Coffee should never be treated as an afterthought in a bakery. Customers expect it, and when it is done well, it becomes one of the most profitable items you sell. A clear and well-designed coffee menu helps you serve quickly, keeps customers happy, and adds significant margin to every transaction.
In this article, we're going to suggest what should be on your bakery's hot drinks menu, from your tried and true staples to your seasonal specials.
Your Bakery's Core Coffee Menu
A bakery coffee menu should be simple, familiar, and fast to prepare. Customers want quality, but they also value speed and consistency.
In our experience working with a large number of bakeries, here's what we find works best:
- Espresso – The base for all your coffee drinks, and a short flavourful drink in its own right.
- Americano – An extra hot, freshly brewed black coffee that can take milk or sugar if needed.
- Flat White – A smaller (10 or 12oz) drink made from a double espresso and hot steamed milk.
- Cappuccino – A traditional Italian 'frothy coffee' made from thick foamed milk and espresso.
- Latte – A larger milk drink with a beautiful design on top.
- Mocha – A latte with a hint of chocolate. Or a hot chocolate with a hint of coffee.
- Hot Chocolate – An essential for non-coffee drinkers (and kids)
- Iced Options – Iced lattes, iced americanos or cold brew to keep summer customers happy.
A Note on Drink Sizes
Many bakery goers, particularly in faster grab-and-go and convenience locations, will opt for a larger sized drink if clearly marked and available. To meet this demand, it is worth offering at least two size options on your menu.
A standard size (around 12 ounces) works well for quick visits, while a larger option of 16 or even 20 ounces caters to customers who want more value and convenience. This approach keeps your menu flexible and ensures you meet the expectations of different customer groups.
What Type of Coffee Beans Works Best in Bakeries?
Bakeries are often visited by a wide demographic of people, and as coffee is an added extra rather than the primary focus, a great tasting 'people pleasing' coffee is our top recommendation.
This should be a medium roast blend of coffees from multiple origins with familiar and delicious tasting notes, such as chocolates, nuts and caramels. Something like the Classico blend from our Amico coffee range, designed to be delicious and approachable.
Optional Extras that Increase Revenue
Customisation is one of the easiest ways to grow your margins. Customers like to make their drinks their own, and most are happy to pay a little more for the option.
Popular extras include:
- Plant-based milks: oat, almond, soy
- Flavoured syrups: vanilla, caramel, hazelnut
- Extra espresso shots
- Whipped cream
- Simple toppings: chocolate dust, cinnamon, or seasonal sprinkles
- Special guest coffee blends or limited time single origin coffees
These add-ons cost very little for you to provide but can increase the price of a drink by anywhere from 30p to £1 typically. Small upgrades like this quickly add up, making them a simple and effective way to improve profitability.
Seasonal Drink Specials for Your Bakery in 2026
Seasonal drinks are one of the easiest ways for bakeries to keep their menus exciting, encourage repeat visits, and boost sales. Customers love limited-edition drinks that tie into holidays and occasions, and they are often willing to pay more for something special.
Valentine’s Day – 1st February
Strawberry is the flavour of the season, offering a romantic twist that works well in hot chocolate, cold chocolate, or frappes.
Easter – 23rd March
Easter Egg and Crème Egg flavours bring rich, chocolatey indulgence to lattes, iced lattes, and hot chocolates.
Early Summer – 23rd April
Honey and oat provide a lighter, natural sweetness that suits shaken lattes and iced lattes.
Mid Summer – 1st June
Raspberry and white chocolate offer a colourful, indulgent option that pairs perfectly with iced matcha or other chilled drinks.
Late Summer – 1st August
Passion fruit and lemon are refreshing, citrusy flavours that shine in iced teas.
Halloween – 1st October
Pumpkin spice is the autumn classic, and it works across lattes, iced lattes, and hot chocolates.
Christmas Build-Up – 15th November
Toasted hazelnut is warm and nutty, ideal for lattes, iced lattes, and hot chocolates.
Christmas – 1st December
Black Forest, with its chocolate and cherry combination, is a festive indulgence that works especially well in hot chocolate and lattes.
