FROZEN DRINKS: THE IRRESISTIBLE CHARM OF ICED BEVERAGES

From classic slushies to nostalgic cocktails or mocktails with crushed ice, from frozen cappuccino to frozen beer: there’s no end to the varieties and menu selections that can drive sales.

By combining endless options in ingredients, today’s menus are featuring truly innovative frozen drink and refreshment options. From breakfast smoothies to frosty cocktails and so much more, it’s easy to see why customers love these favorites. In this article, we will see how frozen drinks are created, explore some of the most loved cocktails in the world, and understand why everyone loves them.

As the name suggests, these are iced beverages that are served in a frozen, slushy state.

The idea comes from the desire to use a texture of crushed ice that slowly melts in your mouth as a soft and full-bodied base to which wonderful flavors, – such as fresh fruit and ice cream – or liquids – such as syrups, alcoholic beverages, or fruit juices – can be added to create intensly colorful and very fresh drinks. These unique combinations can be savored with eyes and palate to provide a multisensory and synesthetic taste experience.

Once ready to serve, they present themselves as very fine slushies; with a soft and creamy texture that can be further enhanced with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or toppings of any kind.

Thus, in just a few steps, it’s easy to create super trendy beverages that are tasty and have high aesthetic appeal which:

• Visually attracts more customers.
• Creates additional frozen beverage sales.
• Helps expand beverage menus.

A distinctive feature of frozen drinks is their extreme versatility and ease of preparation. In fact, just a few selected ingredients elevate classic cocktails into exquisite icy variations.

Frozen drinks have revolutionized the concept of cocktails and expanded seasonality, positioning themselves as popular, profitable offerings with tremendous appeal. They are ideal for any time of the year and perfect for any menu, from bars and restaurants to cafés and venues that appeal to late night customers.

Their charm lies primarily in a creamy and ultra-cold texture, providing a unique tasting experience where intense flavors provide an irresistible visual presentation. These drinks are truly objects of desire, waiting to be discovered and savored.

They are a customer favorite and a must-have on the menus of all establishments.

Ideal as refreshing aperitifs, or flavorful cocktails during hot summer days, they are also perfect for enjoying in colder months, or anytime friends gather and want to enjoy themselves.

Frozen Strawberry Caipiroskas, Frozen Margaritas Daiquiris, and frozen Piña Coladas are just some of the favorite drinks of consumers, and especially Millennials. They love the retro flavors that reflect bygone times, all enjoyed with a sense of carefree abandon.

But there are also highly creative reinterpretations of classic cocktails, such as the Frozen Aperol Spritz, or the Frozen Gin Tonic where the ice tempers the sweet and bold taste of the cocktails. Additionally, there are decidedly more creative and unusual combinations that mix bold flavors and imaginative modern drinks that seamlessly fit into the latest consumption trends. All using perfect mixology.

Have you ever tried frozen beer or frozen wine?

Frozen beer is a concept originating from Japan. It can be replicated using professional frozen slush machines that create an extra-soft, icy beer foam to add to the beverage after pouring.

The beverage retains the taste of traditional beer foam, but what sets it apart is the denser and softer consistency, providing a highly unique tasting experience. It’s perfect for enhancing the flavors of fruity beers and keeping the drink colder for longer, especially in very hot climates.

Frozen wine is growing trend that uses varieties of red, white, rosé, or sparkling wine mixed with crushed ice. These drinks can be garnished with edible flowers and fruit. Variations include options with lemon sorbet, elderflower, and prosecco. They are particularly trendy in the United Kingdom.

One standout example is the Frosé, a cocktail made with rosé wine, strawberries, lemon, vodka, and crushed ice. It took London and New York by storm a few years ago, becoming a social media sensation. Today, it’s offered in numerous fruity or floral variations, flavored with garnishes such as watermelon or jasmine flowers.

Mocktails, or non-alcoholic frozen drinks represent a must-have beverage offering to reach consumer who prefer these options. From Gen Z, who are increasingly inclined toward sugar-free and alcohol-free drinks, to health-conscious individuals who prioritize well-being and quality ingredients, this is a growing and profitable segment of the beverage market.

Today, there are endless varieties of low-calorie non-alcoholic frozen cocktails. These drinks are free from added sugars and artificial colorings but rich in fresh fruit, probiotics, minerals, and energizing ingredients like caffeine. They combine bold flavors and intense tastes with vibrant colors and creamy textures.

Ideal as a refreshing treat after intense sports activities or on a hot summer afternoon, they can even become functional drinks, providing an energy boost and vitality.

Younger consumers favor the frozen versions of sparkling beverages, which add effervescence and liveliness to the full-bodied texture of the drinks. Made with carbonated soft drinks like Coca-Cola or soda, combined with tropical flavors such as mango, passion fruit, lime, green apple, raspberry, and cherry, these beverages offer an explosion of taste waiting to be discovered, sip by sip.

Frozen coffee drinks are perfect at any time of day, starting from breakfast or brunch.

Even the classic coffee is reinterpreted in its frozen version, adding a touch of creativity to a beverage that has always been popular worldwide.

The frozen cappuccino offers an extensive range of possible flavors and combinations. These coffee-based frozen drinks can be customized with various ingredients: from caramel to white chocolate, from vanilla to strawberry, and from matcha tea to lavender.

In general, all cold creams based on coffee provide a delightful icy treat that combines the rich flavor of coffee with the refreshing lightness of sorbet. These drinks offer pure pleasure and unparalleled taste, captivating all the senses.

If you want to include irresistible frozen drinks in your menu to delight customers, rely on the innovative technologies of SPM’s versatile, state-of-the-art equipment.

Modern slush machines available in today’s market allow you to prepare high-quality cocktail versions using fresh fruit instead of artificial syrups and premium ingredients that enhance the beverage’s quality.

For example, our professional slush machines, MP and I-PRO, are the result of ambitious research projects. They were designed to simplify the work of staff and bartenders and provide reliable, durable tools for Ho.Re.Ca operators. These machines ensure perfect dispensing of icy beverages.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can offer your customers frozen drinks that are irresistible and highly profitable. They align with the “less-is-more” consumption trend and focus on impeccable presentation, making them instantly Instagram-worthy.

Discover the Full Range of Slush Machines and Choose the Product That Best Suits Your Needs

Whether you’re an experienced professional or an owner just starting out and seeking new ideas and inspiration for your menu, you can find all the assistance you need regarding recipes and guidance on product usage from us. Take advantage of all the potential your machine offers, prepare specialties that won’t go unnoticed, and enrich your menu with delicious recipes and new successful proposals. We have all the resources you need!