Short answer: iced coffee automation works well for the cold-build side, but hot brewing and dairy add-ins need separate confirmation
Iced coffee, cold brew, and coffee-based refreshers run on a BIB coffee concentrate at a 10:1 mix ratio, TendedBar’s preferred format, though a bulk keg base also works. Non-dairy creamer can be dispensed through the keg system today, and a full dairy solution for the countertop configuration is in development.
Where automation fits in an iced coffee program
Once coffee or cold brew concentrate exists as a bulk liquid base, an automated system can combine it with syrups, water, and ice consistently across every pour, similar to how other bulk-based drinks are built. The brewing step that produces that concentrate typically happens on separate equipment.
Menu design for coffee-based drinks
Flavored iced coffees, sweetened cold brews, and coffee refreshers can draw on the same BIB syrup library used for other menu categories, which simplifies training and restocking. Non-dairy creamer can run through the keg system today. A full dairy solution for the countertop configuration is in development, so confirm current availability with TendedBar if dairy is central to your menu.
Space and installation for a coffee program
The countertop configuration measures roughly 30 in W x 25.5 in D on a standard 20-amp, 110V circuit in most applications. If your program includes separate brewing or refrigeration equipment for coffee concentrate, confirm total footprint and utility needs with your facilities team before finalizing layout.
Consistency for a high-volume coffee program
Coffee-based drinks are especially sensitive to inconsistent ratios, too much or too little syrup changes the flavor noticeably. Automated dispensing removes that variance once a coffee base is loaded into the system, helping hold quality steady across a morning rush.
Questions to work through before automating an iced coffee program
- What format will your coffee or cold brew base be in? BIB concentrate at a 10:1 mix ratio is TendedBar’s preferred format, though bulk keg bases also work.
- Does your menu include dairy or cream add-ins, and what food-safety and cleaning steps do those require?
- How many flavor variations do you want, and which syrups can be shared with your existing menu?
- What’s your restocking cadence for a coffee base given typical refrigerated shelf life?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an automated system brew coffee?
Brewing or hot extraction typically happens on separate equipment before the coffee base reaches the dispensing system. TendedBar’s preferred format is a BIB coffee concentrate at a 10:1 mix ratio, though a bulk keg base also works.
Can dairy be added to automated iced coffee drinks?
Non-dairy creamer can be dispensed through the keg system today. A full dairy solution for the countertop configuration is in development.
What flavors work well for automated iced coffee?
Flavored syrups from your existing BIB library can typically extend into coffee-based drinks, which simplifies training and restocking versus a dedicated coffee-only ingredient set.
How much space does an iced coffee station need?
The countertop configuration measures roughly 30 in W x 25.5 in D on a standard 20-amp, 110V circuit in most applications. If separate brewing or refrigeration equipment is part of your program, confirm total footprint with your facilities team.
