The Underground Blog

The café world is in the middle of a global flavor renaissance—and the most exciting ingredients on menus right now aren't new inventions. They're borrowed from tea houses, street stalls, and dessert counters that have been perfecting these flavors for generations. In this guide, we're touring eight destinations shaping the way baristas are building menus in 2026. Every stop on the map tells a story—and every story tastes better in a cup.

Fruit-and-floral beverages are becoming a standout transition trend, blending the brightness of summer refreshers with the layered, moodier flavors consumers crave as seasons shift. From hibiscus and yuzu to strawberry lavender and peach jasmine, these pairings offer a versatile way to create drinks that feel refreshing, elevated, and beautifully seasonal.

Spring menus are blooming with layered flavors, think banana, ube, matcha, and soft floral notes like lavender and elderflower. Equal parts functional and refreshing, these drinks are designed to energize, nourish, and feel like a fresh start.