Kimpton Unveils 2025 Culinary + Cocktail Trends: A Glimpse into the Future of Global Menus
ATLANTA, Nov. 21, 2024 – Kimpton, a proud member of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, has once again launched its much-anticipated Culinary + Cocktail Trend Forecast for 2025. This annual report, crafted by Kimpton’s global culinary and beverage experts, highlights the ingredients, techniques, and inspirations poised to shape restaurant and bar experiences worldwide.
From the rise of black tahini and salted egg yolks to transformative cocktail techniques and sustainability-driven trends, the forecast dives deep into the exciting flavors and practices that will define dining and drinking in the year ahead.
“At Kimpton, our mission is to create exceptional, memorable moments for our guests,” said Scott Gingerich, Vice President of Restaurants, Bars & Events, Luxury & Lifestyle Americas at IHG Hotels & Resorts. “By staying ahead of the curve, our culinary and beverage teams continue to elevate the guest experience through innovation, ambiance, and bold flavors.”
Guests can look forward to experiencing these trends firsthand at Kimpton restaurants and bars worldwide.
Highlights from the Kimpton 2025 Culinary + Cocktail Trend Forecast
Culinary Trends
Ingredients on the Rise
- Black Tahini: A deeper, toastier spin on traditional tahini, appearing in dishes like black tahini noodles, ice cream, and even lattes.
- Chili Crunch Fusions: These unique blends with global spices, like fennel seeds and Marcona almonds, are perfect for seafood, pizza, or tapas.
- Black Limes: These sun-dried limes offer a balance of intense sweet and sour flavors, enhancing soups, stews, and seasonings.
- Salted Egg Yolk: A centuries-old umami powerhouse, now starring in dishes like creamy pasta and Caesar salad at Kimpton venues globally.
Cultural Influences
- Korean Comforts: Fusion dishes like Kimchi Eggs Benedict bring Korean flavors to familiar Western comfort foods.
- Southeast Asian Inspiration: Filipino, Burmese, and Indonesian dishes are set to redefine classics like pasta and breakfast staples.
New Culinary Approaches
- Elevated Snacking: From vegan cheese boards to seafood-forward tapas, Kimpton reimagines shareable bites.
- Oil Exploration: Chefs will highlight the distinct qualities of oils like toasted sesame, avocado, and coconut.
Cocktail Trends
Game-Changing Ingredients
- Super Juice: A sustainable solution to mimic out-of-season flavors, such as local citrus substitutes for lemons.
- Clarified Non-Dairy Milks: Almond and coconut milk cocktails bring creamy, flavorful textures to the forefront.
- Freeze-Dried Fruit Powders: Zero-waste garnishes that amplify flavor while repurposing leftover produce.
Innovative Techniques
- Transformative Preparations: Bartenders embrace sous vide and forced carbonation to elevate classics with a modern edge.
- Reimagined Classics: Expect fresh takes on martinis, highballs, Midori sours, and espresso-based carajillos.
Sustainability & Inclusivity
- Zero-Alcohol Drinks: Creative, sophisticated non-alcoholic options like the Aper-no Sour feature botanicals and herbs.
Dining Trends
Newstalgia Meets Innovation
Chefs are reimagining retro classics with elevated ingredients, like corn dogs topped with truffle or caviar.
Auditory Immersion
Curated playlists and soundscapes tailored to dining occasions—from lively brunches to cozy winter evenings—are set to enhance the overall experience.
About Kimpton
Since its founding in 1981, Kimpton has been a trailblazer in boutique hospitality, blending thoughtful design with culinary creativity. With over 75 hotels and 100+ restaurants worldwide, the brand continues to innovate, providing guests with unique and inspired experiences.
About IHG Hotels & Resorts
IHG Hotels & Resorts is a global leader in hospitality with over 6,500 hotels across 19 brands, delivering “True Hospitality for Good.” Learn more at www.ihg.com.
For a detailed look at the 2025 trends, visit the full interactive report here: Kimpton 2025 Culinary + Cocktail Trends.
