Turning soft drinks into profit drivers

Whilst the soft drinks category continues to diversify, some icons remain the backbone of the bar. Whether it’s the crisp lift of 7UP in a long-mixed drink, the pairing of Pepsi with rum or the unmistakable sharp, refreshing hit of R Whites, these carbonates deliver consistent quality and effortless versatility. Their value isn’t just in familiarity, it’s in reliability. For venues, they remain the go-to drinks: easy to work with, endlessly mixable and perfect for busy service periods. These staples continue to prove that classics earn their status for a reason.

As drinkers explore new flavour experiences, fruit refreshment brands are becoming essential to the evolving soft repertoire. J2O brings depth, bold colour and a crafted feel to the non-alcoholic occasion, perfect for consumers seeking something more indulgent than a standard serve. Meanwhile, Lipton Iced Tea has accelerated rapidly as a premium alternative for guests who want light, refreshing, low-fizz options, particularly well-suited to daytime occasions, food pairings and summer-led menus. Together, these brands showcase how fruit-led soft drinks can elevate choice.

Finally, the era of crafted premium mixers has transformed the soft drinks category and redefined the role and importance of the quality of the mixer in the drink. These mixers are purposefully created to enhance, not overpower, allowing premium spirits to shine while pushing soft drink quality to new heights. Leading this charge is London Essence now a benchmark for refinement in the category. With delicately distilled botanicals, balanced sweetness and layered aromatics, London Essence delivers the elevated, modern mixer needed for today’s premium bar experience.