Copycats have invaded the coffee space, especially when it comes to seasonal brews.
Earlier this fall, it was all about pumpkin spice, although maple and apple started to make inroads. And now that the winter holidays are approaching, some form of peppermint mocha is on the menu of nearly every coffee chain.
It’s understandable that no coffee brand wants to be left behind in customers’ annual quest to get their pumpkin or peppermint fix. But what happened to uniqueness as a selling point? There’s also an awful lot of cookie butter and gingerbread flavoring espresso drinks this season.
So where can operators look for coffee drinks that will set them apart and appeal to consumers? Search data can be a viable source.
According to Yelp’s 2025 Trend Forecast, searches for mushroom coffee are up 87% year over year, as the functional benefits of mushrooms gain momentum. At Wunderground Coffee in Seattle, Brain Wash mocha is a signature beverage that contains 1,000 mg of adaptogenic mushrooms. These are medicinal mushrooms that can provide an energy boost much like caffeine and may help improve cognitive function and focus.
Online searches for new coffee beans, flavorings and experiences are also on the rise. The classic Viennese coffee known as Einspanner saw a 1,145% bump in searches compared to last year. A typical glass mug of Einspanner is filled halfway with two shots of espresso, with the remainder filled with billows of whipped cream.
Viennese coffee is also known as Einspanner. | Photo: Shutterstock
Mojito coffee is also getting lots of interest, with searches increasing 591%. At Oakland, California-based Philz Coffee, the mojito coffee is infused with muddled fresh mint and brown sugar, mixed with milk, then served over ice.
Vietnamese coconut coffee (up 254%) is another trending way to get a caffeine buzz. It starts with coffee brewed from bold robusta beans rather than the more common arabica, then it’s combined with coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk, although recipes vary. The coffee is then served in a tall glass with ice and the different milks can create a marbled effect.
Mojito Coffee as served at Philz. | Photo courtesy of Yelp
Yelp also tracked an increase in food and drink flights and that includes coffee flights—growing a whopping 3,225%. Like beer and wine flights, these are samplings of three or four different roasts, iced coffees or lattes presented in a carrier or stand for an immersive coffee experience.
Somewhat related is coffee omakase, increasing by 742%. This is a guided, curated tasting led by a master roaster or coffee connoisseur. Domodomo in New York City held a pop-up coffee omakase event earlier this year featuring gute Leute Coffee Bar in Korea, where these omakase experiences are a popular part of K Pop culture.
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