Summer is the perfect time to refresh your drinks menu with light, eye-catching, and profitable options that keep your customers coming back. Whether you’re a high-street coffee shop, boutique café, or hotel lounge, these iced drink ideas are simple to serve, cost-effective, and packed with seasonal flavour.
Here are six standout summer drinks for cafés that deliver on both taste and Instagram-worthiness.
1. Strawberry Matcha Latte (Iced)
Cost per serving: 78p
A layered summer showstopper that’s as photogenic as it is delicious.
Ingredients (1 serving): 25ml Shott strawberry syrup; ice cubes; 200ml chilled milk; 1 tsp matcha powder; 50ml hot water (just under boiling)
Method: Add the strawberry syrup into the bottom of a clear glass or cup. Drizzle some on the sides “for the gram”, too. Fill the glass with ice, then slowly pour the cold milk over the back of a spoon to keep the layers separated. Whisk 1 tsp of matcha powder with 50ml hot water until smooth and frothy. A bamboo whisk or milk frother works best. Gently pour the matcha over the milk using the back of a spoon again for that signature layered effect.
Why it works: Subtly sweet and creamy, with matcha’s earthy kick
Serving tip: Offer oat or coconut milk for a plant-based twist—and extra creaminess
✅ Great for: social media, health-conscious customers, Gen Z fans of TikTok drinks
2. Peach Iced Tea
Cost per serving: 50p
A timeless classic that’s refreshing and effortless to prepare.
Ingredients (1 serving): 30ml Alchemy Peach Iced Tea syrup; 300ml cold still water; ice cubes
Method: Fill a clear glass or cup with ice. Pour 30ml of the peach iced tea syrup over the ice. Add 300ml cold water and stir well to combine.
Why it works: Easy to batch, quick to serve, and brilliant margins
Serving tip: Garnish with a fresh slice of lemon and serve in a clear cup to show off its golden glow.
✅ Great for: Grab-and-go counters, hotel lounges, and high-volume service setups.
3. Mango Matcha Cooler
Cost per serving: 74p
A zesty, energising option that’s perfect for wellness-focused menus.
Ingredients (1 serving): 30ml Shott Mango syrup; 10ml Alchemy Matcha elixir; 100ml sparkling lemonade; 100ml cold water; ice cubes
Method: Add 30ml mango syrup to the bottom of a tall clear glass or cup. Pour in 100ml sparkling lemonade and mix, before filling the glass with plenty of ice to help separate the layers. Mix 10ml matcha elixir with 100ml of cold water in a separate cup or jug. Then slowly pour it over the back of a spoon as the final top layer.
Why it works: Sweet, tangy, and packed with a green tea kick.
Serving tip: Don’t skimp on the ice – it’s all about the refreshment.
✅ Great for: Wellness cafés, spa lounges, juice bars, and anywhere with a health-forward vibe.
4. Lemon Iced Tea
Cost per serving: 50p
Simple, clean, and always a hit – this is iced tea at its most classic.
Ingredients (1 serving): 30ml Alchemy Lemon Iced Tea syrup; 300ml cold water; ice cubes
Method: Fill a clear glass or cup with ice. Pour 30ml of the lemon iced tea syrup over the ice. Add 300ml cold water and stir well to combine.
Why it works: Clean, sharp flavour that’s universally popular
Serving tip: Use crushed ice and garnish with a lemon wheel for visual impact
✅ Great for: Classic café menus, hotel afternoon tea, or anywhere timeless refreshment is appreciated.
5. Virgin Mojito Iced Tea
Cost per serving: 50p
A stylish, cooling twist on a virgin mojito. Seriously on-trend!
Ingredients (1 serving): 30ml Alchemy Cucumber & Mint Iced Tea syrup; 300ml cold water; ice cubes
Method: Fill a clear glass or cup with ice. Pour 30ml of the cucumber & mint iced tea syrup over the ice. Add 300ml cold water and stir well to combine.
Why it works: It’s incredibly refreshing and perfect for all-day menus
Serving tip: Replace cold water with sparkling water for a classy fizz!
✅ Great for: Brunch cafés, spa cafés, cocktail-inspired menus, and wellness-focused venues.
6. Banana Iced Matcha
Cost per serving: 78p
Earthy, creamy, and totally unique; this one’s a conversation starter.
Ingredients (1 serving): 30ml Shott Banana syrup; 1 tsp matcha powder; 200ml chilled milk (dairy or plant-based); 50ml hot water (just under boiling); ice cubes
Method: Add the banana syrup into the bottom of a clear glass or cup. Fill the glass with ice, then slowly pour the cold milk over the back of a spoon to keep the layers separated. Whisk 1 tsp of matcha powder with 50ml hot water until smooth and frothy. A bamboo whisk or milk frother works best. Gently pour the matcha over the milk using the back of a spoon again for the desired layered effect.
Why it works: It’s an unexpected flavour combo, but it just works.
Serving tip: Garnish with banana chips if you want it to look fancy for the socials.
✅ Great for: specialty cafés, matcha-forward menus, adventurous drinkers
There you have it – some iced drink ideas to ensure you serve up a summer to remember! Each of these seasonal drinks offers:
– Quick prep with high visual impact
– Great profit margins and minimal waste
– Options for non-coffee and plant-based customers
– An easy way to stand out in your local market
Whether you’re refreshing your iced drinks menu or looking to try something new for summer, these ideas make it simple and stylish to do so.
