Functional Ingredients Meet the Cocktail Menu Bone broth and mānuka
honey are carving out space in craft cocktails and mocktails this summer, as mixologists capitalize on consumer demand for beverages that blend indulgence with perceived health benefits.
The shift reflects broader industry interest in functional drinks—beverages formulated with ingredients marketed for specific wellness properties. Bone broth is positioned for collagen and protein content, while mānuka honey emphasizes antioxidant and naturally antibacterial properties.
Brands Drive Functional Ingredient Adoption
Dr. Kellyann and Mānuka Health are among the brands actively promoting the trend through recipe development and product positioning.
Dr. Kellyann's product line includes bone broth and Lemon Sips, a collagen-infused electrolyte drink. The brand has published recipes including a "Bloody Bull"—a savory riff on the Bloody Mary blending bone broth with tomato juice and vodka—and a "Hydration Cocktail" combining bone broth, melon, cucumber, citrus, and spirit bases.
Mānuka Health is promoting its MGO 600+ mānuka honey in a versatile lemon mocktail or cocktail that can incorporate bases like lemon soda, ginger beer, club soda, or spirits such as whiskey or bourbon.
Functional Positioning Drives Consumer Appeal
For consumers seeking functional nutrition, these ingredients represent an opportunity to integrate wellness benefits into beverage consumption. Bone broth offers collagen and protein for joint and gut health support, while mānuka honey delivers antioxidant and naturally antibacterial properties for immune function. However, consumers should note that health claims around these ingredients remain largely marketing-driven; the regulatory landscape for functional drink claims continues to evolve.
---
For more insights and trends in the food and beverage sector, check out more articles in The Food & Beverage Magazine family of publications.
Written by FBM Publications Editors
