Local Drink Trends in Busselton: What Locals Are Really Drinking in 2025

The local drink trends in Busselton tell a story of a town that's grown up. The foreshore buzzes with new venues, local breweries are thriving, mocktails appear on every menu, and people stop at Brew Plus on their way to BBQs at the jetty or sunset gatherings on the beach. Busselton is no longer just a holiday destination. It's a year-round food and drink hub with a community that cares about what's in their glass.

Brew Plus has been Busselton's award-winning liquor and coffee drive-thru since 1999, stocking an extensive range of local craft beer, Margaret River wines, premium Australian spirits, and non-alcoholic options. The team sees firsthand what locals are reaching for, what's flying off the shelves, and what's making a comeback.

This guide breaks down the key drink trends shaping Busselton in 2025, from craft beer and regional wines to cocktails, mocktails, and the coffee culture that starts every day. Whether you're drinking at home, out and about, or planning your next event, here's what you need to know.

The Busselton Drinks Scene in 2025: What's Hot Right Now

Busselton has evolved from a seasonal beach town to a year-round destination with a sophisticated drinks culture. Beachside venues serve craft cocktails, local breweries have loyal followings, and the connection to Margaret River's wine region means quality is expected, not exceptional.

Locals are drinking smarter and more intentionally. They're exploring South West craft beers instead of defaulting to mass-market lagers. They're choosing Margaret River wines over imported labels. They're balancing social drinking with non-alcoholic options and making choices that support local producers and Western Australian brands.

What ties all these trends together is a genuine pride in the region. People want to drink what's made nearby, whether that's a hazy IPA from a Margaret River brewery, a Chardonnay from a family-run winery, or coffee roasted down the road. And they want convenience without compromising on quality or local focus.

That's exactly what you get at your local Busselton bottle shop. Brew Plus brings together local beer, regional wine, Australian spirits, non-alcoholic choices, and morning coffee in one stop. It's where all the current drink trends meet.

Trend #1: Local Craft Beer Is King

If there's one trend that defines Busselton's drinking culture right now, it's the dominance of local craft beer. Walk into any gathering, and you'll see tinnies from Rocky Ridge, Beerfarm, Shelter, and Eagle Bay instead of the mainstream lagers that used to rule every esky.

Brew Plus stocks all the key South West breweries, and the team reports that certain styles are particularly popular. Hazy IPAs and pale ales have become everyday go-tos. They're approachable, flavourful, and pair well with Busselton's outdoor lifestyle. Seasonal sours and limited releases also draw strong interest, especially when local breweries experiment with regional ingredients or South West-inspired flavours.

What's interesting is how people are drinking craft beer now. Instead of buying a carton of one beer, locals are building mixed four-packs or six-packs with different breweries and styles. It's a way to explore what's available while supporting multiple producers. The rotating fridges at Brew Plus make this easy, and staff can help you put together a "South West sampler" if you're not sure where to start.

The setting matters too. Craft beer pairs perfectly with beach picnics, backyard BBQs, and casual catch-ups on the foreshore. Just remember that drinking alcohol on the beach itself isn't legal in Busselton, so save the beers for approved areas and private gatherings.

Want to try what locals are drinking? Ask our Busselton team to recommend a few trending beers based on your taste.

Trend #2: Margaret River Wines Without the Road Trip

Margaret River is one of Australia's most celebrated wine regions, producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blends, and elegant Shiraz. But here's the thing: you don't need to spend every weekend at cellar doors to enjoy these wines.

More and more Busselton locals are choosing to explore Margaret River wines from our Busselton bottle shop rather than making the 45-minute drive south. They keep a mix of mid-week bottles for casual dinners and special occasion labels for when guests visit or celebrations call for something memorable.

Current wine trends in Busselton reflect broader shifts in Australian drinking. Fresh, modern Chardonnay is having a moment. People are moving away from heavily oaked styles and gravitating toward brighter, more elegant expressions with stone fruit and citrus character. Lighter, food-friendly reds are also popular, especially as Busselton's dining scene grows and people look for wines that complement meals rather than overwhelm them.

Rosé and sparkling wines are no longer just for summer. They've become year-round favourites for casual gatherings, Sunday lunches, and impromptu celebrations. The quality available from Margaret River producers means these aren't throwaway purchases. They're considered, enjoyable wines that people are proud to serve.

Not sure where to start with Margaret River wines? Our team can recommend bottles based on your taste and budget, whether you're after an everyday Sauvignon Blanc or a premium Cabernet for a milestone dinner.

Trend #3: Cocktails, RTDs and Easy Entertaining

Busselton's bar scene has exploded in recent years, with venues serving everything from classic shaken cocktails to inventive spritzes and seasonal creations. The lemon drop, Aperol spritz, and espresso martini have all become local favourites, appearing on multiple menus around town.

At home, the trend is toward easy entertaining without sacrificing quality. Premium RTDs and premix cans are no longer considered shortcuts. They're smart choices for BBQs, camping trips, beach gatherings, and situations where mixing fresh cocktails isn't practical. High-quality gin and tonics, margaritas, and spritz-style drinks in cans have replaced the sugary alcopops of years past.

For those who want to mix their own drinks, the focus is on simple two or three-ingredient cocktails using Australian spirits. Brew Plus stocks premium Australian gin, vodka, whisky, and liqueurs, along with quality mixers and garnishes. You don't need a full bar setup to make impressive drinks. A good local gin with tonic and fresh citrus is all you need for a crowd-pleasing serve. A spritz using local sparkling wine, soda, and an aperitif creates something special with minimal effort.

The key is having the right base spirits and mixers on hand so you can respond to the occasion rather than scrambling at the last minute. Brew Plus can help you plan your home bar or event drinks based on what's trending and what actually works for your space and style.

Trend #4: Non-Alcoholic Drinks & Better-For-You Options

One of the biggest shifts in Busselton's drinks scene is the rise of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol options. It's no longer unusual to see mocktail menus as extensive as cocktail lists, and local venues are taking non-alcoholic drinks seriously.

This reflects a broader cultural shift toward moderation and inclusivity. People are mixing alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout a single occasion. Designated drivers, pregnant guests, and those choosing not to drink for any reason now have real options beyond soft drinks and sparkling water.

Non-alcoholic beer has come a long way in quality and variety. The same goes for alcohol-free spirits, which allow people to recreate their favourite cocktails without the alcohol. At-home mocktails using sodas, fresh juices, and non-alcoholic spirits are also increasingly popular.

Brew Plus is responding to this trend with a growing range of non-alcoholic choices and can help people plan inclusive drinks lists for events. Whether you're hosting a wedding with guests who don't drink, or you simply want to offer quality NA options at your next gathering, the team can guide you toward products that taste great and feel considered.

It's worth noting that Busselton's beach culture plays into this too. Since you can't legally drink alcohol on the beach, sparkling water, soft drinks, and mocktails are the go-to choices for foreshore picnics and sunset sessions.

Trend #5: Coffee Culture & "All-Day Drinks"

When people talk about drinks in Busselton, it's not just about what happens after 5pm. Coffee culture is a huge part of the local scene, and Brew Plus sits right at the centre of it.

Brew Plus runs a liquor and coffee drive-thru, serving Yahava coffee beans freshly roasted in the Margaret River region. The baristas are experienced, and they make quality coffee for early-morning tradies, school-run parents, and commuters heading into work. Coffee quality matters to Busselton locals, and they expect consistency even from a drive-thru.

The trend here is toward locally roasted beans, knowledgeable baristas, and an appreciation for craft coffee that mirrors the craft beer movement. People care about where their coffee comes from and how it's prepared, which is why Yahava's reputation and Brew Plus's barista expertise create such a strong combination.

What makes Brew Plus unique is that it genuinely functions as an "all-day drinks HQ." Coffee in the morning, then beer, wine, or non-alcoholic options later in the day. It's rare to find a business that spans the full spectrum of what people drink throughout the day, but in Busselton, it just makes sense.

How Local Drink Trends Shape Weddings & Events in Busselton

The drink trends shaping everyday life in Busselton are also influencing how people plan weddings and events. Hosts now expect their drinks list to reflect local tastes and values, not just generic bar packages.

What does that look like in practice? Event planners are asking for local craft beer on tap or in cans instead of mass-market options. Margaret River wines are the default choice for weddings and milestone birthdays, with hosts often requesting specific producers or regional styles. A simple cocktail or spritz option adds a touch of sophistication without overcomplicating the bar. And increasingly, non-alcoholic and low-alcohol choices are built into the drinks plan from the start to ensure inclusivity.

Brew Plus has over 25 years of experience helping people plan weddings and events in Busselton. The team offers personalised consultations on what's trending, what suits the guest list, and how to balance quality with budget. They provide delivery to your venue, along with ice, tubs, glassware, and returns on unopened cases of wine and beer. This takes the stress out of quantities and ensures you're not left with excess stock.

Planning a Busselton wedding or milestone birthday? Reach out to our team for a drinks package that reflects local trends and your specific event style.

Shopping Local: Why Busselton Drinks Lovers Choose Brew Plus

Busselton locals have plenty of options when it comes to buying drinks. Supermarkets, national chains, online retailers, and cellar doors all compete for attention. But there's something different about shopping at Brew Plus.

First, it's an award-winning, independent bottle shop that's been part of the West Busselton community since 1999. The focus is on local craft beer, Margaret River wines, and Australian spirits, with a genuine commitment to supporting South West producers. You're not just buying drinks. You're supporting a business that champions the region's breweries, wineries, and distilleries.

Second, the staff actually know what locals are drinking. They follow trends daily, taste new releases, and understand what works for different occasions and budgets. When you ask for recommendations, you're talking to people who are genuinely enthusiastic about drinks and want to help you find something great.

Third, Brew Plus offers coffee, events services, and drive-thru convenience in addition to the standard bottle shop experience. It's a one-stop shop that reflects how people actually live and drink in Busselton.

Shopping at yourBusselton's local bottle shop means contributing to the local economy and getting personalised service that online retailers and big chains simply can't match.

How to Tap into Busselton's Drink Trends for Your Next Occasion

Busselton's drink trends in 2025 are clear: local craft beer, Margaret River wines, easy cocktails and RTDs, non-alcoholic options, and strong coffee culture. These aren't fleeting fads. They're reflections of what the community values: quality, local connection, and inclusivity.

Whether you're planning a quiet night at home, a backyard gathering, or a major celebration, Brew Plus can help you tap into what's trending. The team can suggest beers and wines that locals are loving right now, plan a complete drinks list that includes non-alcoholic options, and provide delivery and setup support for bigger occasions.

Want your next BBQ or party to feel on-trend? Contact our Busselton team for local drink recommendations. Planning a wedding or event? Reach out to Brew Plus for a drink package that reflects what Busselton locals actually love to drink. Or simply drop into our Busselton liquor and coffee drive-thru and chat with our team about what's new in the fridges and on the shelves.

FAQs: Local Drink Trends in Busselton

What drinks are most popular in Busselton right now?

Local craft beer, Margaret River wines, simple cocktails and RTDs, and mocktails or non-alcoholic drinks are the standout trends. Busselton locals are choosing quality over quantity and supporting regional producers whenever possible. Coffee culture also plays a major role, with Yahava beans and skilled baristas setting the standard.

Where can I buy local Busselton craft beer and Margaret River wines?

Brew Plus stocks key South West breweries like Rocky Ridge, Beerfarm, Shelter, and Eagle Bay, along with an extensive range of Margaret River wines from both well-known and boutique producers. The store is located on Bussell Highway in West Busselton, with drive-thru convenience and knowledgeable staff who can guide you toward the best options for your taste and budget.

Are non-alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks popular in Busselton?

Yes. Non-alcoholic options have grown significantly in popularity across Busselton venues and in home entertaining. Mocktail menus are now standard at local bars, and bottle shops like Brew Plus offer a growing range of NA beers, alcohol-free spirits, and quality mixers. This reflects broader trends toward moderation, inclusivity, and offering real choices for guests who don't drink alcohol.

What drinks should I serve at a Busselton wedding or event?

A well-rounded drinks list for a Busselton event typically includes local craft beer, Margaret River white and red wines, a simple cocktail or spritz option, and non-alcoholic choices. The exact mix depends on your guest profile, venue, and budget. Contact Brew Plus for a tailored drinks plan that reflects current trends and your specific needs.

Can Brew Plus help me choose drinks based on current trends?

Absolutely. The staff at Brew Plus follow local drink trends daily and can recommend beers, wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic options for any budget or occasion. Whether you're stocking your home bar, planning a celebration, or simply curious about what's popular, the team can guide you toward drinks that locals are genuinely enjoying right now.