Summertime is here and it’s time to refresh your thirsty customers! Here are eight refreshing beverage trends that can help boost your summer sales.
1. Cold Brew Innovations
Cold brew coffee has been a staple for summer caffeine fixes for a long time… but the trend has evolved far beyond the classic cold brew. Restaurants and cafés are experimenting with unique flavors and add-ins to elevate this beloved beverage. Beyond the frothy nitro, try adding in exotic spices like cardamom, ginger and all spice. Cold brew cocktails that blend coffee with spirits such as whiskey or rum are making waves – offering a perfect pick-me-up for summer evenings.
2. Craft Mocktails
With the rising trend of health-conscious living, many customers are seeking non-alcoholic alternatives that don’t compromise on flavor or sophistication. Fresh fruits, herbs, and artisanal syrups can create complex and satisfying flavor profiles. From a zesty ginger-lime mojito to a fruity basil-berry smash, the possibilities are endless. Here is one of our favorites for summer:
Elderflower Collins: 
1.5 oz Vodka
1 oz Lemon Juice
.5 oz Elderflower Cordial
5 oz Soda Water
2 Wheels Lemon
3. Kombucha Creations
Gut health darling Kombucha is a fermented drink known for its probiotic benefits and tangy taste. Creative combinations like kombucha sangrias where kombucha is mixed with fresh fruit juices and herbs, or kombucha mocktails are all the rage right now.
4. Herbal and Floral Infusions
Herbal and floral infusions are gaining traction as a twist on traditional iced teas and cocktails. Ingredients like lavender, hibiscus, chamomile and rosemary can add sophisticated aromatic flavors. This is making us thirsty to write.
5. Fresh and Seasonal Smoothies
Smoothies are a perennial favorite but there’s a renewed focus on using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create vibrant and nutrient-packed blends. Summer is the perfect time to showcase fruits like mangoes, strawberries, blueberries, and peaches. Combining these with greens, seeds, and superfoods like chia or spirulina will get the health nuts coming back for more.
6. Low-ABV and Session Cocktails
There’s a growing trend towards low-alcohol-by-volume (ABV) and session cocktails that make it easier to enjoy for longer! Cocktails like Aperol Spritz, Pimm’s Cup, or a light Sangria will add attractive options to the menu for your patrons who have an early meeting the next day.
7. Gourmet Frozen Cocktails
Beyond the classic Margarita or Piña Colada, consider offering sophisticated slushies like a Frosé, Watermelon Basil Daiquiri or frozen Negroni. These icy treats are perfect for hot days and can be made with fresh fruit and premium spirits to elevate the drinking experience.
8. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Cocktails
Sustainability is a significant trend in the food and beverage industry, and cocktails are no exception. Eco-friendly cocktails use locally sourced ingredients, minimize waste, and often incorporate elements like reusable or compostable straws and garnishes. A Zero-Waste Daiquiri might use citrus peels for zest and garnish, while leftover herbs could be transformed into syrups. Promoting these cocktails as environmentally responsible options can resonate with eco-conscious consumers and set your establishment apart as a leader in sustainability.
