Special latte flavors are more than just a fun menu item.
They can make a huge difference in how people view your coffee shop, how you sell your products, and how customers engage with your brand both online and in-person.
In this blog, we’re talking all about unique latte flavors, from why they’re important to your business to how you can add them to your coffee shop’s menu. We’ve also got a cheatsheet to help you take basic latte flavors to the next level.
Ready? Let’s dive in.
Why unique latte flavors matter
Here are four ways that prioritizing exciting latte flavors can make a difference in your business.
1 — They can help your coffee shop stand out
When you think “Pumpkin Spice Latte,” you probably think “Starbucks,” right? That’s because having exciting, unique-to-you latte flavors can help you stand out among your customers. Then, they’ll keep coming back to you (and you alone!) for their new favorite latte flavor.
2 — They’re great for marketing and social media
Fun, one-of-a-kind latte flavors are absolute goldmines for marketing and social media. They lend themselves nicely to tons of trends and engagement opportunities, like Starbucks’ “hard to please” post, or Dunkin’s cereal latte tagline post. You’re only limited by your imagination!
→ Pro tip: Learn how to make your coffee shop’s marketing pop with our Beginner’s Guide to Marketing!
3 — They increase your upsell potential
If a customer orders a regular latte, it’s not a reach to try and upsell them to a more exciting latte flavor. Offer them a shot of flavored coffee syrup, or ask if they’d like to try one of your brand-new seasonal latte flavors. It doesn’t have to be super sales-y to be effective!
4 — They can boost customer engagement
Unique and/or limited-time latte flavors are great at generating excitement and “must-try” buzz among your customers. And, if the latte flavor hype gets big enough, it can boost foot traffic and encourage repeat visits — just like fall latte flavors do for coffee shops season after season.
Tips for adding unique latte flavors to your menu
Once you have a few latte flavors you’d like to try out, it’s time to figure out how to launch them… but it needs to be done strategically and intentionally.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when adding new latte flavors to your menu.
- Start small and limited — Try out a limited batch of your new latte flavor, launching it as a “special” or seasonal exclusive versus a permanent menu item. Give your shiny new latte flavor a trial run before committing to it 100%.
- Get customer feedback — The best way to know if your customers like your new latte flavor is to ask! Launch a survey, host a social media poll, check out the sales data… let feedback tell you whether your new latte flavor is worth keeping around.
- Make it more than a drink — Get customers invested in your new latte flavor by making it more than just a drink. Share the story behind creating the flavor, try something nobody else has before, and promote the experience of trying the latte vs. just the drink itself.
- Try to keep the excitement going — Once the new latte flavor is out, do what you can to keep the hype going. Make your new latte flavor the “drink of the week,” or try a limited-time deal to encourage people to try it out (or to come back and try it again).
A quick guide to unique latte flavors
| The Classic Latte Flavor | Why It Sells | Pairings to Elevate the Latte Flavor | Why It Works |
| Vanilla Latte | A classic, universally-loved flavor Gentle flavor (not too overpowering) | Vanilla + Lavender | Lavender adds a gentle floral nuance without overwhelming the traditional vanilla flavor. It also gives off a very luxurious vibe, making it seem a bit “fancier” than plain vanilla. |
| Caramel Latte | Rich, sweet, comforting flavors Great for those with a sweet tooth | Caramel + Miso | The saltiness/umami notes from the miso offset the sweetness from the caramel flavor. It gives a complexity and balance that you won’t find in many flavor combinations! |
| Mocha / Chocolate Latte | A good balance of coffee flavor and sweetness A classic option for chocolate fans | Mocha + Coconut | Coconut adds a tropical, nutty brightness to a mocha, creating layers of flavor that complement the chocolate flavors without clashing. Think Mounds chocolate bar, but in latte form. |
| Matcha Latte | Super popular/socially relevant right now Vibrant green color makes it eye-catching (in-person and online) | Matcha + Hazelnut | The nutty warmth of hazelnut flavors works well with matcha’s more earthy, bitter notes. It deepens the latte flavor profile in an unexpected (but delicious and complementary) way. |
| Pumpkin Spice Latte | A high-demand seasonal pick for the fall A favorite flavor that’s always a hit | Pumpkin Spice + Brown Butter | Brown butter has a rich nuttiness that adds a deeper layer to the flavors in pumpkin spice. It also makes pumpkin spice feel a bit more gourmet and luxurious. |
| Chai Latte | A great alternative for customers who don’t drink coffee Warm, familiar spices that feel homey | Chai + Cardamom-Rose | Cardamom is already a prominent flavor in chai, but adding cardamom-rose takes things to another level. Rose also isn’t a super common flavor, so it’ll stand out on your menu. |
| Hazelnut Latte | A tried-and-true flavor that pairs perfectly with coffee A typically less-sweet alternative to mochas or vanilla lattes | Hazelnut + Orange Zest | The brightness of the orange cuts through the rich hazelnut flavor, creating a perfectly balanced richness. It’s the same blend of sweet and refreshing that makes Terry’s Chocolate Oranges work. |
| Cinnamon Latte | A comforting, popular flavor, especially during cold months A good alternative to chai that’s just as warm/spiced | Cinnamon + Ginger-Turmeric | Cinnamon has a nice warmth that combines well with the earthiness/spiciness of ginger. Turmeric also adds great color to the latte while adding a wellness-focused twist. |
| Coconut Latte | Coconut milk/cream is a nice change from typical non-dairy options A lighter, tropical flavor that’s unique and exciting | Coconut + Yuzu | Yuzu adds a nice citrus flavor that brightens up the coconut, giving the latte a nice hit of acidity and contrast. The combo of tropical flavors is a helpful differentiator, too. |
| Pink (Beet) Latte | A beautiful pink color that’s visually appealing (both in-person and online) A super unique flavor, makes a great novelty/health-focused drink | Beet + Raspberry | The raspberry’s sweet fruitiness helps break up the earthy flavor of the beets. Plus, it boosts the health focus and the pink color for an extra flavorful, extra photogenic latte. |
| Salted Caramel Latte | A sweet/salty contrast that people really love A slight twist on classic caramel that helps the drink stand out | Salted Caramel + Roasted Almond | Roasted almonds add a nutty, toasted flavor, balancing out the sweetness of the salted caramel. You can also sprinkle roasted almonds on top for extra texture and crunch. |
- Pro Tip: Offer all of your latte flavors in both hot and cold varieties so people can enjoy your drinks whichever way they like best!
Looking for your new favorite latte flavor? Check out Craver’s Seasonal Cafe Menu Ideas Cheat Sheet.
