Over the past several years, Asian coffee and tea culture has been making a significant impact on the United States beverage landscape, with South Korean-style cafés leading much of this transformation. From New York to Los Angeles, Asian café brands are rapidly expanding their footprints, drawing long lines and generating excitement among consumers. These establishments, along with independent and third-wave cafés, are introducing Americans to distinctive drinks characterized by visual appeal, indulgent flavors, and sometimes surprising ingredients.
While South Korean beverages play a prominent role in this trend, a broader wave of Asian-inspired coffee drinks is reshaping U.S. menus. These beverages introduce new textures, flavor profiles, and presentation styles that transcend traditional coffee offerings. From the layered visual appeal of the Einspanner (a Korean adaptation of an Austrian classic) to China’s textural AeroFoam innovation, these drinks blend cultural influences and push creative boundaries.
The appeal extends beyond novelty — these beverages tap into consumers’ desire for experiential offerings, cross-cultural flavor explorations, and social media-worthy presentations. With ingredients ranging from sweet corn to black sesame, and techniques that transform coffee into dessert-like creations, Asian coffee innovations are redefining what Americans expect in their daily caffeine ritual. Here’s a look at some of the most popular drinks from across the Far East shaping the modern café landscape.
About Carbonate
Carbonate is a creative agency that builds, reinvigorates, and grows brands and hospitality concepts. Specializing in food, beverage, restaurants, hotels, and hospitality tech/B2B, Carbonate’s services include brand strategy, identity development, trend insights, design, and integrated brand communications. Prior to launching as an independent company, Carbonate was a division of San Francisco-based af&co. Together af&co. and Carbonate produce an annual Hospitality Trends Report, with insights consistently cited by outlets including The New York Times, Forbes, and more. Carbonate also produces Insight Out, a weekly insights publication dedicated to emerging hospitality & branding trends. Carbonate was ranked #45 on the 2025 Inc. Regionals: Midwest list — the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in the Midwest. Follow along @carbonategroup.
