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As the crisp autumn air gives way to the chill of winter, it’s important to cater to the evolving tastes of consumers seeking warmth and comfort in their beverages.

The global hot drinks trends for the upcoming autumn and winter promise a delightful blend of tradition and innovation.

Here’s a look at the top trends for this season.

Artisanal Teas and Infusions

The appreciation for artisanal teas continues to grow, with an emphasis on unique blends and their health benefits.

Popular varieties include:

• Matcha and Green Teas: Renowned for their antioxidant properties.
• Herbal Infusions: Ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and chamomile promise relaxation and health benefits.
• Tea Cocktails and Infusions: Delight your consumers with a range of creative tea cocktails and infusions. For instance, Lipton x Monin offers unique creations such as:
  Cozy Berry Bliss: Featuring Lipton Tea English Breakfast with Monin Spiced Red Berries and Agave syrups, garnished with star anise and a cinnamon stick.
  Winter Spice Tea: A mix of Lipton Earl Grey with Monin Winter Spice syrup, fresh ginger, orange slices, and star anise.
  Ginger Mint Magic: Infusing Lipton Tea Delicate Mint with Monin Ginger syrup, liquorice, and fresh ginger.

Top tip: Create a tea menu that highlights these options, perhaps offering a tea-tasting experience or a tea sommelier service.  

Specialty Coffees

Consumers are becoming more knowledgeable and selective about their coffee as coffee culture evolves, placing greater emphasis on both quality and sustainability.

Key trends include:

• Single-Origin Coffees: Highlighting beans from specific regions known for their unique flavours.
• Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing: Provide transparency and let consumers know where the coffee beans have been sourced from.
• Innovative Brewing Methods: From pour-overs to cold brews, different brewing techniques can enhance the experience.

Top tip: Invest in high-quality coffee equipment and train staff to master various brewing methods. Consider partnering with local roasteries to offer exclusive blends.

Hot Chocolate Renaissance

Hot chocolate is experiencing a renaissance, moving beyond the simple cocoa powder mix to gourmet experiences.

This season, expect to see:

• Single-Origin Cocoa: Similar to coffee, single-origin cocoa offers unique and rich flavours.
• Spiced and Flavoured Varieties: Think beyond the classic – cinnamon, chili, lavender, and even turmeric can add intriguing flavours.
• Vegan and Dairy-Free Options: Catering to dietary preferences with almond, oat, and coconut milk alternatives.

Top tip: Create a hot chocolate bar where customers and guests can customise their drink with various spices, flavours, and toppings.

Cultural Inspirations

Global flavours are making their way into hot drinks, offering guests a taste of international traditions.

Notable inspirations include:

• Masala Chai: A spiced tea from India that combines black tea with a blend of aromatic spices and herbs.
• Mexican Hot Chocolate: Known for its rich, spicy flavour with hints of cinnamon and chili.
• Nordic Glögg: A warm, spiced drink that’s a staple in Scandinavian countries during the winter months.

Top tip: Highlight these culturally inspired drinks on your menu, providing a brief history or story behind each beverage to enhance the experience.

Functional and Health-Focused Beverages

As wellness remains a priority, functional hot drinks that provide health benefits are still gaining traction. Here are a few examples of ways to incorporate these:

• Adaptogenic Drinks: Using ingredients like ashwagandha and reishi mushrooms to help combat stress.
• Probiotic Hot Drinks: Incorporating probiotics to support digestive health.
• Nutrient-Rich Broths: Bone broth and vegan alternatives that are rich in nutrients and offer a savoury, warming option.

Top tips: Feature a section on your menu dedicated to wellness drinks, highlighting their health benefits and ingredients.

Alcohol-Infused Warmers

Alcohol-infused hot drinks are perfect for creating a cosy, festive atmosphere.

Here are a few to consider:

• Hot Toddies: A classic mix of whiskey, honey, lemon, and hot water.
• Mulled Wine and Cider: Warmed with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
• Irish Coffee: A robust blend of coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream.

Top tip: Offer these as part of a seasonal or holiday menu, perhaps with a special evening event.

We’re here to help.

Are you looking to add innovative hot drink options to your menu offering? Speak to our experts at hello_Europe@avendra.com.