Soft drinks that go hard on flavour

The beverage landscape in pubs is experiencing a quiet revolution. As consumer preferences shift towards healthier, more sophisticated and memorable experiences, the humble soft drink is being reimagined. No longer relegated to an afterthought or a basic mixer, premium soft drinks are taking centre stage, offering both pubs and their patrons an opportunity to elevate the drinking experience without alcohol.

Pubs can respond to these changing tastes by creating a premium soft drinks section on their menus, featuring options that go far beyond the standard lemonade or cola. Brands such as London Essence offer sodas in roasted pineapple, orange and fig, and raspberry and rose flavours, and Fever-Tree has a spiced orange ginger ale, a Madagascan cola, and a sparkling Italian white grape and apricot. Kombuchas offer gut health benefits and come in flavours such as Remedy kombucha in raspberry lemonade or Vital Gut Health Soda in sparkling orange.

Running parallel to this trend is the rise of the ‘sober curious’ movement, where patrons want alcohol-free choices that still offer depth, sophistication and a sense of occasion. Alcohol-free beers, wines and spirits are becoming increasingly mainstream, but perhaps the greatest opportunity lies in inventive mocktails using mixers with ingredients such as yuzu, pink peppercorn or herbal infusions, or for a non-alcoholic interpretation of an apéritif, try citrus-spicy Crodino or Campari equivalent SanBitter Rosso.

Beyond the drink itself, presentation matters. Elegant glassware, thoughtful garnishes and a visually appealing menu layout all contribute to the perception of quality. Knowledgeable staff who can recommend pairings or describe the unique characteristics of each beverage can further enhance the customer experience.

Ultimately, today’s consumers are looking for drinks that feel special, complement the occasion and provide a talking point. Thoughtful and well-executed soft drink offerings can become an attraction in their own right – a reason for guests to visit, share their experiences on social media and recommend the venue to friends and family.

Kelly McCarthy is the owner of Ye Old Sun Inn in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire

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