Introduction:This summer, a "Swimming Burger Soda" featuring gummy burgers as the star has sparked conversations on social media, not only attracting young consumers to check in but also prompting well-known chain brands to follow suit with their own versions. This article delves into the inspiration behind this drink, shifts in the market, consumer psychology, and provides practical DIY steps to help you understand the trends and business strategies behind it.
During the peak of summer, a drink that combines a refreshing taste with fun visuals can easily become a focal point on social media. Recently, a creative beverage called "Swimming Burger Soda" quickly went viral online, with its unique visual effect—gummy burgers floating up and down in sparkling water—successfully capturing the attention of many young consumers.
The creation of this drink actually originated from a special cocktail at a bar, which originally used a clear cocktail base rather than the widely circulated sparkling water version. With the boost from social platforms, beverage shop owners have unleashed their creativity by replacing the burger gummies with shapes like bears and goldfish, and experimenting with different flavored drinks to create a more visually appealing "Swimming Series" of sodas.
The ingredients needed to make this drink are very simple: just gummy burgers shaped like burgers, ice cubes, and sparkling water, all available at supermarkets. Alternately place the gummies and ice cubes in a clear glass, then slowly pour in the sparkling water. The gummies will float up and down in the cup due to the buoyancy of the bubbles, creating a fun visual effect as if they are swimming. This simple yet creative method allows many consumers to easily replicate it at home.
It is understood that due to differences in prices and costs across regions, the retail price of this drink ranges from just over ten yuan to over thirty yuan. Some budget-conscious consumers have even developed more economical DIY methods—for example, making a "Haidilao version of Swimming Burger Soda" while dining at Haidilao, using the store’s provided takeaway cups, ice cubes, and Sprite. Simply put the gummy burgers in the cup, add ice cubes and Sprite, gently shake, and watch the gummies "swim" in the cup.
This low-cost replication method quickly became a trend on social platforms, with many netizens sharing their DIY results, further fueling the craze. Not only Haidilao, but brands such as Uncle No Name Tea and FamilyMart have also introduced similar drinks or publicly shared "recipes," attracting consumers to try and check in. Although some outlets offer affordable pricing, many consumers still choose to make it themselves to enjoy the fun.
Notably, the gummies in this drink do not dissolve nor alter the original flavor of the sparkling water. For some consumers, the core appeal of such drinks is not the taste but the emotional value and social interaction they bring. Just like the previously popular "lollipop ice water," these beverages have gained attention and shares among young people thanks to their cute appearance and fun interactivity.
For many young consumers, whether the drink tastes good is no longer the primary consideration. More importantly, it’s about whether the drink can showcase personal taste, attract others’ attention, and bring a sense of joy during the sharing process. When a drink can meet this emotional need, it can still become a popular choice in the market, even if its cost-performance ratio isn’t high.
As summer continues, the Swimming Burger Soda and its variations remain popular in various beverage shops, with other members of the gummy family gradually joining this "swimming party." However, as the seasons change and consumer trends evolve, these trending drinks will eventually face the challenge of the next wave of popular trends.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
