Millennials have fundamentally reshaped the way beverage brands are built, marketed, and consumed. Unlike earlier generations, today’s consumers aren’t just buying a drink, they’re buying into a feeling,
a moment, and a value system. For brands trying to stay relevant, this shift demands far more than good flavour.
Vrinda Singhal, co-founder, Swizzle, believes millennial beverage choices are deeply tied to self-expression. “They’re not just buying a drink; they’re buying a mood,” she explains. In an era where social sharing defines experience, a beverage that looks good on Instagram plays a crucial role in discovery and desirability. However, she is quick to point out that visual appeal alone is no longer enough.
Millennials today are acutely aware of what goes into their bodies and the impact brands leave behind. Clean labels, lower sugar, plant-based formulations, and recyclable packaging are no longer differentiators, they are baseline expectations. Sustainability, especially in urban India, has evolved from a “nice to have” into a decisive purchase driver. “Taste still remains king,” Singhal adds, “but it has to feel light, fresh, and guilt-free.”
Swizzle’s response to this shift has been to create premium, non-alcoholic mocktails made from real fruits and herbs, with no artificial flavours or colours. The brand’s aluminium cans, bold design language, and focus on a refined alcohol-free experience allow consumers to enjoy, share, and feel good about their choices both online and offline.
Echoing this sentiment, Vaishali Mehta, co-founder, Swa, believes that modern beverage brands must go beyond taste to establish genuine relevance. “A brand needs to truly stand for what it believes in,” she says, noting that millennial preferences now directly influence formulation, sourcing, and positioning.
At Swa, sustainability isn’t layered on as a marketing narrative, it’s embedded into the product itself. Their artisanal syrups are crafted using locally sourced ingredients, significantly less sugar, and real fruit as a natural substitute. This philosophy, which Mehta describes as ‘Craft With Nature’, prioritises transparency and authenticity from sourcing to formulation. “What truly clicks is honest and transparent identities,” she explains.
As beverage programs evolve, Mehta emphasises that long-term relevance comes from products that support creativity, consistency, and operational ease, especially in professional bar and hospitality environments. By simplifying operations while delivering a healthier, premium experience without compromising on flavour or quality, Swa aligns closely with what today’s consumers value most.
Ultimately, both founders agree on one key truth: when a drink looks good, tastes real, and feels part of something larger than just consumption, it naturally earns its place, not just on Instagram feeds, but in people’s minds and at the bar. For millennial-focused beverage brands, the sweet spot lies at the intersection of aesthetics, sustainability, and substance.
