This spring, functional floral drinks are dominating café menus as baristas and café owners find creative ways to augment trending flavors, such as lavender and matcha. These “swavory” drinks (a fun term for beverages that masterfully balance sweet and savory characteristics) don’t just offer Instagram-worthy pictures though. They also provide a host of functional health benefits, such as antioxidants and powerful hydration for folks that need more than just caffeine to beat their midday slump.
The Rise of Ube
Ube, the Southeast Asian sweet potato known for its vibrant purple hue, is becoming a staple on specialty menus. Rich in antioxidants and offering a subtle earthy sweetness, ube is as functional as it is beautiful. In powdered form, it lends a stunning pastel purple color to cold foams and is a perfect topper for cold brews or matcha. For a more robust experience, a full ube latte made with ube extract and milk highlights both its unique flavor profile and health benefits.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. heavy cream
- 2 tbsp. milk (whole or coconut works best)
- 1 tbsp. sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 tsp. ube extract or powder
- Optional: Small pinch of salt to enhance flavor
Instructions
- Combine: In a jar or measuring cup, mix the heavy cream, milk, condensed milk and ube extract/powder.
- Froth: Use a handheld milk frother to whip the mixture until it becomes thick, foamy and holds soft peaks (about 30 – 60 seconds).
- Serve: Pour over iced coffee or matcha.
Coconut Water Refreshers
Great for hydration, coconut water can be a great base for sweetened cold foams or even whipped espresso. Simply pour your favorite coconut water over ice, leaving about an inch of room, then top with whipped matcha, lavender cold foam or dalgona-style whipped espresso.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. matcha powder or lavender syrup
- 2 tbsp. milk
- 3 tbsp. heavy cream
Instructions
- Using a milk frother, whip cold foam ingredients together until stiff peaks are formed.
- Add your favorite coconut water to a cup with ice, then top with your flavored cold foam.
- Whipping the foam to stiff peaks adds an ultra-creamy, decadent texture to this hydrating concoction.
Honeyed Golden Lattes
For customers navigating seasonal allergies, the honeyed golden latte is an excellent recommendation. By combining turmeric and local honey, cafes or home baristas can offer a golden-hued beverage that provides antioxidants and can help curb seasonal allergies. This drink aligns perfectly with the wellness-focused trends currently dominating the industry.
Ingredients (serves one)
- 1 cup milk of choice (almond, coconut or dairy)
- ½ tsp. ground turmeric
- 1 – 2 tsp. honey (to taste)
- Pinch of black pepper
- Optional spices: ¼ tsp ginger powder, ¼ tsp cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg.
Instructions
- Whisk and heat: In a small saucepan, whisk together milk, turmeric, black pepper and spices.
- Simmer: Heat over medium-low for 5 – 10 minutes, ensuring it does not boil.
- Sweeten: Remove from heat and stir in the honey.
- Serve: Pour into a mug and, for extra froth, use a hand frother.
- For iced version: Follow the steps to make the concentration, let cool and pour over a glass filled with ice.
Butterfly Pea Flower
Butterfly Pea Flower tea offers a unique sensory experience. While the flavor profile is subtle, its reactive properties make it a transformative ingredient that changes color when paired with citrus. The dried blue flowers produce a deep navy tisane that shifts to a striking lilac when it makes contact with citric acid. Pouring this tea over a sparkling lemonade creates an exciting gradient of pastel pinks, purples and blues, offering a visual “wow” factor for customers.
Ingredients
- 6 oz. lemonade of choice
- 4 oz. sparkling water (Topo Chico works great)
- 2 oz. butterfly pea flower tea concentrate
Instructions
Steep 2 tbsp. dried butterfly pea flowers in one cup of hot simmering water for 5 -10 minutes to create an earthy tea concentrate, then let cool in the refrigerator. Add lemonade and sparking water to glass, add ice, then layer with the butterfly tea concentrate on top. The tea will change color where the tea and lemonade meet and will turn a striking lilac color when stirred.
Tangy Teas & Italian Sodas
Strawberry Mint Tea
Strawberry mint tea is a refreshing, antioxidant-rich, caffeine-free herbal beverage that aids digestion, reduces inflammation and boosts the immune system. It also helps relieve bloating and nausea, acts as a natural relaxant to reduce stress, and may support heart health and hydration.
Ingredients
- 1 qt. Farmer Brothers premium classic sweet tea
- 1 lb. strawberries, hulled
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 16 mint leaves
- 9 sliced strawberries for garnish
Instructions
Place muddled mint leaves in a large pitcher. Puree and strain your strawberries. Then combine the strawberry liquid, lemon juice and iced tea and pour over the mint in the large pitcher. Let chill and garnish with sliced strawberries as desired.
Hibiscus and Fiesta Fria
For those seeking lighter options, the Hibiscus and Fiesta Fria iced tea filter bags from China Mist provide a tart, floral alternative to traditional caffeinated drinks. Sweeten with Torani classic syrup or pair with sparkling water for a refreshing fizzy treat.
Italian Sodas offer another caffeine-free sweet pick-me-up. Simply combine Torani fruit syrups, such as blackberry, cherry or orange with sparkling water, ice and top with a dash of cream.
Shop our full line of Farmer Brothers and China Mist teas now.