Kimpton Reveals the Trending Tastes of 2026

Kimpton’s hotly anticipated annual Culinary + Cocktail Trend Forecast returns this year to unveil the unique dining styles, bold ingredients and expert techniques set to shape the global hospitality scene in 2026.

On the Plate – Culinary Trends
- Charcoal Renaissance: Binchotan (Japanese white charcoal) will be used to impart rich, smoky flavors with minimal smoke. Expect dishes like charred cauliflower satay with lemon cream.

- Global Pancakes: International variations such as Moroccan Msemen, Korean Hotteok, and Vietnamese Bánh Xèo will be reimagined with creative pairings.

- Heritage & Third-Culture Cuisine: Chefs will blend multicultural influences into unapologetically bold dishes, reflecting personal and cultural experiences.

- Citrus Hybrids: Unique fruits like Calamansi, Hallabong, and Sumo will inspire fresh flavor combinations in both food and drinks.

- Entrée-Inspired Dips: Classic meals like gumbo or cacio e pepe will be transformed into snackable dips, replacing “Girl Dinner” with “Snacky Suppers.”

In the Glass – Cocktail & Beverage Trends
- Botanicals Replace Sugar: Natural sweetness from rose, elderflower, and cherry will dominate.

- Texture Explosion: Drinks will feature foamy, crunchy, silky, and fizzy layers for multisensory experiences.

- Banana Milk Boom: This Korean favorite will rival oat milk as a global alternative.

- Coffee Innovation: Specialty beans and climate-resilient cultivars (like Ethiopian Hambela or Papua New Guinea Volcanic Robusta) will gain traction.

- The Garibaldi Spritz: Campari and orange juice will challenge Aperol Spritz as the new aperitivo star.

- Layered Drinks: Visible layers of flavor will replace blended beverages.

- Garden-to-Glass: Aloe, eucalyptus, pepperberry, and other botanicals will inspire earthy cocktails.

- Tech-Enhanced Mixology: Cryogenics, aroma machines, and molecular gastronomy will redefine cocktail-making.

- Wine Trends: Asia-Pacific wines rise, Bordeaux makes a comeback, and fizzy Spanish wine cocktails (like Kalimotxo) gain popularity.

Big Picture
Kimpton’s chefs and bartenders emphasize authenticity, artistry, and playfulness. Food and drink are becoming storytelling platforms—expressions of place, culture, and creativity—rather than just trend-chasing.