On the beverage side, there’s a lot of buzz around bringing savory ingredients and techniques found in the kitchen to create signature cocktails and mocktails, iced teas, coffees, and lemonades. Monin proprietary research points to a rise in the use of savory pantry flavours such as dill, turmeric, cilantro, celery, and avocado in cocktails to entice adventurous consumers.
“Chefs and bartenders love the cross utilization within beverage and culinary,” says Brian Loukmas, VP Innovation for Monin. “The beauty of our flavours is that they can be used in multiple applications, from cocktails and lemonades to vinaigrettes and sauces. Our Flavour of the Year, Ube Syrup, aligns with this trend, too. The purple yam is both earthy and sweet, and not something typically found in a liquid flavouring. Ube Syrup blends that savory-sweet profile with fruit, spice, and vanilla notes. It’s a unique, versatile flavour that can be used in beverages, desserts, and even marinades.”
Monin flavours also offer a simple and effective way to change menu offerings with the seasons, he adds. “In the spring you can be looking at combining berries and florals.”
Summer is the time for flavours such as watermelon, pineapple, mango, and passion fruit. “Establishments love playing along the lines of honey and tropical flavours, especially for high-margin items such as iced tea,” says Loukmas. “Dragon fruit and prickly pear, for example, can turn plain lemonade into a bright, eye-catching drink that establishments can upsell.”
Fall is the season for baking spices and caramel flavours. “Obviously pumpkin is a big one. Candy corn is fun and is a great orange colour. We see a lot of toasted marshmallow in the fall. Roll into winter and the focus is on the holidays and indulgent flavours such as peppermint and salted caramel.”
Drinks are the perfect place for operators to experiment, says Loukmas. “Flavoured and brightly coloured cocktails, mocktails, flavoured teas, coffees, and lemonades not only capture attention, but they are also great high-margin products that can improve your bottom line.”
Explore trending recipes, flavours, and more at moninflavourtrends.ca.
