As producers look ahead to 2026, the global beverage alcohol landscape continues to evolve at speed, shaped by changing consumer lifestyles, premiumization, flavor exploration, and growing demand for moderation. For brands entering the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) and the 2026 San Francisco Ready-to-Drink Competition, these shifts present both opportunity and strategic direction.

This article highlights categories to watch in 2026, framing the trends that are expected to define the next year in spirits, ready-to-drink beverages, and no- & low-alcohol offerings. Whether you’re refining an established product line or launching something new, these are some of the categories gaining momentum, and attention.

American Single Malt Whiskey

With formal recognition and growing global credibility, American Single Malt Whiskey is one of the most closely watched spirits categories heading into 2026. Producers are defining the style through:

• 100% malted barley mash bills

• Distinct regional terroir and climate influence

• Innovative maturation and barrel strategies

Judges will be looking for balance between malt-driven character, oak integration, and a clearly articulated house style—making this a pivotal category for emerging and established producers alike.

American Whiskey (Bourbon, Rye, and Beyond)

American whiskey remains a cornerstone category, but innovation is driving renewed excitement. Expect continued growth in:

• Age-stated and well-defined mash bills

• Single barrel and small batch releases

• Creative barrel finishes (wine, fortified wine, and specialty woods)

Producers are balancing authenticity with experimentation—rewarding entries that demonstrate both technical excellence and a clear point of differentiation.

Agave Spirits (Tequila, Mezcal, and Agave Distillates)

Premiumization continues to elevate agave-based spirits. In 2026, categories to watch include:

• Mezcal with transparent production and regional identity

• Raicilla and other regional Mexican agave spirits. Raicilla, in particular, is gaining attention for its diversity of production methods, agave varieties, and flavor profiles.

Barrel-Finished Spirits

Barrel finishing continues to be a powerful tool for differentiation across multiple base spirits. Categories to watch in 2026 include:

• Whiskey finished in wine, sherry, rum, or specialty casks

• Finished brandy, rum, and agave spirits

• Innovative but well-integrated secondary maturation techniques

Successful barrel-finished entries demonstrate harmony rather than novelty, where the finishing enhances, rather than overwhelms, the core spirit.

Brandy & Cognac-Style Spirits

As consumers rediscover heritage spirits, brandy is enjoying renewed relevance. Watch for:

• American and international brandies

• Fruit-forward and varietal-driven expressions

• Aged and cask-influenced styles

This category rewards craftsmanship and structure, particularly when paired with modern positioning.

Gin & Botanical Spirits

While gin is a mature category, innovation remains strong. Standout entries often showcase:

• Distinct regional botanicals

• Textural depth and balance

• Contemporary styles

Producers who can articulate a clear botanical narrative continue to perform well.

Spirit-Based RTDs

RTDs remain one of the fastest-growing segments, with consumers seeking bar-quality flavor in convenient formats. Categories to watch include:

• Cocktails made with recognizable base spirits

• Classic cocktail interpretations (e.g., margarita, old fashioned, spritz)

• Lower sugar, clean-label formulations

In 2026, judges will continue to prioritize balance, authenticity, and true-to-style execution.

Wine-Based & Alternative Base RTDs

Beyond spirits, innovation is expanding across bases:

• Wine and aromatized wine RTDs

• Sake-, soju-, and fermented-base RTDs

• Hybrid and cross-category expressions

These categories reward creativity while still demanding technical precision.

Functional & Flavor-Forward RTDs

RTDs that intersect with wellness and lifestyle trends are gaining traction, particularly when they maintain sensory appeal. Look for growth in:

• Botanical-forward profiles

• Citrus, herbal, and globally inspired flavors

• Moderate ABV offerings

Non-Alcoholic Spirits

No- and low-alcohol continues to mature as a category defined by intention rather than compromise. In 2026, strong entries will demonstrate:

• Complexity and structure without alcohol

• Purpose-built formulations (not de-alcoholized afterthoughts)

• Clear use occasions: neat, mixed, or culinary

Judges are looking for products that stand on their own merits.

Low-ABV Spirits & Aperitifs

Low-alcohol options offer moderation without sacrificing flavor. Categories to watch include:

• Aperitifs and digestifs

• Amaro-style and bitter-forward profiles

• Sessionable spirits designed for cocktails

Here, balance, mouthfeel, and length are key evaluation factors.

Non-Alcoholic & Low-ABV RTDs

The intersection of RTD and no/low continues to expand, with consumer demand for:

• Sophisticated, adult flavor profiles

• Culinary-inspired and botanical blends

• Products suitable for social occasions

These entries succeed when they deliver depth, not sweetness alone.

Both the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the San Francisco Ready-to-Drink Competition are designed to reflect where the industry is going — not just where it has been. The categories highlighted above align with:

• Evolving consumer expectations

• Global market expansion

• Increased focus on quality, transparency, and innovation

Entering the right category ensures your product is evaluated alongside its true peers, maximizing relevance and impact.

The 2026 competitions provide a global stage for producers who are shaping the future of spirits, RTDs, and no- & low-alcohol beverages. As these categories continue to grow and diversify, thoughtful positioning and category selection will be more important than ever. For brands watching the trends, or setting them, 2026 is the year to step forward.