The coffee industry is constantly evolving, introducing innovative product categories. Beverages such as cold brew, nitro cold brew, and espresso tonics have paved the way for further exploration. One of the latest trends is sparkling coffee, also known as coffee soda, which is rapidly capturing the attention of consumers. This unique drink offers a refreshing taste and remarkable flavor versatility, positioning sparkling coffee as a category ripe for experimentation.
To gain deeper insights into this emerging product, I spoke with two industry experts. They shared their thoughts on what sparkling coffee is and what we might anticipate in the near future. Read on to discover more about this exciting beverage!
What Is Sparkling Coffee All About?
Graham Gould, co-founder and CEO of VIVIC Coffee in Sonoma, California, describes sparkling coffee as a straightforward concept. “It’s exactly what it sounds like: sparkling coffee,” he explains. “It offers a refreshing way to enjoy coffee by blending the rich flavors of cold brew with the bubbly sensation of sparkling water.”
Jenny Bonchak, founder of Slingshot Coffee Company in Raleigh, North Carolina, shares a similar perspective. “Sparkling coffee is simply carbonated coffee,” she states. “We combine something familiar, like soda water, with our beloved coffee.”
“At Slingshot, we focus on achieving a perfect balance of flavors, creating a new experience with sparkling coffee that’s both innovative and enjoyable.”
The Evolution of Sparkling Coffee
The concept of sparkling coffee has been explored within the specialty coffee industry for some time, but it wasn’t until 2016 that commercial products started to emerge. Since then, numerous brands have entered the market.
Some sources claim that sparkling coffee, or gassosa al caffè, originated in Calabria, Italy, several decades ago. This has led to the rise of various Italian coffee soda brands, some of which have become well-known, such as Brasilena and Stappi, while others have faded away.
In the late 19th century, Italian immigrants established Manhattan Special in Brooklyn, New York. This brand has been selling a small bottled coffee soda made from coffee, sugar, caramel coloring, and carbonation for nearly a century.
Jenny notes, “Manhattan Special has been around for about a hundred years, so there’s a certain familiarity with sparkling coffee. However, it’s quite niche and not widely consumed.”
To address this, Slingshot aims to create products that appeal to a broader audience, including their sparkling coffee. “I want to share unique coffee experiences and make specialty coffee interesting and fun. Coffee sodas are one way to achieve that,” she explains.
Both Graham and Jenny highlight the recent introduction of coffee sodas by major brands like Coca-Cola and Pepsi as a sign that sparkling coffee is becoming more mainstream. “With coffee soda, there’s still much to learn,” Jenny adds. “Many people are still unaware of it, but the trend is moving in a positive direction, especially with big companies like Coca-Cola launching products like Coke with coffee.”
Part of the specialty coffee movement’s focus on sparkling coffee lies in its potential for refreshing flavors. “I saw the popularity of nitro coffee grow,” Graham says. “I believe sparkling coffee will be the next big trend because it offers an even more refreshing experience than nitro or cold brew, and it opens up new possibilities for flavor combinations.”
Flavor And Coffee Choices
Graham explains that VIVIC Coffee was established to address a specific gap in the coffee market. Inspired by professional chefs and their talent for crafting surprising dishes, he noticed that many coffee options were quite similar.
“Everyone was focused on cold brew, iced coffee, and a few flavored milk choices like vanilla,” Graham says. “I realized there were many other flavor notes in coffee beyond just chocolate and nuts.”
VIVIC’s diverse flavor selection showcases this variety, offering drinks infused with ingredients like sarsaparilla root, raspberry, and lavender, among others.
Additionally, Graham emphasizes VIVIC’s commitment to sustainable sourcing practices. The company partners directly with a single farm in El Salvador that produces high-quality arabica beans. While this is their sole partnership for now, he plans to incorporate a natural Ethiopian coffee in the future.
On the other hand, Jenny mentions that Slingshot Coffee takes a nostalgic approach to its flavor offerings. “We aimed for classic flavors that evoke memories and a sense of nostalgia,” she explains.
When selecting coffees for their recipes, Jenny states that the team first examines flavors individually before blending them to create a balanced profile. “For example, we use Ethiopian coffee for our citrus vanilla cream soda, but for the vintage root beer, we opt for a blend,” she adds.
How Does RTD Fit In?
Sparkling coffee is commonly available in canned or bottled formats at various shops and cafés, making this ready-to-drink (RTD) option both convenient and accessible for a diverse range of consumers.
Graham notes that if VIVIC had a café, he would offer kegged versions of their signature drinks on tap, alongside small-batch seasonal and limited-edition varieties.
Jenny emphasizes that neither format is inherently superior; the choice largely depends on the café’s objectives and the preferences of their customers. She explains, “RTD coffee soda is an excellent choice for coffee shops that want to provide a sparkling coffee option but may not have the capacity to produce it themselves consistently.”
There are several methods for preparing sparkling coffee, including using espresso, cold brew, and even hot filter coffee, all of which can be combined with soda water. Graham mentions that some manufacturers utilize proprietary brewing techniques to achieve an ideal balance of effervescence and flavor in their sparkling coffee products.
Jenny adds that the method chosen should align with the desired final product. “For example, if you’re aiming for mass production, you can’t expect to pull an espresso shot for every drink,” she points out. “We ensure that the coffee we brew for our sparkling coffee is sourced appropriately and brewed using the right methods, as we avoid a one-size-fits-all approach to guarantee the best possible taste.”
Tips for creating sparkling coffee at home
Jenny offers some valuable tips for those looking to create their own sparkling coffee at home. First and foremost, she emphasizes the importance of using high-quality ingredients, including specialty coffee, sparkling or soda water, and any flavors or syrups you wish to experiment with.
“You’ll need a great glass and excellent ice,” she advises. “Using filtered water and quality ingredients is essential.”
“It really comes down to what you enjoy,” she adds. “Making sparkling coffee is all about fun experimentation, and that’s what makes it so enjoyable.”
As a final tip, Jenny mentions that sparkling coffee can serve as a fantastic mixer for cocktails and can even be poured over ice cream for a delightful soda float experience.
Looking Forward
According to Grand View Research, the sparkling coffee market is rapidly gaining traction, currently valued at over $522 million. The firm projects that this figure will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13% through 2028.
“Refreshing sparkling coffee products are increasingly becoming popular worldwide,” the researchers indicate.
“The growing demand for convenient, ready-to-drink beverages that offer health benefits compared to sugary energy drinks and sodas is expected to propel the market forward.”
Despite being a relatively new category, Graham agrees that consumers are just beginning to explore the potential of sparkling coffee. “We arrived early to the party, and now more people are starting to join in,” he remarks. “There’s ample opportunity for experimentation and the introduction of new sparkling coffee products.”
While classic coffee beverages are timeless and will likely remain popular, it’s thrilling to witness how specialty coffee is evolving to connect with consumers in fresh ways. Sparkling coffee has already gained significant traction, and its appeal as both a café favorite and a ready-to-drink (RTD) option is unmistakable.
Graham sums it up well: “I’m quite confident that sparkling coffee will become the next big trend. It’s here to stay.”