In the sweltering summer heat, nothing hits the spot like an ice cold beverage. But summer isn’t the only time consumers thirst for a cool drink.
Gen Z, in particular, welcomes cold beverages any time of year. With younger consumers’ cold cravings, cold coffee is expected to usurp hot coffee sales by 2030. We may be lowering the temperature of beverages, but the flavor innovation is growing and growing, with some flavors spiking during particular seasons.
Summer
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Mango: Summer is the time for tropical fruits. Mango is especially versatile, pairing well with other tropical fruits like coconut and pineapple as well as Tajin in mangonada, the Mexican frozen treat. It’s also a beloved flavor in boba and bubble tea, giving this fun drink some extra summer flare.
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Cucumber: With the recent pickle craze and cucumber’s increasing foray into cocktails, it’s only natural to expand cucumber into the zero-proof space. Also a versatile ingredient, cucumber pairs well with pineapple, lemon, spinach, and even chili, providing ample opportunities for creative beverages that are cool as a … well, you know.
Fall
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Spicy Maple: Fall is the most hyped-up season for coffee beverages, and the season has only gotten more anticipated with more interesting flavors and a focus on both cold and hot drinks. Spicy maple is the autumnal version of hot honey, a mix of pepper and maple syrup that adds texture, sweetness, and spice to hot and cold beverages alike.
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Cookie Butter: While specialty beverages can include health benefits or a kick of caffeine, often their best function is to give consumers a little indulgence. Cookie butter, a trending flavor for fall according to Datassential, has a rich, gingerbready flavor that’s hard to resist. Capitalize on its inherent indulgence in shakes or frappes with caramel, cream, and cookie crumbs along the rim.
Winter
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Turmeric: This warm, comforting spice is a no-brainer for wintertime. A little earthy, a little spicy, a little sweet, turmeric adds nuanced flavor to iced or hot oat milk lattes as well as an extra health boost to kombucha or tea. Its yellow hue is enough to make it stand out on menus.
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Churro: Look to churros for fun flavor inspiration for a comforting winter beverage. The truck is to elevate the drink beyond something like a cinnamon latte by tapping into its Mexican roots or its versatility. A churro cold brew with chocolate foam, horchata shake topped with churro bites, iced churro latte with a dash of cayenne—churros can help make beverages indulgent, sweet, spicy treats.
Spring
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Strawberry: The fruit of choice for millennials, strawberry is a versatile, refreshing ingredient for beverages. Pair with matcha for a bittersweet flavor mashup and vibrant color combo. Blend shortbread, graham crackers, or cake mix in a strawberry milkshake for a sippable strawberry pie or shortcake. Don’t be afraid to use fruit multiple ways in beverages—pureed, juiced, freshly sliced into the glass, or as popping boba.
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Lavender: Florals have been on trend trackers’ radars for the past few years, and there’s nothing better to exude spring. Lavender is one of the more popular flowers to grace menus, often paired in beverages with lemon, blueberry, and other fruits for a refreshing sip. For something more adventurous, mix with black pepper or chocolate for a distinct drink creation.