The Next Wave of Beverage Trends in Florida Hospitality

Florida has always been a place where drinks are part of the experience. Poolside cocktails, beachside beers, frozen drinks in the sun. But lately, something interesting has been happening behind the bar. More people are skipping alcohol altogether and reaching for something different.

Across the state, alternative beverages are quietly carving out space in restaurants, bars, hotels, and event settings. THC-infused drinks, hemp-derived seltzers, adaptogenic tonics, and nonalcoholic spirit alternatives are no longer niche products. They’re becoming a real part of the hospitality conversation.

This shift isn’t about restriction or sobriety in the traditional sense. It’s about choice. Guests still want to socialize, unwind, and enjoy a vibe, but many don’t want the hangover, the dehydration, or the loss of control that comes with alcohol. In a state like Florida, where wellness culture, outdoor living, and tourism collide, these alternatives make a lot of sense.

THC beverages, particularly those made with hemp-derived Delta-9 under federal guidelines, have seen rapid growth in Florida. They offer a lighter, more controlled experience that feels closer to having a single cocktail than taking an edible. For many people, that predictability is the appeal. The effects tend to come on faster and fade more gently, making them easier to enjoy in social settings.

At the same time, alcohol-free brands are leveling up. What used to be syrupy mocktails or sugary sodas has turned into thoughtfully crafted drinks with complex flavors, functional ingredients, and packaging that looks just as good on the table as a traditional cocktail. Think botanical blends, sparkling adaptogens, and zero-proof spirits designed to be sipped slowly, not chugged.

Hospitality brands are paying attention. Bars and restaurants across Florida are expanding their menus to include nonalcoholic options that feel intentional rather than like an afterthought. Hotels are offering curated minibar alternatives. Event-based businesses are exploring drink menus that let guests choose how they want to feel, not just what they want to drink.

What’s driving this change is simple. Guests are more informed. They’re more wellness-conscious. And they’re less interested in overindulgence for the sake of it. Social experiences are still the goal, but the definition of what fuels those experiences is changing.

For the hospitality industry, this opens the door to something exciting. Alternative beverages create inclusivity. They welcome guests who don’t drink, who are pacing themselves, or who just want to try something new. They also offer higher margins, creative branding opportunities, and a chance to stand out in an increasingly crowded market.

In Florida especially, where lifestyle is everything, these drinks fit naturally into beach nights, sunset gatherings, boutique hotels, and experiential events. They align with a more mindful version of fun, one that still feels social, relaxed, and elevated.

The future of hospitality isn’t about replacing alcohol entirely. It’s about expanding the menu. Giving guests more ways to participate, more ways to connect, and more control over their experience. As alternative beverages continue to evolve, they’re likely to become a permanent fixture rather than a passing trend.

Florida has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to lifestyle shifts. This one is no different. And as more people choose drinks that support how they want to feel tomorrow as much as tonight, the hospitality industry will keep adapting right along with them.

One of our clients has recently launch their new hospitality based business here in Florida, Highspitality! We are exctied to see them expand here in our sunshine state! 

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