Heat Up Hot Beverage Offerings

As pleasant weather subsides and cold fronts move in, consumers will be turning back to hot beverages to warm themselves at work. Many consumers, however, are looking towards specialty, gourmet hot beverage options, rather than just a simple cup of coffee. In fact, only 46 percent of consumers are “very satisfied” with their at-work coffee options, according to the National Coffee Association’s 2015 National Coffee Drinking Trends Report.

This means that operators have the opportunity to capture the consumer dollar and increase engagement by providing clients with easy-to-create specialty hot beverage recipes, and they can do so simply by using items already available in their breakroom. With some hot water, a dash of spice and a little sweetener, consumers can create customized gourmet beverage masterpieces and operators can see consumption and sales climb.

Start with the basics

Every office location is different, there’s no denying that, so some recipes may work in one office but not in another. That’s okay, though. The point is to raise awareness to the products that you do offer, and help consumers create a drink that defies the norm. Here are two recipes, courtesy of the SPLENDA® Brand, that are customizable and can certainly garner excitement in a traditional hot beverage program.

Hot Vanilla Steamer

Hot Vanilla Steamers are a great option for those customers who prefer a warm beverage without the caffeine from coffee. For this recipe, customers can purchase milk from the vending machine or micro market in their workplace. Warm the milk in the microwave and add in vanilla extract, provided by the operator. Simply add SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener and voila! Stir and start the day off right. (Full recipe listed below)

Hot Cranberry Apple Cider
This product may be a little out of the ballpark, but it is do-able with a few modifications. Create the drink by mixing apple cider, cranberry juice, orange juice and SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener, all of which can be found in a vending machine or micro market (especially if the operator is preparing of this beverage mix!). Add to that mix: cinnamon sticks, cloves and dried cranberries. Bring to a simmer, strain and enjoy! (Full recipe listed below)

Market the customization

Good marketing goes a long way and that is the case for this project as well. Once an operator has determined the specialty hot beverage creations they want to highlight, it is important to market the product to consumers. Hard copy signage in front of or near the coffee machine will attract customers to the beverage. Digital signage would be equally as useful and important to convey the limited time offerings.

Full recipes and nutrition facts are listed below for convenience.

Title: Hot Vanilla Steamer
Yield: 32 servings

Serving Size: 6 fl. oz.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, heat milk to a simmer.

2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener, Pouch.  Hold hot for service.                          

Notes:

1. To make this recipe using SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated use 1 cup (0.85 oz.) in place of SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener, Pouch.
2. This is a diabetes friendly recipe. 

Nutrition Information per Serving (6 fl. oz.)

Title: Hot Cranberry Apple Cider
Yield: 36 servings

Serving Size: 6 fl. oz.        
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Instructions:

1. Place ingredients in large pot. Over low heat, bring to a simmer.

2. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Strain. Hold hot for service.

Notes: 

1. To make this recipe using SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener, Pouch use ½ cup (3.39 oz.) in place of SPLENDA® Granulated Sweetener. 
2. This is a diabetes friendly recipe.

Nutrition Information per Serving (6 fl. oz.)