Summertime and beverages go hand-in-hand, and this has never been more true than in 2024. This summer’s trends bring a renewed focus on drinks such as non-alcoholic options, health-conscious choices, and the enduring appeal of iced coffee and cold brew.
So, what’s the secret to crafting an irresistible summer drink menu? Stay tuned as we unveil the top summer drink trends and tips to capture the essence of the season. Don’t miss out!
Summer Drinks: The Coolest Trends of 2024
As the temperature rises, so does the demand for refreshing beverages. This summer, drink trends are all about balance, innovation, and sustainability. Let’s dive into the hottest sips of the season:
- Wellness Focus: Consumers are prioritizing health without compromising taste with a surge in demand for nutrient-packed drinks.
- Iced Coffee Evolution: From nitro-infused brews to cold brew concentrates and innovative flavor combinations, coffee lovers have plenty to explore.
- The Non-Alcoholic Adventure: Low-alcohol and non-alcoholic options are on the rise with creativity as the central stage.
- Experiential Drinks: Consumers are seeking out unique and Instagrammable beverage experiences.
- Local and Sustainable: A growing number of consumers are prioritizing environmentally friendly and locally sourced beverages.
Let’s break it down into details!
1. Healthier Drinks are Standing Out this Summer
Consumer focus on wellness is reshaping the beverage industry. Driven by a growing concern for aging and overall health, people are increasingly seeking out natural, minimally processed drinks.
The demand for hydrating, nutritious beverages, natural and wholesome choices, reflects a broader culinary movement prioritizing real ingredients and genuine flavors.
Core Healthy Beverage Options
- Infused Water: A classic choice that can be elevated with fresh fruits, herbs, or vegetables. Consider combinations like cucumber-mint, strawberry-basil, or lemon-ginger.
- Coconut Water: A natural source of electrolytes, perfect for hydration. Can be served plain or with a splash of fruit juice.
- Kombucha: This fermented tea is rich in probiotics and offers a tangy, effervescent taste. Available in various flavors.
- Smoothie Sensation: A timeless summer favorite, smoothies are still going strong. But this year, expect to see more protein-packed, superfood-infused, and plant-based options.
- Cold-Pressed Juices: Packed with nutrients and vitamins, these juices can be made in-house or sourced from reputable suppliers. Popular options include carrot-ginger, beetroot-apple, or green juices.
- Herbal Teas: Soothing and calming, herbal teas are a great alternative to caffeinated beverages. Consider offering a selection of flavors like chamomile, peppermint, or rooibos.
Dairy Alternatives and Low-Sugar Options
To cater to diverse dietary preferences, consider incorporating:
- Plant-Based Milks: Oat, almond, and soy milk can be used to create creamy and delicious alternatives to dairy-based beverages.
- Low-Sugar and Sugar-Free Options: Sparkling water, unsweetened iced tea, and coffee or tea with alternative sweeteners are popular choices.
2. Iced Coffee and Cold Brew: A Summer Classic Trend
With 66% of Americans drinking coffee daily, iced coffee has become a year-round favorite. According to Tastewaste, approximately 14.99% of restaurants offered iced coffee on their menus in 2024, while cold brew saw a remarkable 245% growth over the past four years.
This trend is especially popular among younger demographics, who seek unique flavor profiles, high-quality ingredients, and visually appealing presentations. This demand has led to a surge in innovative iced coffee variations, from classic to avant-garde.
Iced Coffee and Cold Brew Recipes to Shine with:
- Nitro-Infused Iced Coffee: This velvety smooth beverage has captured the hearts of coffee enthusiasts. The nitrogen infusion creates a creamy texture and a cascading effect when poured.
- Cold Brew Concentrates: Offering a less acidic and sweeter taste, cold brew concentrates allow for customization and experimentation with different milk alternatives and flavorings.
- Iced Coffee Lattes and Macchiatos: Combining the richness of coffee with the creaminess of milk, these drinks offer a luxurious experience.
- Coffee and Tea Blends: Unexpected combinations of coffee and tea create intriguing flavor profiles. For example, matcha and coffee or chai and coffee can be refreshing and invigorating.
- Coffee-Based Smoothies: Incorporating coffee into smoothies provides a boost of energy and caffeine. Fruit, yogurt, and ice create a delicious and refreshing treat.
Various food service business can thrive in the iced coffee market:
- Bakeries and Cafés: Offer a variety of iced coffee options to complement their pastry and dessert offerings. Consider creating iced coffee flights or pairings with specific treats.
- Food Trucks and Mobile Vendors: Target busy urban areas with convenient and portable iced coffee options. Focus on speed, quality, and unique flavor combinations.
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Create kid-friendly iced coffee options, such as blended coffee drinks with chocolate or fruit flavors. Offer a variety of milk alternatives to cater to different dietary needs.
So, now you know it: Embrace the iced coffee phenomenon and use your creativity to capitalize on this ever-popular trend.
3. Creative Mocktails and Low-ABV Cocktails Trend
The beverage industry is experiencing a significant transformation, with a growing emphasis on mindful consumption. Consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional alcoholic drinks. In fact, the non-alcoholic beverage sector is expected to grow to $30 billion by 2025, according to Global Market Insights.
This trend is driven by factors such as the wellness culture and a decreased interest in alcohol. Millennials and Gen Z (Zoomers) are at the forefront of the popularity surge in mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. So, including mocktails in your restaurant menu is undoubtedly a must.
Top Mocktails and Low-ABV Cocktail Ideas for 2024
- Classic Reinventions: These mocktails take inspiration from classic cocktails but exclude alcohol. Examples include Virgin Margaritas, Shirley Temples, and Virgin Mojitos.
- Fruity Refreshers: Combining fresh fruits with sparkling water or juices creates vibrant and refreshing mocktails. Think Passion Fruit and Coconut Water Spritzer or Watermelon Basil Cooler.
- Herbal and Aromatic: Incorporating herbs like basil, mint, or rosemary adds complexity and sophistication to mocktails. Examples include Lavender Lemonade and Cucumber Mint Cooler.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a touch of spice can elevate a mocktail. Consider Ginger Lime Fizz or Jalapeno Cucumber Cooler.
Low-Alcohol Options:
- Spritzers: Offer light and refreshing wine-based options.
- Aperol-Inspired Drinks: Create lower-alcohol versions of this popular aperitif.
- Beer Alternatives: Explore low-ABV beers and other fermented beverages.
By embracing the trend towards mindful drinking, you can attract a wider customer base and position your establishment as a forward-thinking beverage destination.
4. Experiential Drinks Trend: More Than Just a Beverage
In today’s visually-driven world, drinks have become a key component of the overall dining experience. Consumers are increasingly seeking out beverages that are not only delicious but also visually appealing and shareable.
If you own a full-service restaurant, nightclub, lounge, coffee shop, or event catering business, this trend is for you! To elevate your drink menu this summer, focus on these key elements:
Elaborate Presentations
- Craft Cocktail Influence: The craft cocktail movement has elevated drink presentation, inspiring the use of smoke effects, edible flowers, and intricate ice designs.
- Captivate Your Audience: Today’s consumers expect a visual spectacle. Create drinks that are as captivating to the eye as they are to the palate.
Interactive Experiences
- Surprise and Delight: Incorporate interactive elements like color-changing ingredients, edible glitter, or self-mixing components to create memorable moments.
- Molecular Mixology Magic: Leverage techniques from molecular gastronomy to transform your drinks into extraordinary experiences.
Instagrammable Drinks
- Visual Appeal: Drinks that look as good as they taste are essential for social media success. Focus on intricate garnishes, unique glassware, and vibrant colors.
- Build Your Brand: Encourage customers to share their drink photos by using eye-catching visuals and engaging captions.
Ready to transform your beverage offerings and make a real impact on social media? Download our free iPos Social Media Marketing Guide now and gain all the tools you need to strategically promote your delightful creations.
5. Local and Sustainable Beverage Trend
Consumer preferences are shifting towards conscious choices, and the beverage industry is no exception. There’s a growing demand for products that not only taste good but also align with ethical and environmental values.
The sustainable food movement has gained traction in recent years, alongside the popularity of local and organic food trends. It refers to products produced using methods that protect the environment and the welfare of producers.
According to a report published by Restaurant.org, 38% of the US adult consumers prioritize restaurants that offer locally-sourced foods. Another 30% prefer restaurants that serve food grown in an environmentally-friendly way or raised organically.
Sustainable Summer Beverage Ideas:
- Artisanal and Craft: Consumers are seeking out handcrafted beverages with unique flavor profiles and a story to tell.
- Sustainable Packaging: Consider using eco-friendly packaging if you are owning a street food or online delivery food service, to reduce waste and appeal to environmentally conscious customers.
- Farm-to-Glass Juices: Highlight seasonal produce from local farms to create fresh and flavorful juices. Consider offering juice cleanses or juice flights.
- Herb-Infused Waters: Use locally grown herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary to create refreshing and hydrating infused waters.
- Kombucha and Kefir: Partner with local producers to offer a variety of these fermented drinks, known for their probiotic benefits.
- Honey-Based Beverages: Source local honey for creating unique and flavorful drinks, such as honey-lavender lemonade or honey-ginger tea.
By incorporating these beverage ideas, you can showcase your commitment to sustainability and support local businesses while offering customers delicious and conscious choices.
Additional Considerations to Succeed
Drinks are more than just an addition to your restaurant menu; in the summer, they can be the star of the show. Staying updated on the latest trends reshaping the food and beverage landscape is a winning move. Here are some additional considerations to keep in mind:
- Offer Customization: Allow customers to personalize their drinks with additional ingredients or sweeteners to cater to individual preferences.
- Educate Your Staff: Ensure your staff is knowledgeable about the ingredients and benefits of healthy drinks to provide accurate information to customers.
- Digital Menu Boards: Use technology to dynamically showcase your beverage options and highlight daily specials or seasonal offerings.
- Mobile Ordering: Offer convenient ordering options to streamline the customer experience and increase order accuracy.
- Social Media Savvy: Create visually appealing content to showcase your drinks. Encourage customer engagement through contests, polls, and user-generated content.
At iPos, we’re here to help you grow. Our comprehensive tech solutions provide everything a food and beverage business needs: from point-of-sale systems to inventory management, mobile ordering, online ordering, and digital menu customization. We’ve got you covered.
Want to learn more? Click here to contact our specialist team today!
