With the Cost of Coffee Having Seen Notable Spikes Recently, Cheaper “Refreshers” Have Seen a Spike in Popularity – CoffeeTalk

Drinks known as “refreshers,” which combine fruit syrups or purees with tea, lemonade, or water, are rapidly gaining popularity and are replacing traditional beverages like iced coffee and plain iced teas in cafes across Greater Boston. Over the past year, some coffee shop owners, such as Mezini, have reported a 50 percent increase in refresher sales, with these drinks now making up 15 percent of sales at Jaho Coffee Roaster & Wine Bar. During summer, refresher and tea sales can account for approximately 30 percent of total transactions.

Originally appearing in cafes over a decade ago, refreshers have become staples in the local beverage culture alongside other trends like matcha and dirty sodas. In response to this shift, businesses such as Flour Bakery and Café have introduced refreshers to remain competitive, offering flavors like pineapple, peach, and cucumber mint.

Lucas Hausermann, a lead barista at Espresso Love, notes that refreshers help to mitigate the high costs of matcha and coffee, with customers increasingly inquiring about their refreshment menu. Particularly appealing to middle and high school students, refreshers serve as a low-caffeine alternative to coffee, helping to alleviate any anxiety associated with high caffeine intake. This demographic trend underscores a growing preference among youth for beverages that offer a light, energizing experience without the heaviness of traditional milk-based drinks.

At Caffè Nero, refresher sales have surged by 20 percent year-over-year, with seasonal offerings catering to those avoiding heavier options. National chains also recognize this trend; for example, McDonald’s and Dunkin’ have introduced refresher flavors like strawberry watermelon and black cherry, respectively. Starbucks pioneered the refresher category in 2012, expanding its market share significantly and set to launch blended energy refreshers.

Even non-beverage-focused businesses, such as the ice cream chain J.P. Licks, are joining the trend, offering refreshers infused with butterfly pea flower tea. Although their refreshers currently perform well, they still trail behind cold brews and ice cream in sales. However, J.P. Licks emphasizes refresher drinks’ appeal through customization, making them attractive to families with diverse preferences. Overall, the rise of refreshers is indicative of a broader cultural shift towards lighter, aesthetically appealing, and caffeine-conscious beverage options.

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