January 2026 saw the publication of Drinks International's annual Brands Report. For this survey, leading bars worldwide are surveyed about their sales figures as well as their views on brands that have momentum. The result is an international compass that shows which labels have a dominant presence behind the bar and which names are gaining ground.
Within the report, a consistent distinction is made between two key concepts: 'best selling' and 'top trending'. The first category is purely about volume - what is actually poured most often. The second category reflects which brands bartenders think are most relevant or promising. In practice, it turns out that a strong position in trending is often a harbinger of later commercial growth. In other words, today's trending whiskies are very often tomorrow's toppers, so we mark them in our lists below with *** so you can easily recognise them.
In this blog, we look at the toppers in the "other spirits" segments.
Rum
The rum category shows a clear dichotomy: established global brands maintain their strong position in top locations, but competition is becoming increasingly intense. Premiumisation of rum over the past decade has led to a wide and high-quality range, making bars buy more critically and selectively.
While the podium positions remain relatively stable, the difference between brands is smaller than ever. New names are popping up in the lists and niche products are gaining popularity among bartenders, indicating a category that leans on tradition on the one hand, but is open to characterful and distinct styles on the other.
Drinks International - Brand Report 2026 - Rum (page 32)
Best Selling Rum Brands |
Top Trending Rum Brands |
All Time League Rum Brands |
Gin
Gin remains one of the most competitive categories in the international bar world. Its strong anchoring in classic cocktails such as the Martini and Negroni ensures high volumes as well as stiff competition between established players. Interestingly, almost all top brands are part of large international groups, underlining the importance of distribution power and brand awareness.
At the same time, the category remains in flux. While iconic names maintain their dominance, trendy brands regularly move up the rankings. This makes gin a dynamic market in which tradition and innovation are constantly in balance.
Drinks International - Brand Report 2026 - Gin (page 30)
Best Selling Gin Brands
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Top Trending Gin Brands
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All Time League Gin Brands |
Vodka
The vodka market shows remarkable stability, with a solid top three closely following each other. Small differences in votes make the difference between podium places, indicating a particularly competitive market.
International groups dominate the category, highlighting the importance of scale and brand support. At the same time, there remains room for independent players, especially if they are strongly committed to brand identity and bartending relationships.
Drinks International - Brand Report 2026 - Vodka (page 42)
Best Selling Vodka Brands |
Top Trending Vodka Brands
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All Time League Vodka BrandsGrey Goose |
Cognac
After years of dominance by one market leader, the cognac category has become exciting again. Targeted investments in the international bar scene and visibility at prestigious events have shifted the balance of power.
Although the traditional 'big houses' continue to dominate the top, competition is keener than it has been in years. Premium positioning and brand activation are proving decisive in this historically highly hierarchical category.
Drinks International - Brand Report 2026 - Cognac (page 45)
Best Selling Cognac Brands
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Top Trending Cognac Brands
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All Time League Cognac Brands |
Sherry
Sherry remains a popular category within the bar community, despite challenges in terms of overall volume. Almost all leading bars carry at least one reference, underlining the professional appreciation of this fortified wine.
The market is dominated by a few established names, but there are signs of renewed competition. Sherry especially retains its relevance thanks to its versatility in cocktails and gourmet applications.
Drinks International - Brand Report 2026 - Sherry (page 44)
Best Selling Sherry Brands
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Top Trending Sherry Brands
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Brandy
Within brandy, one established name has remained at the top for years, thanks in part to a strong international presence and close ties with the bar sector. Distribution and active involvement in the hospitality sector prove crucial.
At the same time, younger, innovative brands are gaining ground, especially when they capitalise on sustainability or a distinct flavour profile. The category thus shows an interesting mix of tradition and modern positioning.
Drinks International - Brand Report 2026 - Brandy (page 46)
Best Selling Brandy Brands
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Top Trending Brandy Brands |
Pisco
In the pisco discussion, the question remains: Peru or Chile? According to the international bar world, Peru currently seems to have the upper hand, with a strong representation in the top lists.
Peruvian producers dominate both the top and breadth of the rankings, while Chilean brands also maintain a presence. The category is steadily growing in stature, especially thanks to the continued popularity of Pisco Sour.
Drinks International - Brand Report 2026 - Pisco (page 49)
Best Selling Pisco Brands
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Top Trending Pisco Brands
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Tequila
Tequila is experiencing one of its most exciting years ever at the top. The differences between the market leaders are minimal, indicating a particularly competitive and mature category.
Alongside big, globally known names, brands with strong ties to the bartending community continue to score highly. Authenticity, provenance and value for money play an increasing role in professionals' choices.
Drinks International - Brand Report 2026 - Tequila (page 51)
Best Selling Tequila Brands |
Top Trending Tequila Brands |
All Time League Tequila Brands |
Mezcal
After years of dominance by one firm, the mezcal category has been shaken up by a new number one. This underlines how fast this craft category is evolving.
Most leading bars today carry at least one mezcal, confirming its firm roots within modern cocktail culture. Depth, terroir and brand story are at least as important here as volume.
Drinks International - Brand Report 2026 - Mezcal (page 53)
Best Selling Mezcal Brands
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Top Trending Mezcal Brands
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Cachaça
Cachaça remains strongly associated worldwide with the Caipirinha, but the category is evolving beyond just that classic application. International bars are showing increasing interest in aged expressions and premium variants.
Although the top ranking remains relatively stable, the wider spread of brands in the ranking indicates growing attention to higher-end Brazilian sugarcane distillates.
Drinks International - Brand Report 2026 - Cachaça (page 54)
Best Selling Cachaça Brands
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Top Trending Cachaça Brands
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Liqueurs
Liqueurs are strongly driven by cocktail trends. The continued popularity of Negroni and Spritz variants has a direct impact on sales figures within this category.
Classic bitter liqueurs and floral styles remain dominant, but availability and production constraints can cause shifts in the ranking. The link with cocktail culture is more evident here than in any other category.
Drinks International - Brand Report 2026 - Liqueurs (page 56)
Best Selling Liqueurs Brands
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Top Trending Liqueurs Brands
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All Time League Liqueurs Brands |
Cocktail bitters
Cocktail bitters form one of the most concentrated categories in the report, with one brand becoming almost synonymous with the product itself worldwide.
Yet interest in alternatives and specialised bitters is growing, indicating increasing sophistication among bartenders. Despite this broadening, the market leader remains untouchable for now.
Drinks International - Brand Report 2026 - Cocktail Bitters (page 58)
Best Selling Cocktail Bitters Brands
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Top Trending Cocktail Bitters Brands
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Vermouth
Vermouth is often described as "the bartender's wine" and remains essential in classics such as the Martini and Negroni. The top of the ranking is largely made up of familiar names that have been trusted by the industry for years.
Although the order shifts slightly, the dominance of Italian producers remains clear. At the same time, international players are popping up, suggesting that the category is slowly broadening.
Drinks International - Brand Report 2026 - Vermouth (page 60)
Best Selling Vermouth Brands
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Top Trending Vermouth Brands
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Champagne
Champagne remains the symbol of quality and luxury in the world's best bars. Within the ranking, positions change, but big luxury groups continue to lead the way.
Strong all-round performance - rather than mere 'house pour' status - often determines who finishes at the top. The battle at the top remains lively, but the established houses maintain their dominance.
Drinks International - Brand Report 2026 - Champagne (page 63)
Best Selling Champagne Brands |
Top Trending Champagne Brands |
Non-alcoholic spirits
Non-alcoholic spirits have definitely made their way to the high-end of the bar world. Demand for sophisticated, mature alternatives continues to rise, and well-known pioneers maintain their leadership position.
Bartenders mainly opt for products that mimic classic spirits, but there is also growing interest in quirky, standalone flavour profiles. The category is evolving from niche to a fixture within the premium range.
Drinks International - Brand Report 2026 - Non-alcoholic spirits (page 64)
Best Selling Non-Alcoholic Brands
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Top Trending Non-Alcoholic Brands |
About the Drinks International Brands Report 2026
What sets the report apart is its combination of data and interpretation. For 17 years, a rotating panel of renowned bars from 26 countries has been gathering not only hard data, but also professional assessments on relevance and growth potential. This dual perspective makes the report more than a snapshot; it acts as an early indicator of shifts that often become more widely visible in retail and hospitality later on.
The focus is emphatically on the top end of the international bar scene. Much of the participating business can be found in rankings such as The World's 50 Best Bars and similar regional lists. Almost half of the panel is European, with additionally a solid representation from Asia and North and South America. This international spread creates a nuanced picture in which local taste preferences and global trends influence each other.
Drinks International - Brand Report 2026
Marketing • IT • Klantenservice
I've known Broekmans since I graduated in 2006 and thanks to Jan I've come to know the passion for spirits. I dedicate myself every day to the webshop, customer service and all the IT involved. In my spare time, besides whiskey, I can also really enjoy rum, but just as much as a gin tonic or a simple bellini. In the words of Martien Meiland, if there's no alcohol in it, don't call me!
