Hot drinks trends: what to serve this autumn and winter
Key Takeaways
Artisanal teas, tea cocktails and infusions (spiced, herbal) are growing in popularity for their variety and perceived health benefits.
Specialty and single-origin coffees, along with transparent, sustainable sourcing and varied brewing methods, are increasingly important to coffee-literate consumers.
Globally inspired drinks such as masala chai, Mexican hot chocolate and Nordic glögg let operators offer guests a taste of international tradition alongside classic menu options.
Functional, health-focused drinks (adaptogenic, probiotic, nutrient-rich broths) and alcohol-infused warmers (hot toddies, mulled wine, Irish coffee) offer opportunities to build dedicated wellness or seasonal/festive menu sections.
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.
1. Artisanal teas and tea-based 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.
2. Specialty and single-origin 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.
3. The 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.
4. Globally inspired hot drinks
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.
5. Functional and health-focused hot drinks
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.
6. Alcohol-infused hot drink 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.
FAQs
What hot drink trends are popular for autumn and winter menus?
Popular seasonal hot drink trends include artisanal teas and infusions, specialty and single-origin coffees, gourmet hot chocolate, globally inspired drinks such as masala chai and Nordic glögg, and functional, health-focused beverages.
How can cafes and restaurants make their coffee offering stand out?
Cafes and restaurants can highlight single-origin beans, be transparent about ethical and sustainable sourcing, offer a range of brewing methods such as pour-over or cold brew, and consider partnering with local roasteries for exclusive blends.
What are functional or health-focused hot drinks?
Functional hot drinks incorporate ingredients intended to support wellbeing, such as adaptogenic drinks using ashwagandha or reishi mushroom, probiotic hot drinks for digestive health, and nutrient-rich broths like bone broth or vegan alternatives.
What alcohol-infused hot drinks are popular for a festive menu?
Popular alcohol-infused hot drinks for a festive menu include hot toddies (whiskey, honey, lemon and hot water), mulled wine or cider spiced with cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, and Irish coffee made with coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar and cream.
We’re here to help.
Are you looking to add innovative hot drink options to your menu offering? Speak to our experts at hello_UK@avendra.com
