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imple mixes, serious payoff
Beverage culture is booming, and operators are tapping into the cold beverage craze like never before. Consumers are craving drinks that offer both flavor and flair, and with demand continuing to rise, innovative beverage-forward strategies are key. Non-alcoholic beverage blends in particular are gaining momentum and are well-positioned to keep climbing in 2025.1 Staying ahead of trends doesn’t always mean overhauling your menu—sometimes, two standout ingredients are all it takes to create a drink that’s social-media-ready.
Unexpected duos, unforgettable drinks
While dirty sodas, cold coffees, and energy drinks dominate the headlines, there’s another style of sipper making waves: bold, non-alcoholic beverage blends. These simple, creative, layered drinks are gaining traction fast—and with the non-alcoholic beverage boom showing no signs of slowing down in 2025,¹ they’re well-positioned to keep climbing. Staying ahead of beverage trends doesn’t have to mean investing in new equipment or overhauling your menu. Sometimes, two standout ingredients are all it takes. And just like that—your next social-media-worthy drink is born.
Sip smarter, not harder
Bold doesn’t have to be a burden. While beverage innovation is often tied to elaborate recipes and specialty equipment, some of the biggest wins come from straightforward mashups that feel fresh and unexpected. Today’s operators are reimagining familiar formats—like the Arnold Palmer, a timeless blend of iced tea and lemonade—to suit modern tastes. New twists on old classics are gaining traction as customers seek out unique flavor pairings and visually striking presentations. Even better? These drinks are easy to execute using ingredients you may already have on hand.
Trending Blends to Watch
Ready to turn simple ingredients into standout sippers? Yeah, we thought so. Here are some examples of what’s quenching consumer thirst lately.
Laura Palmer – Named after the Twin Peaks character, the Laura Palmer swaps tea for coffee. This blend layers coffee, cold brew, or espresso over lemonade for a visual effect similar to the Arnold Palmer. For best results, opt for a coffee profile with fruity notes and steer clear of darker roasts that may clash with the citrus.2
Espresso Tonic – This beverage began gaining traction in Sweden in the early 2000s before making its way to the U.S.3 Espresso is poured over tonic water for a refreshing contrast in flavor. The subtle sweetness of quinine balances espresso’s earthy intensity, while the bubbles keep things bright and effervescent. A twist of citrus makes for a perfect finishing touch.3
Sparkling Matcha – As matcha continues to trend, operators are exploring lighter alternatives to lattes. Sparkling matcha combines matcha with soda or sparkling water to create a wellness-forward option with added fizz and freshness. Matcha’s menu presence is on the rise, with 75% growth over the past four years and another 48% projected by 2028.4
PepsiCo makes blending easy
When it comes to crafting craveable cold beverages, PepsiCo offers more than just ingredients—it offers a full-on flavor toolkit. From Schweppes® Tonic Water (perfect for that espresso tonic) to vibrant lemonades that mix seamlessly with coffee or tea, the lineup makes bold blending easy. A wide range of bubly™ flavors—think strawberry, pomegranate, and more—add the perfect fizz to sparkling matcha or any mashup you’re dreaming up.
Looking for ready-to-serve options? Enter Lipton® Fusions. These fruit-forward blends combine iced tea, crisp lemonade, and natural fruit flavors into one deliciously balanced sip. Available in Pineapple Mango Lemonade Tea and Strawberry Lemonade Tea, Fusions deliver exciting taste with fewer calories, no high fructose corn syrup, and recyclable cans to boot. It’s an effortless way to stay on-trend, without overcomplicating operations.
Thirsty for more? We’ve got you
Teas, lemonades, bubbly sodas, ready-to-serve blends—whatever you’re pouring, PepsiCo makes it easy to turn simple sips into total showstoppers. With tons of flavor, smart tools, and support to back you up, you can keep things delicious without making things complicated. With PepsiCo, the next big sip is already within reach.
Sources
1 Technomic, What Will Thrive in 2025
2 Food52, “Why You Should Be Mixing Your Iced Coffee with Lemonade,” April 2016
3 Food & Wine, “We’re Calling It Now, the Espresso Tonic Is the Drink of the Summer,” May 2023
4 Datassential, Menu Trends, Year Ending December 2024
