The UK’s best-selling syrup brand predicts the drink trends poised to heat up hospitality.
In its commitment to offering the UK hospitality industry leading insight, MONIN, the UK’s best-selling syrup brand, has released its latest drink trends report, revealing the serves and themes expected to heat up menus in spring and summer 2026.
Having visited almost 400 venues across the UK, MONIN’s first-hand data, supported by third-party research, forms the second of two annual trends reports. MONIN advises bars, coffee shops and venue operators who want to craft spring/summer menus that sizzle to take note of the following predicted trends…
1. Sip the World
Global flavour trends are set to transport drinkers away in 2026, with tastes from across the world topping menus. MONIN has seen a rise in exotic flavours like Lychee, Coconut and Passionfruit, plus inspiration from Asia with matcha mania and Ube and Miso flavoured drinks. These trends will be staying put, offering sippers an escape in a glass.
MONIN’s Miso-misu Iced Chocolate
INGREDIENTS
20ml MONIN Tiramisu syrup
1 scoop MONIN Chocolate frappe powder
2-3g of Miso paste
120ml milk of choice
12oz cubed ice
METHOD
Pulse the Tiramisu syrup, Chocolate frappe powder and Miso paste in a blender until sauce is thick
Pour milk into glass
Add in 50ml of Tiramisu, Chocolate, Miso sauce
Add ice
Stir to mix
2. Fruity-Forward Freshness
As the weather heats up, consumers choose iced ‘refresher’ drinks to help cool down and revitalise. 63% of consumers like to try new and exciting beverages, giving tropical fruit flavoured drinks a summer surge. Pairing perfectly with mocktails and low and no options, fruit flavour profiles are poised to appeal to health-conscious customers seeking taste and refreshment without the sugar hit.
Peach Cherry Iced Tea
INGREDIENTS
20ml Peach Apricot Pure by MONIN
20ml MONIN Morella Cherry syrup
20ml MONIN White Tea concentrate
180ml still water
12oz cubed ice
METHOD
Build all ingredients into a Highball glass and stir together
GARNISH
With a sprig of rosemary
3. Indulgent Escapes
9 in 10 of consumers agree that ‘life is more fun with a bit of indulgence, so expect bakery-inspired flavours like Tiramisu and Pistachio to bring the warm, comforting flavours of childhood treats to coffee shop and cocktail menus next spring and summer. As consumers will spend more for quality treat-led experiences, tapping into emotion and memory with drinks that offer nostalgic joy promises value beyond price.
MONIN’s Pecan Pie Punch
INGREDIENTS
25ml MONIN Maple Pecan Pie syrup (new for 2026)
25ml MONIN Salted Caramel Sauce
50ml Vanilla Absolut Vodka
50ml Oatly single cream
50ml Oatly oat milk
0.5g Salt
2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
METHOD
Build all ingredients into a shaker and combine
Pour mixture into a Rocks glass
GARNISH
With a Blonde chocolate Pecan
4. Twists and Textures
Adventurous behaviour amongst consumers has persisted: 50% of us want to explore unique signature serves when visiting a venue. Unusual textures – flavoured cream toppings and their healthier alternative, cold foam have helped to put an intriguing and aesthetic twist on favourite coffees. The unexpected ‘Swicy’ trend, merging sweet and spicy flavours, has been another popular surprise in the on-trade. Intrigue your customers with…
MONIN’s Hot Honey Picante Slushie
INGREDIENTS
30ml MONIN Hot Honey syrup (new for 2026)
100ml MONIN Margarita Mixer
50ml water
50ml Tequila
200g Coriander
METHOD
Blend coriander with Hot Honey syrup
Build all ingredients in a Highball glass
GARNISH
Dip glass’ rim in tajin and garnish with a sprig of coriander and charred padron pepper
To celebrate the launch of the latest report, MONIN gathered an audience of on-trade media, customers, drinks influencers and hospitality partners to bring its research and insights to life. Anticipating the trends of tomorrow, MONIN presented its findings by creating bespoke serves around the key SS26 trends, allowing those in attendance to get a headstart on the 2026 summer season.
Jamie Carey, Senior Marketing Manager at MONIN UK & Ireland said: “It’s great to end this year by looking towards the next. With the help MONIN’s latest Spring/Summer 2026 Drink Trends Report, venues can hope to stay ahead of the curve when preparing for warmer seasons. We’re committed to sharing our latest insights on industry trends and consumer preferences, whilst recommending exactly how the hospitality sector can leverage MONIN’s extensive portfolio to jump on trends and serve up inspiration.
“From branded chains to independents, we’ve been scouring the UK for the coffee and cocktail trends of tomorrow, and we’re sure that our latest report is the key to keeping customers more connected with their drinkers and offer engaging experiences while in-outlet.”
The report is available to MONIN customers and partners. To request the full report please contact your account manager or moninuk@monin.com, or visit monin1912.com/resourcehub to download a free snapshot.