It seems 2026 is shaping up as the year of low-alcohol consumption. Every other post popping out at me in trade rags and social media is about low ABV, no-alcohol cocktails, alcohol-free beer, low-alcohol cocktails, low-alcohol wine and mocktails. Call them what you want, but it looks like we might be zeroing in on being less lush. 

Let’s start with coffee, because our caffeine fixes will rise. Specialty coffee shops have been on the up and boomed in the past year. In Chacarita, where I live, there were five such cafés within a five block radius of my house in 2020, which I considered a luxury. These included Salvaje, La Noire, and the shuttered Marte. 

Today, a few blocks from home, I’m spoiled by Jungla (buy plants!), Cuervo (watch them roast on site!), Hobby (a teen favourite), Nomada (never been), No Coffee No Prana (comes with a yoga studio) and Docena (brand new). The coffee industry has truly blossomed. 

Why? Because the cafeteria experience is affordable. Anyone, of any age, can frequent one, spontaneously, and grab a coffee to hang out with friends, get some work done, or have a meeting. Everyone can afford a cup of coffee (even if it costs more than in Mexico City or Madrid right now). Most can afford to boost it with a pastry or a sandwich. 

Coffee shops are showered with love. Thought is put into design and concept to create sensorial experiences. There’s an unwritten no-frown policy for lolling. On the contrary, nursing one’s grinds is totally acceptable.  

In 2026, I’d like to see a rise in “healthy” coffee shops, partnering with running clubs and gyms, day-time pop-ups with vinyl DJs, thoughtful bites and people........

© Buenos Aires Herald