As the weather gets hotter as we head deeper into summer, having a cold beverage on hand is not only practical, but it can also help to regulate your body's core temperature. This means the warm weather months are the perfect time for beverage menus to explore innovative cold drink options to set your business apart. From twists on old favorites to new creations that are social media-worthy, here are five cold beverage trends to consider.
In recent years, the demand for cold drinks has been increasing, especially during the warmer months. This shift can be attributed to a few different factors.
One of the top reasons is the rise in awareness of staying hydrated and consuming healthier beverage choices. As people become more conscious of their well-being, they actively seek out drinks like bottled water, unsweetened tea, and 100 percent fruit juices to help refresh.
Another factor contributing to the demand for cold beverages is the growing variety of options on the market. From crafted cold brew to energy drinks to kombucha, the amount of options available is helping to drive an increase in sales of cold beverages.
Another significant beverage trend to recognize is the use of collaborations in the cold drink industry. Pairing unique ingredients, along with fusing flavors in ways not previously imagined, has changed the way consumers are experiencing and indulging in cold drinks. These collaborations, sometimes between beverage companies and celebrities, have brought another level of interest to a channel that previously had been stagnant for many years. Some of the most exciting collaborations we've seen include:
One combination that's been around for a while is using coffee liquors in alcoholic drinks. However, many bars and restaurants are now creating craft cocktails using freshly brewed coffee and espresso. This is creating an explosion in the popularity of beverages like espresso martinis, cold-brew negronis, and coffee-infused tequila.
Getting a little sweetness and savory combo in a drink can help satisfy many cravings. Beverages like boba tea, Bloody Marys, and lassis can achieve this bomb of flavors just by switching up a few ingredients.
Speaking of boba tea and lassi, many global flavors are trending in the United States. Mezcal is making a statement as an alternative to tequila, while chai is popular served with milk over ice. Another option making its way into drinks is matcha, which is often used in health drinks or served on its own.
The canned beverage market must be addressed when discussing cold drinks. And at the top of the sales list for ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages are cocktails and hard seltzers. Both categories have seen an explosion in sales over the past few years. Easy to take to the beach or pool and with a better taste than previous generations of RTD alcohols, this cold beverage class should be on every bar and restaurant menu.
As the use of CBD becomes legalized and accepted in more states, the trend, of course, would lean towards its popularity in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Said to help with anxiety, pain, and quality of sleep, CBD doesn't produce the feeling of being high, which many consumers enjoy. The CBD beverage market is in its infancy stage, so the possibilities for growth in sales and popularity are endless.
Operators can't ignore the profitability of serving cold brew drinks. Cafes, bookstores, restaurants, and hotels that want to stay ahead of the competition should have the option available to guests.
Now it's easier than ever to quickly produce a quality cold brew with the Marco POUR'D. A solution that saves on labor and prep time, the POUR'D dispenses cold coffee drinks with the touch of a button. Able to achieve the perfected concentrated syrup ratio, it doesn't require highly trained baristas or the need to measure any ingredients. And since the POUR'D is programmable based on the business's preference, it can also be used to dispense shots of a variety of different infused syrups into shakes, smoothies, and cocktails.
Offering cold water to your guests regularly or want a way for them to be able to serve themselves? The Marco Friia offers hot, cold, and sparkling water options, making it ideal for hotel lobbies, self-serve drink stations, and offices.
For businesses that require more flexibility with their cold coffee offerings, Concordia Super Automatic Espresso Machine offers the flexibility to experiment with flavors and coffee styles.
With a flavor infusion system that allows up to five flavor syrups to be incorporated into drinks, the Concordia can create over 1,000 drink combinations in less than 25 seconds. And with the ability to make hot or cold options at the touch of a button, it's easier than ever to serve customers.