The nights are getting longer, the sun is setting sooner, and autumn is just around the corner. This means cafe and restaurant owners are seeking to update their menus to reflect the cosy vibes of the season. One of the most effective ways to draw in customers and elevate their experience is by offering a variety of autumnal hot drinks, giving them a reason to visit your establishment. Pumpkin Hot Chocolates, Gingerbread Mochas and Peppermint Teas have long cemented themselves as seasonal favourites, perfect to warm up after a chilly day.

Here at Cooksmill, we have everything you need to handcraft these drinks from the comfort of your own home or to serve to customers at your establishment. Introducing these drinks to your menu allows you to tap into the ever-profitable hot drinks market, and lets you try your hand at creating impressive fall favourites.

The Power of Autumn

Seasonal menus resonate well with consumers, offering a unique experience that they can't get all year round. By incorporating limited-time hot drinks, you create a sense of urgency that encourages your customers to visit your cafe or restaurant before the season ends. Here are some popular flavours you can consider during Autumn.

• Pumpkin Spice Latte: An undeniable fall favourite, this latte combines the flavours of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with pumpkin puree and a double shot of espresso.
• Apple Cider: A classic that never gets old. Serve it hot with a cinnamon stick for that added autumn flair.
• Chai Latte: An aromatic blend of tea and spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger that's both comforting and invigorating.
• Spiced Mocha: Chocolate and espresso infused with cinnamon and nutmeg offer a delicious twist on a beloved classic.

Popular Hot Drinks for Autumn

As the season shifts, so do customer preferences. That’s why it’s important to ensure that your menu offers special drinks during the change of seasons to ensure it aligns with the expectations of customers. Here are some of the most popular recipes for autumnal drinks that are always a huge success during this season.

Gingerbread Mocha

Gingerbread Mochas are a classic for a reason. The gingerbread gives a traditional mocha a kick of flavour and perfectly embodies the autumn spirit. Making a Gingerbread Mocha is easy, here’s how.

What you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons Monin Gingerbread Syrup
• 1 ½ tablespoons chocolate sauce
• 1 shot of espresso
• 1 cup steamed milk
• Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
• Chocolate shavings, for topping (optional)

How to mix the ingredients:

1. Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it is hot and almost simmering, but do not boil.
2. In a mug, combine the gingerbread syrup and chocolate sauce.
3. Add the espresso and steamed milk.
4. Stir until well blended.
5. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, if desired.

Pumpkin Hot Chocolate

Not everyone is a coffee lover and having zero-coffee alternatives ensures all your customers can enjoy the tastes of autumn. Pumpkin Hot Chocolates have been on the rise in recent years, and are great for both adults and kids!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk of choice (whole milk, almond milk, oat milk, etc.)
• 1/4 cup of Monin Pumpkin Spice Syrup
• 1/4 cup sugar or maple syrup, to taste
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Whipped cream for topping (optional)
• Cinnamon stick for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it is hot and almost simmering, but do not boil.
2. In a mug, whisk together the pumpkin spice Monin syrup, sugar, and heavy cream.
3. Pour the hot milk into the mug and stir until well combined.
4. Top with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick, if desired.

Peppermint Tea

No one does tea quite like the British, no matter what time of year it is. Peppermint Tea is easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 15-20 fresh peppermint leaves
• 2 cups water
• Honey or sugar, to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the peppermint leaves under cold water.
2. Bring the water to a boil in a kettle.
3. Remove the water from the heat and add the peppermint leaves.
4. Steep for 5-10 minutes, or until the desired strength is achieved.
5. Strain the tea and discard the leaves.
6. Sweeten with honey or sugar to taste, if desired.

Serving With Style

The appeal of an autumnal drink is not just in its taste but also in its presentation. Experiment with different types of mugs and glasses when serving your drinks as well as garnishes to make your hot beverages even more appealing. Seasonal mugs, a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, or even a small caramel drizzle can make your drink look picture-perfect.

We have a large selection of coffee glasses, including latte glasses, espresso glasses, double-walled mugs and liquor coffee cups. Coffee glasses add something special to your presentation. For example, Latte Glasses are perfect for Pumpkin Spice Lattes and help elevate your presentation. Or, for a more refined presentation, double-walled glasses make the drink look like it's floating, giving it a unique look.

However you want to incorporate the autumn season into your menu, Cooksmill has a wide selection of essentials, from deliciously flavoured syrups to classic mugs and unique glasses. We have everything in stock to make your autumn menu one of the most exciting ones this season.