With warmer weather to look forward to, why not quench your customers’ thirst with a refreshing drink? We reveal 6 summer drinks ideas to attract customers in summer.
Why sell summer drinks?
There are many benefits of selling summer drinks, including:
- Tempting thirsty clients into your establishment
- Helping to increase average spend
- Complementing snacks and sharing dishes perfectly
- Helping your business to stand out from competitors
- Creating differentiation from your drinks menu throughout the rest of the year
6 Best summer drinks to add to your menu
We take a look at 6 summer drinks you should add to your menu, guaranteed to excite customers and create memorable experiences.
1. Infused waters
Offer homemade infused waters to go with your summer menus, or surprise guests with a free, fresh welcome drink on arrival.
Why not get creative with your infused water options? Popular flavours include:
- Grapefruit, lemon and lime
- Cucumber and lemon
- Strawberry and thyme
- Rosemary and raspberry
2. Sangria
This refreshing summer classic combines wine, fruit and ice, making it perfect on a hot day. If you’re looking to leave a lasting impression with your drinks menu, why not try your own twist on the classic sangria, using different fruits or liquors?
3. Cold pressed juices
Suitable for those of all ages, a cold pressed juice can be the perfect flavoursome drink on a summer’s day. For extra appeal, explain the benefits of ingredients and list beneficial properties such as ‘detoxifying’, ‘energy-boosting’ or ‘vitamin-rich’.
4. Smoothies
Smoothies can be created that meet any customer’s preferences. From refreshing, fruity smoothies, to milk-based smoothies with sweet additions and even protein smoothies, there are countless options to suit a wide range of tastes.
Types of smoothies to add to your summer drinks menu include:
- Common fruit combinations such as banana and strawberry
- Smoothies with tasty additions such as oreos
- Plant-based smoothies
- Protein powder smoothies
5. Iced coffees
This warm-weather take on the classic coffee goes down a treat in the summer sunshine. Whether you’re selling an iced latte, cold brew or dairy-free coffee, these can be made with minimal equipment.
Click here to see the most popular types of coffee in hospitality.
6. Cocktails and mocktails
Cocktails are guaranteed to add excitement to any meal or social event, while adding the extra benefit of being highly Instagrammable for a marketing boost. Create non-alcoholic variations of your favourite cocktails so everybody can enjoy!
In this article, we reveal the most popular cocktails.
Top tips to make your summer drinks stand out
Presentation is key
Buy the right glassware to show off your summer drinks menu in style. Take pride in the appearance of every drink, using straws and fruit to add extra appeal.
Invest in the right equipment
Once you know a drink sells well, it’s worth investing in the right equipment to save time and energy long-term. Commercial juicers and blenders can help to manage demand.
Be proud of your new drinks
Make sure new additions to the drinks menu are shared with customers, whether this is through ‘specials’ boards, summer menus, or telling customers. To make sure your team can give the perfect recommendations, do a tasting session with staff so they can describe each drink perfectly to curious customers.
Try these summer drinks ideas out
What are you waiting for? It’s best to strike while the weather is hot, so introduce some of these delicious new additions to your drinks menu and see which ones your customers love most.
Holly brings a wealth of experience in both print and digital publishing and is very passionate about the hospitality industry.