27th January 2026
As the coffee world steps into 2026, it’s clear that customers want more from their drinks. Whether it’s bold new flavours, better ingredients or added health perks, this year is all about smart choices that taste good too. For cafés, restaurants and hospitality businesses, now is the time to refresh your menu and offer drinks that keep people coming back.
At John Street Beverage, we’ve been helping businesses serve great coffee and beverages for over 40 years. With that experience, we’ve put together the key beverage trends that will shape menus in 2026 and how you can get ahead of them.
Dairy alternatives are no longer a niche request. Oat milk, almond milk and coconut milk are now seen as menu staples. In 2026, oat milk remains the front-runner thanks to its creamy texture and mild taste that works well with coffee.
To stay competitive, make sure your staff know how to steam and serve each milk properly. Some alternative milks can split or froth differently, and barista training makes a big difference. Offering more than one plant-based option can also help meet the needs of vegan and lactose-free customers.
Iced drinks continue to be in high demand all year round, not just in summer. Cold brew, iced lattes and even nitro coffee are taking over menus, and in 2026, expect even more demand for these refreshing options.
Cold brew is especially popular with younger audiences. It’s smooth, strong and low in acidity. If you’re not already offering it, now’s the time to invest in the right equipment and training. Pre-bottled cold brews are also a great grab-and-go option for cafés with limited seating.
Consumers today are more focused on wellness. Drinks with added benefits like collagen, adaptogens or protein are becoming part of everyday orders. Think turmeric lattes, matcha, mushroom coffee or protein-rich shakes, not just your standard espresso.
If you’re adding these to your menu, it’s important that staff know how to prepare them properly. Customers expect both the health benefit and the flavour. A drink that doesn’t taste right won’t be ordered again, no matter how healthy it is.
Flavoured syrups are still a hit, but customers are now looking for more natural and high-end options. Artificial flavours are being replaced with real extracts, low-sugar versions and organic options. In 2026, think about introducing new flavours like brown sugar, pistachio, or even hibiscus.
Our wholesale syrup range includes trusted brands that balance taste with quality. When used correctly, a simple flavoured latte can feel like a luxury dessert. Offering seasonal specials with these syrups can also help drive sales and attract new interest.
No matter how the coffee tastes, the first thing your customer notices is how it looks. Latte art, glassware and overall presentation all add value to the drink. In a social media-driven world, a visually impressive coffee is more likely to be shared and remembered.
That’s why our Latte Art course is still one of the most requested training sessions. It teaches baristas how to steam milk correctly and create hearts, tulips and rosettas. A few extra seconds of care can turn a regular coffee into a moment worth posting online.
More customers are choosing where to buy based on how businesses source their ingredients. Sustainability matters from coffee beans to packaging. Make sure your menu includes responsibly sourced products and let your customers know about it.
At John Street Beverage, we’ve always supported ethical sourcing. Our beans, including the well-known Lavazza range, come from farms that follow fair treatment and sustainable farming practices. This year, businesses that make sustainability part of their brand will gain trust and long-term loyalty.
Keeping your drinks menu fresh isn’t about chasing every trend. It’s about choosing the ones that suit your customers, fit your brand and can be delivered consistently. Start by looking at your most popular drinks, and then consider how small changes like switching syrups or adding cold brew could add variety.
And don’t forget your team. Even the best drink ideas won’t work unless your baristas are confident and skilled. Our barista training courses are designed to help businesses like yours grow, with expert teaching and practical skills that deliver results.
Speak to the team at John Street Beverage today. We’ll help you with the right products, the right training, and the right advice to make this year your best yet.
