Pre-Batching for Success
Cocktails on Tap and Bottled Cocktails
June 22, 2016 | By Kathy Casey
Cocktails on tap and bottled cocktails continue to be one of the biggest industry trends, and there is no better time than NOW to start taking full advantage of these different platforms. Whether you are a large hotel chain or a casual dining concept, the demand for more complex cocktail creations is on the rise and the increased labor challenges that come with them are too. We know everyone wants a well-crafted cocktail but no one wants to wait 20 minutes for one anymore – those days are over! So how do we get the same quality standards at almost the speed of light?
When social interaction, customer service and guest engagement are neglected because of a lagging cocktail, your bottom line is inevitably compromised, but there is also a misconception that speed cannot go hand-in-hand with high quality. I say you can have both, with these systems! With pre-batching options, you can address many industry issues, especially consistency and speed.
Let’s start with cocktails on tap (COT) – Perfect for high volume restaurants or bars, and can be modified to fit just about any venue, from movie theaters and hotels, to pool bars and mobile pop-ups. Sure, you can tap a boulevardier or old fashioned and they will be amazing, but when a drink is as simple to make as these, are you really saving any time? In my experience, I prefer to tap cocktails that have multiple ingredients and are more on the bright and refreshing side of the drink spectrum. Think Singapore Sling with a twist or Whiskey Punch with eight ingredients. The question operators always ask is, “Is it still handcrafted and fresh?” The answer is, “Yes and yes!”
Blood Orange Ginger’Rita on Tap
The best cocktails on tap are made with quality spirits, fresh ingredients and unique flavors, and I always like to finish them with a fresh cue. For example, how about a Napa Rita: a luxury draft margarita topped with a float of Cabernet, and garnished with a fresh rosemary sprig – special, right?
Or try expressing orange peel oil over a Cranberry Mule and garnishing with fresh cranberries and candied ginger. That added “wow” factor is what takes a cocktail-on-tap to the next level and shows the guest this is truly a quality beverage.
COTs require the same care and consideration you take for any handcrafted cocktail. But as with all new programs, it’s important that the right equipment be specked, a full training program be developed, and the cocktails should be tested thoroughly for each new ideation. It’s not something you can just throw in a tank, tap and go. Successful programs need to have the experience and time put into the roll out – if you do that, success will definitely be on your side.
A great example of this is Showcase Cinemas. Within the last two years, the Liquid Kitchen COT and Pre-Batching bar program tested and rolled out in five theaters with two more in the works, with all having been extremely successful for the Showcase Cinema brand. Pat Micalizzi, Showcase Cinemas Vice President of F&B says it best: “With the addition of the Liquid Kitchen COT program, we were able to add more complex cocktails to our menu and those cocktails are easily our number one cocktails in the sales mix. They are easy to batch, delicious and guests love them. Bar sales are measurably stronger than before the program. Speed of service and cost of goods have improved substantially.” The Showcase Cinemas COT success is just one example of how a well-developed program can increase guest satisfaction with consistency and speed of service.
Grapefruit Negroni
Grapefruit Negroni
Bottled cocktails are another great opportunity to add to your signature cocktail menu and are operationally appealing for busy bars, banquets, V.I.P. hotel amenities, mini bars, room service and more.
Spirit forward, small-bottled cocktails, like a Signature Negroni, make a luxurious tray service presentation when bottled in stunning apothecary bottles. Juicier, refreshing-style drinks are more suited to 187 ml capped bottles, like my Blackberry Lemon Crush, Spiked Prickly Pear Lemonade or Pomegranate Palomas.
Larger format bottles or flasks for that “speakeasy” aesthetic are starting to pop up more on menus these days, too, and are excellent for groups and table service. Liters of a citrus-forward California Margarita, served with blood orange wedges and fresh rosemary sprigs, creates an interactive cocktail experience that is fun for the DIY-loving guests and lightens the load on servers and bar staff, too.
Blackberry Lemon Crush Bottled Cocktail
These are just a few examples of how bottled cocktails are a great way to get creative. Bottles and flasks can also be branded with custom labels, tags and caps – especially fun for promotions and messaging – and don’t forget the #InstagramableFactor!
So now is the time to start pre-batching your way to success with cocktails on tap and bottled cocktail programs.
Blackberry Lemon Crush Bottled Cocktail
Makes about 92 ounces – enough for about 16 (187ml) bottles
4 cups Vodka
1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
1 cup Limoncello
1 cup pomegranate juice
1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 cups simple syrup*
2 cups water
Method:
Place the Vodka and blackberries in a blender and blend to infuse the blackberries. Fine strain, using a chinois, into a large container. Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
Fill bottles one inch from top using a funnel or beer siphon wand. Cap and refrigerate for up to two weeks. Shake before serving.
*To make simple syrup, combine one cup sugar with one cup boiling water. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Store refrigerated for up to two weeks.
Kathy Casey is celebrated as the original bar chef. She owns Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen, a full-service beverage agency. For more information on Liquid Kitchen custom Cocktails-on-Tap Equipment, program development and training, contact info@kathycasey.com.
