It might be due to the enigmatic profile of this young slice of society, or perhaps it’s because we’re intrigued by how easily young people’s habits and preferences typically change at this age. One thing is certain, we are definitely more than a little curious to learn more about the current coffee trends and how this beloved drink is seen by the member of Generation Z, as those born between the mid-1990s and the beginning of the new millennium are commonly referred to.
Do young people drink coffee? And if, so, how? Let’s try and find out more, by analysing the main trends that are ticking all the boxes for the teenagers of today. These include some timeless evergreens and many global trends, not to mention a few surprises.
Coffee-flavoured cocktails: a trend that never goes out of fashion
Let’s begin with a grand classic, inherited by the Millennials: coffee flavoured cocktails. Generation Z can’t get enough of them, naturally in the non-alcoholic versions, given the tender age of these coffee connoisseurs.
Some examples of their favourites, which are easy to prepare, even for those with no specific mixology skills, include:
- Iced Barley.
Ingredients: barley coffee, ice and brown sugar or coconut sugar.
Preparation: simply mix all the ingredients in a blender until the icy is finely crushed. - Frappé coffee.
Ingredients: an espresso coffee, sugar, cold water. Invented in the 1950s, in Greece it is a true institution.
Preparation: first leave the coffee to cool, before adding sugar and (a little) cold water. Next blend the ingredients using a hand-held blender until they become frothy. - Orange Espresso Frappé.
Ingredients: one espresso coffee, vanilla ice-cream, milk, grated orange peel and ice.
Preparation: pour the ingredients into a blender and mix until the ice has completely melted. Then pour into a goblet and decorate with the grated orange peel.
Another of the many tasty coffee cocktail recipes worthy of a special mention is the Espresso Tonic, one of the most popular coffee trends for teenager. Having originated in the United States in 2016, this non-alcoholic drink is a favourite because it is icy cold and oozes with metropolitan glamour: then, especially when it’s made with Espresso e Volentieri compatible capsules, it is also packed with flavour!
Coffee to go: the global trend catches on among teenagers
This is another coffee trend which has been inherited at least partially by the Millennials: takeaway coffee is now all the rage worldwide and its coolness, enhanced by American films and TV series has now caught on with Generation Z too.
So it’s no coincidence that, as we have already seen, American takeaway coffee is now gearing up to take off in Italy too. It is sure to be a success, also due to a recent change in the daily habits of Italians: Generation Z prefers the speed of coffees to go to the ritual of coffee savoured leisurely in our local bar, perhaps over a friendly chat.
Home-made espresso is one of the hottest coffee trends for Generation Z
Not just global trends, but also a passion that tastes like tradition. It might seem surprising, but even the youngest Italians adore the most traditional start to the day we know: waking up to the sound of the moka machine gurgling on the hob and to the aroma of coffee hovering tantalisingly in the air.
We’re ready to bet that even the youngest coffee lovers among us will be sure to fall in love with the Casa by Caffè Aiello line. Made to delight even the most demanding palates, it is dedicated to those who seek a sublime coffee when it comes to taste, aroma and quality: discover all the blends of ground coffee for moka.
