Cold brew is cooler than ever—and it’s not just your caffeine-loving customers saying so. The National Restaurant Association named it one of 2025’s top trends,¹ and it’s seen a 38% jump in menu appearances over the past four years.² That means it’s prime time to refresh your lineup with cold coffee creations that stand out. Enter Pacific Foods® Barista SeriesTM. With plant-based options perfect for swirling in big flavor (think: creamy oat milk and bold herbal notes), we’ve whipped up six fun, trend-forward cold brew recipes to help you ride the wave. Bonus: They spotlight some of the fastest-growing ingredients out there—like brown sugar (+164%) and oat milk (+983%)—so you’re not just on trend, you’re ahead of it.²
Cold brew is cooler than ever—and it’s not just your caffeine-loving customers saying so. The National Restaurant Association named it one of 2025’s top trends,¹ and it’s seen a 38% jump in menu appearances over the past four years.² That means it’s prime time to refresh your lineup with cold coffee creations that stand out. Enter Pacific Foods® Barista SeriesTM. With plant-based options perfect for swirling in big flavor (think: creamy oat milk and bold herbal notes), we’ve whipped up six fun, trend-forward cold brew recipes to help you ride the wave. Bonus: They spotlight some of the fastest-growing ingredients out there—like brown sugar (+164%) and oat milk (+983%)—so you’re not just on trend, you’re ahead of it.²
Flavor That Blooms
Herbs, spices, and floral flavors are no longer just background notes, they’re taking center stage in cold coffee.² This growing trend is all about adding dimension and depth to familiar drinks, and the Chocolate Cardamom Cold Brew Latte made with Pacific Foods® Barista Series™ Oat nails it. Made with a half ounce of rich chocolate sauce and just the right amount of cardamom, this chilled latte delivers comfort and curiosity in one sip. The chocolate adds a touch of indulgence, while the cardamom brings warmth and a little global flair—making it perfect for consumers who want something unique without straying too far from the familiar. It’s a flavor-forward twist that’s easy to execute and hard to forget.
Pandan is a tropical plant prized in Southeast Asian cuisine for its sweet, floral aroma, often described as a mix of vanilla, coconut, and grassy notes. Its long, blade-like leaves are commonly infused into desserts, rice, and beverages, lending both flavor and a striking vibrant green hue. To make a refreshing Pandan Latte made with Pacific Foods® Barista Series™ Almond, start by pouring 1 oz of condensed milk into a glass, then add ice. Mix 1½ oz of cold brew coffee with 1 tsp of pandan extract, pour it over the ice, and top with 2 oz of almond milk. Stir gently to combine and enjoy this fragrant, Southeast Asian-inspired twist on an iced latte.
Breakfast, but Make It Coffee
Breakfast-inspired cold coffee drinks are officially trending,² and we’re not just talking about pairing your latte with pancakes. Operators are leaning in to morning comfort by channeling classic breakfast flavors like waffles, syrup, and warm spices right into the cup.²
Meet the Cinnamon Honey Oat Cold Brew Latte—a smooth, chilled coffee layered with cozy cinnamon, a touch of honey, and creamy oat milk. Whether served as a signature limited-time offer or added to the regular menu, it’s a comforting option that feels both familiar and fresh.
Textured to Perfection
Today’s cold coffee is all about depth—and texture is leading the charge.² Operators are going beyond basic brews with drinks that bring a new feel to familiar formats. The Pineapple Coconut Cold Brew Latte layers sweet tropical flavor with light, airy cold foam for a silky finish that feels indulgent and elevated. Meanwhile, the Root Beer Cold Brew introduces fizz to the mix with soda water, creating a playful, throwback twist that’s full of personality. These builds prove that a great cold brew isn’t just about flavor but about creating a moment in every sip.
Sweet Tooth, Meet Cold Brew
Dessert for breakfast? Yes, please. Dessert-inspired drinks are popping up on more menus, with flavors like chocolate, red velvet, and birthday cake giving cold coffee a decadent twist.² But it’s not all sprinkles and frosting, as fruit-forward desserts are having a moment too. The Iced Cinnamon Pear Oat Latte is a perfect example, blending cold brew with pear syrup, cinnamon extract, and creamy Pacific Foods® Barista Series™ Oat for a taste that’s subtly sweet, spiced, and totally sippable. It’s like a pear crisp in latte form—cool, comforting, and ready for the spotlight.
From fruity twists to foamy layers and dessert-inspired delights, cold brew is evolving—and customers are here for it. With bold flavors, trending textures, and plant-based pairings from Pacific Foods®, there’s no shortage of ways to turn a simple sip into something unforgettable. Whether you’re looking to craft LTOs or refresh your everyday offerings, these recipes prove one thing: cold coffee isn’t just cool, it’s full of possibilities.
- National Restaurant Association, What’s Hot 2025, 2025
- Datassential, The World of Cold Coffee, 2024
