One of the most unique items on the menu at Alpha, a cafe and bar based in Kyoto, Japan, is the 'Cloud Drink.'
True to its name, the Cloud Drink consists of a cotton candy cloud that is suspended over a hot beverage. As heat is released from the hot beverage below, the cloud begins to dissolve, creating the effect of rain. In the process of melting, the cotton candy cloud infuses one's drink with additional flavor and sweetness. When ordering the Cloud Drink, a number of base drinks may be selected, including options like: coffee, hot cocoa, matcha au lait or hot milk tea.
A number of experimental food and beverage brands have explored the idea of offering edible clouds and mists in the flavor of everything from alcohol to potato chips.
Theatrical Cloud Beverages
Kyoto's Alpha Serves a Flavor-Infusing 'Cloud Drink'
Trend Themes
1. Edible Clouds - The trend of edible clouds and mists in food and beverages opens up opportunities for innovative flavor infusing techniques.
2. Multi-sensory Dining - Theatrical food and beverage presentations, such as the Cloud Drink, are part of a larger trend of immersive multi-sensory dining experiences.
3. Food and Beverage Pairing - Offering a variety of base drinks for the Cloud Drink allows for experimentation with food and beverage pairing to enhance the overall dining experience.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality - Hospitality businesses can capitalize on the trend of multi-sensory dining experiences by incorporating innovative food and beverage presentations into their menus.
2. Flavoring and Fragrance Manufacturing - The trend of edible clouds and mists presents opportunities for manufacturers of flavorings and fragrances to create new, unique products for use in food and beverages.
3. Event Planning and Catering - Event planners and caterers can incorporate theatrical food and beverage presentations, such as the Cloud Drink, into their offerings to create memorable experiences for guests.