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 Category with Recipe Development

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.

Supply Chain and Manufacturing Implications

For manufacturers and distributors, these ingredients represent emerging demand in both RTD cocktail production and functional beverage lines. The positioning of bone broth and mānuka honey as premium functional bases creates opportunities for co-packing, ingredient sourcing, and ready-to-drink product development across spirits and non-alcoholic categories.

Distributors should monitor regulatory developments around functional drink claims, as the landscape for health positioning continues to evolve. This category presents differentiation potential for operators willing to invest in functional positioning, potentially supporting premium pricing across supply chains.

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