When it comes to high-end drinks choices, luxury blended beverages have fast become the order of the day of late, offering sippers the chance to enjoy a sophisticated drink that is somewhere between everyday consumption and indulgence. Today’s decadent concoctions, which range from cold brew coffees to artisanal cocktails and even apoptogenic-packed drinks, aren’t just tasty, but in some cases, offer a raft of health benefits, too – so it’s little wonder that in 2023 and beyond, out appetite for them knows no bounds.
Luxury blended beverages aren’t just about quenching our thirst; they offer a new kind of drinking experience overall, and from premium coffee beans and organic fruits to top-shelf liquors and apoptogenic herbs, they’re meticulously crafted from the finest ingredients available to offer exciting new flavours that come with benefits.
Flavour with benefits
It goes without saying that an in-demand blended drink has to start with quality ingredients, and competition is hotting up between brands as they pull out all the stops to become the preferred choice of the discerning customer. Pushing new boundaries to the point of becoming something of an art form, the market has flourished of late, and over the past few years we’ve seen all manner of blended beverages hitting the shelves in high-end supermarkets and health food shops, as well as making their way into esteemed restaurants and bars.
The beverages that have managed to stand out the most have undoubtedly been those that offer a one-two punch of benefits by combining elements from at least two popular types of drinks. High-quality tea extracts mixed with pureed fruit for a double hit of antioxidants and caffeine is one good example, with the fibre and vitamin C of a fruit drink adding to their appeal. Meanwhile, caffeine-free teas that harness the powers of adaptogens to give drinkers a stimulant and alcohol-free boost is another such example, with drinks infused with soothing and calming CBD oil having particularly enjoyed a moment in the spotlight this year.
Given the global and long-standing popularity of coffee, it should come as no surprise that blended coffees have also become increasingly popular. Blended beverage producer Finlay’s Extracts supplies innovative premium beverages to brands across Europe, and has noted a particular surge in demand for its cold brew coffees, Unlike a standard hot or iced coffee, a blended coffee gets its flavour and “energy boost” from a symphony of ingredients that can include ice, milk, flavouring, syrups, extracts, and protein powders.
Single-origin coffee, made with beans sourced from one specific region or farm to deliver unique flavour profiles that reflect the terroir, have become a popular choice of ingredient thanks to the complexity and nuance that it can bring to the table.
Innovative techniques
While great ingredients are undoubtedly the foundations of a ground-breaking drink, it’s the innovative array of techniques that have emerged in the beverage space that have transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Cold brew coffee is painstakingly steeped and extracted, to minimise acidity and deliver a smoother and more enjoyable brew. Nitro coffee, infused with nitrogen gas, is another key technique being leveraged to create something new, and results in a creamy texture and a dense, frothy head.
And in the sphere of high-end bars and restaurants, molecular gastronomy-inspired methods have been further brought into the equation, making it possible for exquisite foams, gels, and layered textures to be added to cocktails and mocktails for a whole new level of luxury. In some, customers are being given the opportunity to customise their drinks to suit their individual needs and preferences, which is crucial at a time when the discerning customer is demanding more and such a personalised level of service makes them feel special and valued.
The blended revolution
A blended drink can be as thick, creamy, aromatic, sweet, or satisfying as a dessert, but it stands out amongst the usual treats that can feel like empty calories and wasted money to consumers. Blended drinks are easier to justify for customers because they offer substantial nutrition compared to something like a fizzy soda, and they are more likely to feel they are making a good choice because blended drinks provide a delicious flavour whilst also being packed with natural ingredients and extracts that have proven health benefits. While something like a milkshake might not be in the budget when it comes to both calories, a consumer can easily justify a little “splurge” on a green matcha latte because they know that each sip will be packed with antioxidants.
Another element behind why sales for blended beverages are booming is that these are specialty beverages that you can’t easily make at home. While an ordinary coffee or tea may not feel “special” because brewing can be done at home, a blended beverage is a truly unique product that requires expertise and impeccable ingredients.
The bottom line
The explosive growth of luxury blended beverages over recent years is yet another testament to the fact that in this day and age, the ordinary simply won’t do, and our appetite for exceptional experiences and exquisite tastes are continuing to grow. For businesses, blended beverages offer an excellent opportunity to get ahead when it comes to appealing to the luxury customer, giving them a unique point of differentiation and underlining their dedication to excellence and their understanding of what the luxury lover wants. And for the consumer, it just keeps getting better, with more options and greater benefits coming to us by way of the drinks we choose, each and every day.
