Summer seasonal menus offer an array of flavors and textures, showcasing the best of what the season has to offer. From refreshing salads bursting with vibrant produce to grilled delights that sizzle with flavor, summer menus invite diners on a journey of culinary exploration and celebration. We’ll take you through the top 6 things to consider when planning your summer menu!
1. Seasonal Produce
Summer menus are a testament to the bounty of fresh produce that graces our tables during the warmer months. From juicy tomatoes and sweet corn to fragrant herbs and succulent berries, summer produce provides you with a colorful palette of ingredients to work with. Each dish celebrates the freshness and vibrancy of these seasonal treasures, allowing your diners to savor the true essence of summer with every bite.
2. Fresh Drinks
Enjoying a drink at the table is a common occurrence with restaurant goers. Beginning the meal with a beverage before having a chance to look at the menu is what many consumers like to do. Summer cocktails are the perfect way to capture the essence of the season, blending vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and refreshing profiles that offer a cool respite from the heat. A well-crafted summer cocktail menu can feature classic favorites like the Mojito and Margarita, known for their invigorating mix of citrus and mint, alongside tropical delights such as the Pina Colada and Mai Tai, which evoke a sense of beachside relaxation with their rich coconut and pineapple notes. For those seeking something a bit more unique, fruity and floral combinations like the Strawberry Basil Smash and Elderflower Gin and Tonic provide a sophisticated twist, while light and refreshing options such as the Cucumber Mint Fizz and Peach Bellini ensure a crisp, clean finish. Whether it's on a casual patio or a chic rooftop, these cocktails are designed to delight the senses and celebrate the sunny, carefree spirit of summer.
3. Light and Refreshing Starters
To grow the appetite on a summer evening, starters on summer menus often showcase light and refreshing flavors. Crisp salads featuring a medley of seasonal vegetables, tossed in tangy vinaigrettes or topped with creamy dressings, provide a burst of freshness with every forkful. Chilled soups made from ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, or avocados offer a cool respite from the heat, while ceviche and tartars showcase the delicate flavors of fresh seafood and citrus. Having the option of fresh and light appetizers or shareables makes way for the perfect beginning of the dining experience. Offering a cool item in the variety is always reasonable especially on those hot summer days.
4. Grilled Delights and Barbecue Classics
From perfectly charred vegetables to juicy cuts of meat and seafood, grilling is a quintessential summer pastime that finds its way onto menus in various forms. Marinated kebabs, burgers, and smoky ribs tantalize the taste buds, while vegetarian options like Cauliflower Carne Asada or stuffed peppers cater to all palates. Barbecue classics, such as pulled pork sandwiches, braised beef short ribs, and smoked chicken, evoke feelings of nostalgia and camaraderie, making them perfect for your customers to choose when they are coming together to dine for summer gatherings and celebrations.
5. Seafood Extravaganza
Summer menus often feature an array of seafood dishes that capitalize on the abundance of fresh catches during the season. From light and flaky fish to succulent shellfish, seafood offerings provide diners with a taste of the ocean's bounty. Grilled fish drizzled with citrus-infused sauces, lobster rolls brimming with chunks of tender meat, and tajin jicama shrimp tacos bursting with flavor are just a few examples of the seafood delights that grace summer menus. Paired with crisp white wines or refreshing cocktails, these dishes will transport your diners to seaside destinations with each delectable bite.
6. Sensational Sweets and Frozen Treats
No summer meal is complete without a sweet ending to satisfy the sweet tooth. Offer an array of desserts that highlight the season's flavors, from fruity sorbets and tangy fruit tarts to indulgent ice cream sundaes and decadent pies. Fresh berries take center stage in many desserts, adding a burst of color and natural sweetness. For a refreshing twist, frozen treats like granitas, popsicles, and shaved ice desserts provide a cool and satisfying finale to a summer feast. For a delicious twist, consider adding dulce de leche fried ice cream to your menu which includes a heavenly combination of creamy vanilla ice cream coated in a golden, crispy shell, drizzled with luscious dulce de leche sauce. Savor the contrasting textures and rich flavors of this irresistible dessert, a sweet sensation that will leave all of your guests craving more. This recipe can be found on our blog under the Cook Like a Pro section.
Summer seasonal menus are a celebration of sun-ripened flavors, outdoor dining experiences, and the joy of gathering with loved ones around the table. From light and refreshing starters to grilled delights, seafood extravaganzas, and sensational sweets, summer menus offer something to delight every palate. So, as the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, take the time to savor the flavors of summer and indulge in the culinary delights that this vibrant season has to offer. Your customers will be thanking you for taking the time to add all of the tasty flavors of summer to your menu.
