From brewing bold to zesty flavours: How fusion coffees and cold brews are redefining coffee culture

From zesty orange iced coffee to spiced cappuccinos, India’s Gen Z is sipping on creativity as coffee evolves into a symbol of culture, community, and self-expression. (Image: Coffee Sutra)

Coffee is no longer just a morning ritual for Gen Z — it has become a lifestyle, a statement, and even a creative form of self-expression on social media. Globally, there’s a growing shift toward ready-to-drink coffees, cold brews, and slow, mindful brewing methods like pour-over and drip, where the process is just as important as the cup itself. More people are also conscious of where their coffee comes from, opting for sustainable and traceable beans grown with care.

In India, cafés and bars are embracing coffee as a craft rather than just a beverage. Once dominated by tea and milk, the country is now witnessing a wave of experimentation: fusion coffees, flavoured cold brews, and home-brewing equipment — from the traditional South Indian filter to the modern pour-over set — are becoming mainstream.

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Cafes across cities are buzzing with students, professionals, families, and travellers who treat coffee as an experience.

Dushyant Singh, Founder of Coffee Sutra, captures this transition and says, “Customers are curious, they want to explore, and they are beginning to appreciate coffee black — understanding it as a luxury and lifestyle product, not just a habit. Whether it’s experimenting with global trends like cold brews or celebrating our roots with South Indian filter coffee, the excitement lies in blending tradition with innovation.”

The curiosity for new flavours has led to an explosion of fusion coffees that push boundaries while staying approachable. Flavoured cold brews, spiced cappuccinos, and citrus-infused iced coffees are quickly becoming café favourites.

Singh explains, “We’ve seen how people are becoming more adventurous with their coffee choices. Coffee paired with citrus, spices, or regional flavours makes it feel more approachable, creative, and fun. For example, our Zesty Orange iced coffee is a refreshing blend of citrus brightness with coffee’s depth, very popular with the young hip crowd. Another favourite is our Spiced Cappuccino, which has become the go-to during winters. The warmth of spices paired with the richness of coffee makes it both comforting and unique.”

For many young drinkers, these experimental blends are their entry point into the world of speciality coffee. Singh believes this change is part of a larger cultural moment. He adds, “Coffee is definitely shifting from being just a morning ritual to becoming more of a lifestyle statement.

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Earlier, it was mostly about that first cup of energy to start the day, but today, coffee has evolved into something far deeper. Fusion coffees are longer than just beverages; they carry stories of origin, creativity in brewing, and a sense of discovery.

For example, globally, you see a rise in cold brews, experimental fusions, and mindful brewing techniques, which are less about just ‘drinking coffee’ and more about enjoying an experience. Even the way people photograph and share their coffees online has turned it into a lifestyle expression.”