Next year’s hottest drinks will offer exciting experiences for consumers across the spectrum. Whether it’s the fusion of cultural influences, the rise of flavor-infused milks, or the allure of visually stunning drinks, these trends will be captivating customers and keeping menus on the cutting edge throughout 2025.

Inspired by the growing interest in international ingredients, global fusion drinks blend flavors and traditions from different regions, creating innovative and vibrant beverages. From Japanese matcha lattes with Mexican horchata to Hawaij (Yemeni Coffee) with its warm combination of ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, these fusions offer the familiar foundations and exotic flair consumers will be seeking out next year.

Some tasty examples:

Mango Boba Lassi
Masala Mastee, Davidson, NC

Turkish Affogato
Lokma, San Francisco, CA

Flavor-infused milk is rapidly gaining popularity as consumers seek more exciting, unique beverage options. Perfect for boosting the flavor profile of coffee, tea, and smoothies or enjoyed on its own, flavor-infused milk taps into consumer demand for both nostalgia and novelty. There is so much room for creative innovation and, with plant-based and dairy options available, it can cater to diverse dietary preferences.

Some tasty examples:

Pumpkin Spice Cold Foam
IHOP

Moon Milk
Summer Moon Café, Austin, TX

Experiential beverages are rapidly gaining traction as consumers increasingly seek unique, immersive experiences. From flavor-flipping treats that offer multi-sensory stimulation to color-changing drinks made with butterfly pea flower, these exciting new options are a feast for the eyes and senses, making them highly shareable and memorable.

Some tasty examples:

The Pixie
The Vibe Coffee, Yakima, WA
(lotus energy, edible glitter, sour blue raspberry boba, and flavored cold foam)

Unicorn Lemonade
Boston’s Pizza (butterfly pea flower,
lemonade, and a lemon-lime soft drink)

“Rule-breaking” beverages are disrupting traditional drink categories and making waves across the foodservice industry. These unconventional creations break free from classic flavor norms, often blending unexpected ingredients, bold flavors, and unique formats. From pickles in diet colas to ice cream rolled in nacho chips, operators are tapping into a trend that invites exploration, sparks conversation, and keeps customers coming back for the next innovative twist.

Some tasty examples:

Coca Cola® Zero Sugar OREO™ Limited Edition Creations®

Buttery Brew
SONIC® Drive-In (root beer with caramel and sweet cream)

Mashups have taken the world by storm, combining two or more beloved flavors or formats like coffee and dessert or cocktails and sodas into a single, crave-worthy creation. Customers who are seeking drinks that are familiar yet unexpected are increasingly drawn to these innovative blends, which is why they will continue to captivate in 2025, setting a new standard for adventurous and memorable beverage experiences.

Some tasty examples:

Cherry Peach Espresso Tonic
Caribou Coffee

Pumpkin Spice Latte Affogato Starbucks, Fall 2024

TASTE THE TREND

Breakfast nostalgia with an energizing kick! This protein-packed blend of Core Power® Vanilla, cookie butter, and cinnamon syrups is layered with Costa Coffee® Cold Brew and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon for the perfect finish.

STILL THIRSTY FOR IDEAS?

Contact your beverage experts at CSSI for more information on this trend and even more ways to engage your customers.

jena.spano@cssiculinary.com