Summer to Fall Menu Transition
Reiko Piekarski, Director of Coffee Programs | Fortuna Enterprises, LLC
One thing is for certain, sweater weather gives us the
reprieve from the blistering summer heat later than it used to. Despite what
the thermostat reads, fall is around the corner and some marketing ads will not
let anyone forget this fact. These reminders have become aggressive pushing the
timeline earlier to best the surrounding competition. Don’t get lured by the
same autumn siren call and be a little more daring with the fall menu with
these seasonal creation inspirations.
Pumpkin Spice
This flavor sensation is unavoidable whether it is the
famed coffee beverage, cereal, donuts, scented candles, and everything else in
between. So how do we break the spell which is cast upon the masses this time
of year? 1883 Maison Routin flavor syrups produced in France masterfully
orchestrate sensory experiences for baristas and bartenders to deliver to customers
distinctive drinks. Pumpkin Spice has been a part of their flavor lineup for
some time however this year a new fall introduction was made. With Pumpkin Pie
making a debut we wanted to test out the differences between the two and trust
us, there is one.
With a side-by-side taste test we unanimously agreed the new
Pumpkin Pie syrup evoked more of the great pumpkin pie flavored craved for in a
hot latte. However, we wanted to test how the Pumpkin Spice would fair with the
cold beverages. We were not disappointed by the outcome of this experiment. When
summer cannot seem to leave the stage for fall to take over, consider creating a
cold menu for the traditional flavors of the season. For starters, try the
Pumpkin Spice with cold brew coffee or even iced black tea. It is a refreshing
way to experience and enjoy this seasonal favorite even when the cool air has yet
to invite the comfort of a cozy sweater or comforter.
Flavors of Falls
Pumpkin Spice may take the spotlight but there are plenty
of other flavors which set the mood for fall. Seek creative inspiration from
activities associated with the season to recreate these experiences in a
beverage form. Take the State Fair for instance. By using the 1883 popcorn
syrup and combining it with Hollander caramel sauce, we recreated the classic
caramel corn in latte form. Bonus if the drink is topped off with whipped
cream, a drizzle of caramel and some actual caramel corn. Continuing with the
fair theme, one can even offer the Big Train cotton candy blended treat which
kids of all ages can enjoy.
Maple is a wonderfully versatile flavor syrup to incorporate
into different drink creations. A simple maple latte topped with some whipped
cream, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg is just like a warm flannel blanket being draped
over the shoulders. And who could pass up a s’more inspired latte reminiscent
of starry nights by the campfire? Start by building a regular mocha and add the
1883 toasted marshmallow syrup to replicate this fireside treat. Top this off
with some whipped cream, an actual toasted marshmallow, chocolate, and graham
cracker pieces to seal the whole experience.
Cold Brew Anytime
Cold brew coffee has commonly been a dominating force during the hot summer months however this smooth and rich brew method has a wide range of utilizations for anytime of the year. When the warm weather extends into autumn, why not include cold brew in the fall seasonal lineup. As suggested before, adding the famed pumpkin spice flavor with cold brew and cream makes for a refreshing alternative to enjoy on unusually hot fall afternoons. Cold brew’s versatility is not limited to just drinks though. Take for instance making deserts like tiramisu or something savory like BBQ sauce and red eye gravy. The point here is cold brew has a place any time of the year whether it is in a beverage or food. So, don’t put up those cold brew kits when the mercury begins to drop.
Cocktails
Having cold brew on hand all year round allows for another
exciting way to serve creative beverages. Taking inspiration from alcoholic specialty
drinks is a great way to shake up the menu any time of year. To help bridge the
extended transition from summer to fall we decided to build a coffee cocktail
modeled off the classic mint julep. For this build, we used the Anytime Cold
Brew concentrate, 1883 Chai syrup, sprigs of mint, and some Monin peach
smoothie. While researching flavors, the Georgia Julep called for peach schnaps,
so we decided to take the risk and substitute the alcohol with the peach
smoothie. This creation is a delightfully, bold, refreshing cocktail with
elements of both late summer and fall spice flavors.
Replacing the alcoholic base with cold brew concentrate or tea
concentrate warrants a little adjustment with other components to create the
balance of flavors. Take for instance the Maple Smash. Here we have
replaced the traditional bourbon with cold brew concentrate and dialed back the
orange and lemon juice. The acidity was too much without the alcohol and we
increased the amount of maple syrup slightly to help round out all the flavors.
A few dashes of locally made orange and fig bitters, a smashed orange wheel over
ice which is then topped with chilled seltzer.
Be creative!
The possibilities are endless, and one should not look too far to spark inspiration for a new seasonal treat. Don’t get stuck with the same flavor combinations season after season, but also don’t over complicate them. Customers may have favorite go to menu selections however there is usually an exciting stir when a new contender debuts on the seasonal menu. Dare to be different, be bold, and don’t be afraid of stepping outside of the box. Don’t just take our word for these drink ideas though. We have made sure to include the recipes and pictures to encourage experimentation. May the force brew with you all this fall season!
Fortuna Enterprises - 20 Years of Seed to Success!
Established in 2000, Fortuna Enterprises is the consummate leader in providing complete and comprehensive solutions for all of your coffee shop needs. Located in Greensboro, NC, Fortuna excels in unparalleled customer service by offering specialty roasted small-batch coffee, a fully stocked warehouse, imports, design, equipment repair, consulting, barista training, and more!
We are compelled to be the unsurpassed authority for all coffee shop requirements. We use this drive to continue our extensive research in carefully selecting only the highest quality coffees, equipment, syrups and other coffee shop necessities. Our products have a proven record of premium industry performance and unmatched reliability. We buy large quantities from our suppliers so we are in turn able to negotiate extremely competitive pricing for our customers.
We look forward to hearing from you about how we can take you from concept to completion!
