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Just because your machine may only do vanilla doesn’t mean your menu has to be boring. With a few clever syrups and toppings, you can turn plain vanilla into a flavour-packed summer favourite. Here are five soft serve twists your customers will love and where to buy the bits to make them!
🍋 1. Lemon Zest Sorbet Swirl
Think refreshing, zingy, and a little Italian-inspired. Add a drizzle of lemon syrup over your vanilla soft serve and top with crushed amaretti biscuits or a sprinkle of lemon zest.
Where to buy: Lemon syrup from Roberto Icesor Takeaway Supplies
🍓 2. Strawberry Shortcake Sundae
A nostalgic classic that’s always a winner. Drizzle over some sweet strawberry syrup and finish with crushed shortbread biscuits and a fresh strawberry on top.
Where to buy: Strawberry syrup from Takeaway Supplies
Toppings: Any supermarket shortbread or grab biscuit crumble from catering suppliers.
🥜 3. Peanut Butter & Chocolate Drizzle
The ultimate sweet-salty combo. Pour over chocolate sauce and peanut butter syrup, then sprinkle with crushed peanuts or mini peanut butter cups for an indulgent treat.
Where to buy:
- Chocolate sauce from Allied Drinks
- Peanut butter cups from Booker or cash & carry wholesalers
🍫 4. Salted Caramel Brownie Bash
This one’s rich, gooey, and a real customer favourite. Add salted caramel sauce, then top with brownie chunks. You can even sprinkle sea salt for extra wow.
Where to buy:
- Caramel sauce from CallowFit at London Supplements
- Brownie pieces from Bling Ingredients
🍇 5. Berry Burst Cooler
Perfect for warm weather, fruity and refreshing. Add mixed berry or blackcurrant syrup and top with blueberries or raspberries. It’s colourful, tasty, and great on socials.
Where to buy:
- Berry syrups from Roberto Ices or Takeaway Supplies
- Use fresh berries or frozen ones from your local wholesaler
🍦 Ready to Shake Up Your Summer Menu?
With just one vanilla soft serve machine, you’ve got endless flavour possibilities. These easy syrup-and-topping combos are a low-effort way to impress your customers, boost sales, and keep your menu feeling fresh all summer long.
Got a soft serve flavour idea we haven’t mentioned? Tag us on Instagram or drop us a message, we love seeing your creations!
💡Quick Tips for Soft Serve Flavour Ideas
- These are all easy to prep, no need for new machines or training.
- Display your flavours visually with drizzles, toppings, and fun names.
- Swap in seasonal toppings through the year to keep it fresh!
Brad Heenan
Brad Heenan is the Managing Director at Absolute Drinks, bringing over 14 years of hands-on leadership experience in commercial beverage solutions. He works closely with…
