Capitalize on the Draft Cocktail Trend for Off-Premise
Feb. 28, 2017
Draft beer has been a staple in the beverage industry for many years. But beer isn’t the only beverage with potential to tap into. Keg wine joined the scene several years ago and has continued to gain more and more popularity. The newest beverage to join the keg party? The cocktail. While draft cocktails are no novelty, the beverage industry is just now starting to tap into the trend. We recently spoke with our Beverage Development Specialist Mike Page about what makes cocktails on tap so great and how to benefit from the trend for off-premise.
“Many consumers have their own kegerators or draft systems at home, and it’s only becoming more common,” Page said. “Now is the time to capitalize on that movement, and start thinking forward. If you can have beer or wine on tap at your home, why wouldn’t you want cocktails on tap?”
Page says the ultimate occasion to serve draft cocktails off-premise would be a party. “Let’s say you’re hosting a college graduation party; think how nice it would be to have a margarita on tap that your guests can easily serve themselves.” Still not sold? Here are three reasons Page says draft cocktails make sense for off-premise.
Three Reasons Draft Cocktails are a Smart Move
1) They’re more efficient
“Draft cocktails certainly require some prep on the frontend, but they allow much more freedom and flexibility on the backend,” Page says. This is especially beneficial when it comes to complicated cocktails, as some of them can take up to 15 minutes to create. “By having a cocktail on tap, you’re freeing up all of the time you would spend making those drinks over and over again during an event or a party, and that time can then be spent enjoying yourself.”
2) They won’t break the bank
“Batching cocktails for draft purposes affords the opportunity to streamline preparation and costing.” Page explains that batching is hugely beneficial when it comes to party preparation, because you’re able to plan out exactly how many ingredients will be needed, which helps eliminate wasting product on the backend. Additionally, this enables the consumer to know exactly how many drinks they will be able to serve at their party. For example, if they batched 5 gallons, that will yield 100 servings. Buying in bulk for batching also allows for potential discounts on large quantity purchases.
3) They can be adapted in a variety of ways
“You can transcend the cocktail on draft, and create sodas on tap that can then be used for both mocktails and cocktails.” Page explains that by batching your spirits and citruses or sodas separately, that it affords many more applications of the draft system. “Again, this is really great for a party, because you’re able to easily serve both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to your guests. It’s a win-win situation.”
With a mobile draft system, options are limitless. Consumers are always craving variety, and being able to provide beer, wine and cocktails on tap is a huge advantage. Tap into this trend today and talk to your Breakthru Sales consultant about the best craft cocktail ingredients.