One of the biggest draws for customers during the holiday season is the availability of unique and festive beverages. Staying on top of seasonal trends in the specialty beverage industry can help your concession business stand out and keep customers coming back for more. Here’s a look at some of the hottest beverage trends for this holiday season and how you can incorporate them into your offerings.
1. Elevated Hot Chocolates
Hot chocolate remains a classic holiday favorite, but this season, customers are looking for elevated versions that offer a little something extra. Start with our gourmet hot chocolate, and then go crazy with gourmet toppings, decadent flavors, and customizable options.
Seasonal Hot Chocolate Ideas to Try:
Gourmet Toppings: Offer whipped cream, flavored syrups, crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings, and marshmallows as add-ons.
Flavored Hot Chocolates: Explore flavors like peppermint, salted caramel, or hazelnut to give your customers an indulgent experience.
2. Spiced and Herbal Beverages
Customers are increasingly seeking out beverages that offer more than just great taste—they want drinks that provide warmth and comfort. Spiced beverages, herbal teas, and chai lattes are rising in popularity for their cozy and wellness-focused appeal.
Trending Seasonal Spiced Flavors:
Cappuccinos: Flavors such as Cinnabon, White Chocolate Caramel, Pumpkin Spice, and York Peppermint will warm your customers through-and-through.
Chai Lattes: A mix of black tea and warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, offering a soothing alternative to coffee-based drinks.
Spiced Cider: A festive option that combines the sweetness of apple cider with holiday spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Herbal Teas: Blends featuring flavors like ginger, turmeric, and peppermint are gaining traction, appealing to customers during the holidays and throughout the winter months.
3. Festive Cold Beverages
While hot beverages are a staple of the holiday season, many customers still enjoy cold drinks even in the colder months. Seasonal twists on iced lattes, milkshakes, and cold brew coffee can appeal to a wide range of tastes.
Holiday Cold Drink Ideas:
Peppermint Mocha Cold Brew: A twist on the classic holiday favorite, combining cold brew coffee with peppermint syrup and a splash of milk or cream.
Gingerbread Iced Latte: This beverage pairs the spiced flavors of gingerbread with the refreshing coolness of an iced latte.
Eggnog Milkshakes: A creamy, festive treat that’s perfect for holiday celebrations, combining traditional eggnog flavor with the indulgence of a milkshake.
Allen Associates Tip: Stock up on seasonal syrups and cold beverage supplies to ensure you can offer refreshing options alongside your hot drinks.
4. No or Low Alcohol Content
As more customers look for non-alcoholic options during holiday gatherings, craft breweries and bartenders are coming up with innovative ways to serve up NA options that are as good or better than their alcoholic counterparts. These drinks allow ALL customers to imbibe and enjoy festive flavors without the alcohol.
Seasonal Holiday Mocktail Ideas:
Cranberry Spice Fizz: A tart and refreshing mocktail that pairs cranberry juice with a splash of soda water, garnished with fresh cranberries and a cinnamon stick.
Apple Cider Sangria: A non-alcoholic version of the classic holiday sangria, combining apple cider with sparkling water, sliced apples, and a hint of cinnamon.
Peppermint Lemonade: A cool, minty twist on lemonade, ideal for customers who prefer lighter, refreshing beverages.
5. Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
More customers are interested in where their food and beverages come from, particularly during the holiday season when there’s a greater focus on community and giving back. Offering beverages that highlight ethically sourced ingredients, organic options, or environmentally friendly packaging can resonate with eco-conscious customers.
Ethical Beverage Trends:
Organic Coffee and Tea: Offering organic or fair-trade certified beverages can attract customers who prioritize sustainability.
Reusable or Compostable Packaging: Encouraging customers to use reusable mugs or offering compostable cups and lids is a trend that’s growing across all food and beverage sectors.
6. Functional Beverages
More and more brands are now serving up beverages that contain added functional ingredients like vitamins, collagen, adaptagens, protein, probiotics, or turmeric. Think turmeric lattes, protein shakes, and mushroom coffee.
Stay Ahead of Beverage Trends This Holiday Season
By staying on top of these seasonal beverage trends, your concession business can offer a unique and exciting menu that keeps customers engaged throughout the holiday season. From elevated hot chocolates and spiced beverages to refreshing holiday-themed cold drinks and eco-conscious options, there are plenty of ways to keep your offerings fresh and festive. With the help of Allen Associates’ wide range of specialty products and expert support, you can make this holiday season a standout success.