Increase summer sales with a cold brew coffee maker

As summer temperatures rise, so does the demand for refreshing, flavourful, and energising beverages. For hospitality operators, this seasonal shift is more than a change in weather—it’s a chance to refresh their menu, engage new customers, and boost overall sales. Introducing a cold brew coffee maker into your business can unlock new revenue streams, attract a wider customer base, and ensure consistent delivery of a premium product across the day.

Here’s how to make the most of this opportunity.

What is cold brew, and why do customers love it?

Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. The result is a smooth, low-acid beverage with rich notes of chocolate and caramel. Unlike traditional iced coffee—brewed hot and then chilled—cold brew is crafted slowly, resulting in a naturally sweet and aromatic profile that appeals to a broad range of customers.

Its lower bitterness and refreshing character make it especially desirable in summer, when lighter, cooler drinks become the go-to choice. As consumer tastes evolve towards more personalised and experience-led offerings, cold brew is becoming a must-have on modern beverage menus—particularly when prepared using commercial coffee machines that ensures consistency and operational ease.

Why a cold brew coffee maker is your perfect match this summer

Summer is a pivotal moment for beverage menus. As hot drinks lose appeal, operators need solutions that offer freshness, quality, and speed of service. In this context, the cold brew coffee maker becomes an essential tool—not just for producing a popular product, but for enhancing your entire menu strategy.

Cold brew responds to today’s customer expectations: it’s smooth, customisable, naturally sweet, and works well across a wide range of occasions—from dine-in to takeaway. Its visual appeal and versatility make it a highlight of any seasonal offer.

Meeting new guest expectations

Today’s consumers seek drinks that feel thoughtful and elevated. Although we see a rise in cold coffees in summer, in the UK, cold brew & iced coffees are becoming every day coffee orders all year round. Even in informal settings, they value quality, story, and presentation. A cold brew served in glassware, infused with a seasonal flavour, or presented as part of a curated pairing signals care and attention to detail—factors that directly influence customer loyalty and perceived value.

At the same time, a growing segment of younger consumers is looking for options that align with health, sustainability and discovery. A dedicated cold brew program—built on a reliable cold brew coffee maker—can meet all these expectations with ease, without increasing complexity in day-to-day operations.

Supporting service efficiency

From a practical point of view, cold brew offers advantages that go beyond customer satisfaction. Preparing it in batches enables faster service during peak hours, without sacrificing quality or consistency. This is especially valuable in high-volume venues or during busy dayparts such as late mornings and afternoons, when cold drinks become the default.

Whether served straight, with milk alternatives, or as part of a signature beverage, cold brew provides a low-effort, high-impact solution to extend your offer across the entire day.

Unlock premium value through cold brew personalisation

A well-crafted cold brew adds depth to your menu and encourages customer interaction and repeat visits. 

Here’s how to make it even more impactful:

Customisation as a value driver

Cold brew is inherently versatile. Guests can personalise their drink with plant-based milks, aromatic syrups, or specialty infusions like nitro or citrus. A “cold brew bar” format—enabled by a dedicated cold brew coffee maker—gives customers the freedom to tailor their drink, making it feel unique and crafted just for them.

Pairings that enhance the experience

Cold brew works beautifully with a wide range of food options. It can be paired with mini desserts like biscotti or brownies, light brunch dishes like croissants or granola, or savoury snacks for afternoon service. Bundled combinations—such as “cold brew & pastry” or “coffee & croissant moments”—encourage extended dwell time and offer a well-rounded experience.

Presentation as an experience

With its deep amber tones and clarity, cold brew is visually compelling and likely to drive media value for your venue through social channels. Serving it in elegant glassware, sustainable takeaway bottles, or layered mocktail-style formats elevates its appeal and makes it ideal for social media engagement. Garnishes, foams, and creative layering can turn a simple drink into a statement piece—without adding operational complexity.

Inspiring repeat visits with a limited edition or seasonal serve

Offering seasonal flavours—like summer citrus, vanilla bean, or spiced cold brew—keeps your menu dynamic and encourages customers to return. These rotating specials, easily prepared with a cold brew coffee maker, help create a sense of discovery and keep your regulars engaged throughout the season.

A platform for innovation

Bringing cold brew into your offer is also a powerful way to showcase creativity and differentiate your venue. From nitro cold brew and cold brew cocktails to coffee-based mocktails and even soft-serve formats, the possibilities are wide-ranging. A cold brew coffee maker allows you to explore and scale these options while maintaining control over flavour, quality, and consistency.

Would you like to explore how illy cold brew solutions can elevate your summer menu—and beyond?

Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll help you identify the right cold brew coffee maker for your needs, design an offer tailored to your clientele, and unlock the full commercial potential of one of the season’s most in-demand beverages.