While fruit has always been a tasty partner to tons of beloved beverages, there’s been a shift in interest towards tropical and exotic combinations¹. Fan-favorite flavors like strawberry, blueberry, and blackberry will always be a part of the equation, but consumers are expanding their palates to make room for unique flavors, such as guava, rhubarb, kiwi, and more. PepsiCo offerings like Gatorlyte® Strawberry Kiwi, Gatorlyte® Strawberry Kiwi Zero for those looking for sugar-free alternatives, and CELSIUS® Sparkling Kiwi Guava fit the bill perfectly. Fruits like superfood acai and newly popular dragon fruit are also trending among consumers due to their lively flavors, and vibrant, eye-catching purple and pink hues.² Plus they offer the perfect base for smoothie lovers. Prickly pear—the spiny fruit once primarily featured in Southwest cuisine, is now making its way onto beverage menus throughout the US because of its sweet, melon-like flavor profile.² Citrus can also be a stimulating addition to soft drinks—flavors such as bergamot orange, yuzu, calamansi, citron, makrut lime, or blood orange add the refreshing zest consumers are looking for in the spring. When it comes to adding refreshing flavor to classic and novel beverages alike, fruit easily adds a splash of interest.

Floral and herbal flavors are growing in beverage innovation, with lavender, cherry blossom, elderflower and hibiscus all topping the charts²—lavender having grown 48% on menus in the last four years!³ Fresh herbs like basil and mint complement fruity and floral flavors, making them a natural accompaniment to many spring beverage recipes. Need some inspiration on how to incorporate floral flavors into your drink menus? If you’re looking for a fun and herbal cocktail, mix KeVita® Master Brew Blueberry Basil Kombucha, with vodka, fresh lemon, and garnish with a basil sprig. Or for a low-sugar, non-alcoholic beverage try pouring bubly™ strawberry over muddled berries and mint and serve over ice.

Don’t be afraid to step out this spring when it comes to incorporating flavors into your beverages. Consumers are here for original, revitalized takes on drinks, and operators seeking easy spring menu additions can rely on PepsiCo beverages for their collection of exhilarating fruit, floral, and botanical flavors. With offerings like CELSIUS® Sparkling Strawberry Guava, KeVita® Sparkling Probiotic Strawberry Acai Coconut, or bubly bounce™ triple berry, you can elevate your spring menu with ease. Interested in more beverage-building inspiration? Check out our recipe page that features delicious cocktails, mocktails, and more. From energy drinks to bubbly water, to sodas and teas, there are near endless ways to explore beverage innovation this season.