Tea is all about soothing flavor — flavor that whispers instead of shouting. Tea infusions are a subtle touch that add a gourmet feel to other beverages, and can enable anyone to develop a signature drink that is truly unique.

Thanks to the proliferation of cold brew coffee, cocktails are maturing.

Thanks to the near ubiquity of cold brew coffee, coffee cocktails are growing—and growing up. More, and better, third wave bean-toned beverages are proliferating in bars from coast to coast, and these highbrow tipples are far cry from the original Espresso Martini. Pardon the pun, but this trend has been percolating for years, some might even say for decades or centuries.

As the weather warms, we see a huge increase in the number of cold beverages that cafes are selling. One of these beverages, iced tea, is often overlooked.

Iced tea is both easy to make and extremely profitable.

When the weather's warm, everyone's in search of new ideas for cold drinks. Luckily, you can expand your menu just by being creative with ingredients you already have in your shop. Add some of these suggestions to your summer menu or try them as a weekly special.

Flavored Iced Tea
Combine fruit syrups with iced tea for a refreshing twist. Popular flavors are raspberry, peach, and strawberry. Add 3/4oz (6 pumps) 1883 syrup to a 16 oz. glass of ice, fill with iced tea and mix.

Fruit Smoothies: Be Creative
To kick up your smoothie menu, add a few pieces of fresh fruit to a standard smoothie or blend two flavors together. Try these drink ideas from Dr. Smoothie:

Strawberry Porcupine

• 4 oz. Dr. Smoothie Strawberry
• 2 oz. water
• 12 oz. cup of ice

1. Blend
2. Add 2/3 oz. pineapple chunks
3. Pulse for 3 to 5 seconds

Iced coffees, blended iced drinks and smoothies are popular year round—and can increase sales and profitability in the summer.