# 3D-Printed Cocktails This 'Augmented Cocktail' is Enhanced with Printed Drink Decorations By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2016-09-16 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/printed-drink References: [3dprint](https://3dprint.com/149407/creative-robotics-print-a-drink/) There are now plenty of examples of foods that have been created with 3D printing, but the innovative minds at the [creative robotics laboratory](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/richtech-robotics-scorpion) at the [University of Arts and Design Linz](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miniature-robots) have unveiled something entirely new—a 3D-printed drink. Creating the "augmented cocktail" does not entirely replace the job of a mixologist. Once the classic martini drink has been mixed, a 3D printing machine is used to add 3D-printed liquid structures to build upon the drink. The robot that's used in the making of this unique cocktail is the [KUKA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/predictive-safety-engine) LBR iiwa, which comes from German manufacturer KUKA. Rather than standing in as a replacement for humans, many will appreciate that the machine is simply adding an embellishment to enhance the drinking experience. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.3/10 - Popularity: 88% | Activity: 93% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/robots) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **3d-printed Drinks:** The fusion of 3D printing technology into mixology presents opportunities for bars, restaurants, and beverage brands to enhance the drinking experience with creative and visually appealing liquid structures. - **Augmented Cocktails:** By using 3D printing technology to enhance simple cocktail drinks, there is a disruptive opportunity for mixologists to level up their creations while attracting new customers with visually appealing and modern beverages. - **Robotic Bartending:** With the rise of robotic bartending and 3D printing technology, there is an opportunity for beverage companies to create automated machines that deliver unforgettable drinking experiences for customers. ### Who This Affects Most - **Food and Beverage:** As 3D printing technology continues to evolve, there is an opportunity for food and beverage companies to leverage it to create innovative and visually stunning products that stand out in the market. - **Hospitality:** The use of 3D printing technology and robotic bartending presents a unique opportunity for hotels, bars, and restaurants to provide their customers with innovative and memorable drinking experiences. - **Technology:** The intersection of technology and the food and beverage industry presents a lucrative opportunity for software and hardware companies to create cutting-edge solutions that cater to an evolving market. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Motion Liquid Art Distortions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lidris.md) - [NFT Cocktail Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-skull-society.md) - [Automated Mixologist Cocktail Makers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cocktail-maker.md) - [AR-Suggested Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tanqueray-noten.md) - [Commercial AI Mixologists](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brandmuscle-tastebuds.md) - [App-Enabled Cocktail Makers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bartifier-cocktail-maker.md) - [Chromatic AI Food Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikoffy-edibot.md) - [AI-Created Neighborhood Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-generated-cocktails.md) - [3D-Printed Cocoa Drops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cocoa-drop.md)