, creating new market segments and appealing to adventurous consumers.
- Glassware Manufacturing
- Glassware manufacturers can create innovative glasses that complement and enhance sensory experiences, allowing them to differentiate themselves and offer unique products to the market.
