Tips For Bars & Restaurants On Keeping Customers Happy With Drinks
Does your cocktail menu seem to be getting a little stale?
Your menu may be performing well enough, but it may no longer be generating that same enthusiastic traffic as when it was first unveiled in your bar or restaurant.
Great cocktails can be a key component to a restaurant or bar’s success, luring in customers and encouraging them to have that “one last drink.”
So, it’s important that you keep your cocktail menu fresh and up-to-date.
You don’t need to do an entire overhaul of your menu, just spice it up a bit with some of these easy tips below.
Offer A Seasonal Menu
Offering seasonal drinks on their own additional menu is a great way to continually update your overall cocktail menu without conducting a complete overhaul.
Have fun and get creative with these: offer fresh and fruity drinks in the summer, floral drinks in the spring, spiced drinks in the fall, and nice, warm cocktails in the winter.
By adding on these seasonal-appropriate drinks to your menu, your restaurant will draw customers year-round in addition to servicing the regulars with your classic cocktails.
Themed Drinks
Creating themed drinks is along the same line as seasonal drinks. Rather than sticking to a season for inspiration, though, you can branch out to whatever theme of your choice at any time of the year.
With themed drinks, you can target specific crowds that you might not usually service: draw out the Harry Potter fans, the comic book enthusiasts, the scientists – just mix it up and have fun with it!
Themed drinks can also provide an excellent center for themed nights—another great way to attract more traffic to your bar or restaurant!
Fresh/Alternative Ingredients
The past decade has seen a massive push toward healthier and higher quality food. The same applies to drinks as well. You can easily freshen up your menu just by switching to fresh ingredients, and by making this known.
You can also take advantage of the health craze by offering health-inspired drinks. Think of the Bloody Mary: tomato juice and celery. Try creating something else along these lines, utilizing other vegetables and healthy options. If possible, try to make as many of drinks as possible, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free to be inclusive of all dietary types.
Ice, Ice, Baby!
Last but not least, never underestimate the importance of ice. Many claim that ice is the most important ingredient when it comes to making a cocktail.
By using specialized commercial ice machine, you can get the ice you need easily and in a variety of forms and shapes, from standard to flaked to nugget-shaped.
While different types of ice are good for functionality purposes, such as cooling and blending, ice can also play a key role in forming the character of your drink. Play up the different shapes and work them into a theme.
In need of a new ice machine? There are a variety of types available, such as the Scotsman and Manitowoc ice machines.
Get Your Cocktail On!
So, get out there are start brainstorming. The more creative you are with your menu, the more customers you’ll attract and the more fun you will have. Happy cocktailing!
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