Drinks are getting attention as foodservice operators rev up the beverage side of the menu. Seasonal flavors and ingredients are showing up in shakes, coffees and libations like the ones that follow.
This frozen twist on a winter classic, returned to Auntie Anne’s menu Monday. The frozen chocolate drink is a blend of Hershey’s syrup and proprietary ingredients, topped by whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. It’s available in two sizes: Small and medium—14 and 20 ounces respectively—and the recommended price point for the medium size is $4.29. The Hot Chocolate Frost will run until Jan. 31.
Red Robin is getting a head start on the holiday season with this seasonal shake, which can double as dessert. It's a blend of soft serve, milk, graham cracker crumbs and gingerbread flavor, garnished with whipped topping, graham cracker crumbs and a gingerbread cookie.
Pumpkin and crème de menthe are the new featured shake flavors at Nathan’s Famous. The Pumpkin Pie Shake is made with a whole slice of pumpkin pie, topped with whipped cream, caramel sauce and a cherry, while the Crème De Menthe Shake combines Ghirardelli chocolate sauce with crème de menthe syrup. Both sell for $5.99.
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Photograph courtesy of Dunkin'
A treat trio
Gingerbread is also one of the flavors spotlighted in Dunkin’s new beverage lineup. The Signature Gingerbread Latte features gingerbread flavor latte topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle and cinnamon sugar. It joins Dunkin’s Signature Peppermint Mocha Latte and Chai Oatmilk Latte in the holiday-spiced trio that is launching Wednesday. The chai beverage combines sweetened chai, oatmilk and a mix of fragrant spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg.
University of Florida’s solution for feeding students in the midst of construction of a new dining hall has turned out so well, it will almost be a shame to see it go.
The endlessly colorful cuisine of Mexico is always in season, but Cinco de Mayo is a great time to bring some new recipes to the party, starting with El Rio Picante, an alternative marg, and finishing with DIY churro sundaes.
Last summer, a group of college and healthcare chefs came together at the University of Michigan for FoodService Director’s 2023 Culinary Immersion. Here are some of the recipes they developed.