Brewing for the Masses: How Infusions Can Elevate Your Cafeteria Beverages

Not too long ago, coffee was considered the “cool” drink and was found in every cafe, local restaurant, and even in the cafeteria. Chai or tea was considered a homely drink, or a comfort beverage, and was the less preferred option.

However, thanks to globalization, innovation, and increased awareness, a growing number of cafeterias, cafes, and even local restaurants are expanding their tea menus, which go beyond the famous chai latte, green tea, or standard peach or lemon iced tea.

In fact, today, tea is neck-to-neck with coffee, as you can find a plethora of flavours and variants such as matcha latte, boba tea, herbal infusions, and so on. The best thing about infusion teas is that they are not just tasty, but they are healthier than coffee or caffeinated drinks and come in exotic flavour profiles as well.

In other words, innovation in the beverage industry has led to a high demand for artisanal, blended, infused, and exotic beverages. A simple hibiscus infusion, for example, can be savoured cold or hot with a blend of other herbs or fruits.

You can have an iced hibiscus tea with a blend of exotic fruits like dragon fruit and lychee, blended with ice, to spruce up your summer days, or it can be savoured as a drink to get you through the day.

The options are limitless, and the way to succeed with infusion blends is by designing a menu that is unique yet simple and experiential.

With quality as the foundation, a variety of mixology methods, and flavour profiles, you can transport your customers on a flavorful journey unlike any other.

Teas for the masses: Infusion Teas You Can’t Go Wrong With!

Cafeterias are meant to offer budget-friendly options that everyone can enjoy. Moreover, taste is another factor that plays a crucial role. Instead of offering standard tea options such as green tea, iced tea, or chai latte, cafeterias can serve a plethora of flavors.

Below are some of the best picks that you can never go wrong with.

1. Chamomile Herbal Infusion: Everyone knows that chamomile tea is a relaxant made by brewing chamomile flowers in water. Although it is generally served hot, you can add your own spin to it and serve it as an iced tea with a spritz of lemon and fresh mint. It is a good option for caffeine addicts or night owls who need to get in more hours of sleep or de-stress after a hectic day.
2. Hibiscus herbal tea: if you are a fan of cranberries or cranberry juice, you will love this brew and its fruity flavor. It is rich in vitamins, tastes good hot and cold, and is aesthetically pleasing. Think of it as a fancy cranberry drink, but a lot healthier. Another way you can spice up your hibiscus tea is by making a hibiscus chiller. So basically, what you do is add the hibiscus flower to water, let it brew for 5 minutes, and then let it cool down. Now mix the blend with dragon fruit, lychee, and ice. You can add a hint of lime juice for a little zest and top it off with a mint leaf. It is such a refreshing drink, especially during the summer, and it doesn’t contain any artificial flavors.
3. Cherry infusion tea: who doesn’t love a beverage with cherry fruit? A fruit infusion with cocoa and cherry is the perfect beverage for when you are on the go, chilling in the cafeteria, or need a boost of energy between work or classes. You can enjoy the fruit infusion with cocoa and cherry either hot or cold with ice cubes, like a healthy slushie.
4. Mango-Strawberry Rooibos Infusion: This exotic organic infusion is just the right drink if you are looking for something light and caffeine free. This is one of the best sellers in every hospitality industry and can be sold hot or cold. Moreover, you can add your own spin to this infusion by adding ice or syrup to it. This beautiful concoction is the perfect blend of fresh, sweet, and fruity, so if you want to give your iced tea a new profile, this is the flavour you should opt for.
5. Cream-Cinnamon Rooibos Infusion: A favourite in the winter, cream-cinnamon rooibos infusion is a sweet and endearing drink that transposes you to the best of what Christmas has to offer. This infusion is a magical composition of flavours such as cream, rooibos, cinnamon, chunks of dried apple, and small pieces of vanilla.

Conclusion

While there are several different types of teas available, infusions are gaining popularity due to their health benefits, flavour profiles, and taste.

Since consumer preferences and lifestyles are changing, it is only ideal to include infusion teas in your list of cafeteria beverages.

Further, what makes infusion teas magical is that no matter how long you let the flower or buds of these herbal infusions seep, the taste only enhances and does not leave a bitter or unpleasant aftertaste. Moreover, since they are versatile, you can use any base to experiment with them.

No matter which infusion you go for, i.e., a cream-cinnamon rooibos infusion, a mango-strawberry rooibos infusion, or a Infusion de Frutas con Cacao y Cereza, these concoctions allow you to execute colourful and artistic presentations. Depending on the type of cafeteria you run, you can play with colours that are fresh and evolving.