Chances are you’re serving more guests who are abstaining from alcohol these days. Whether for reasons related to wellness or simply a decrease in social pressures to consume alcohol, more consumers are opting for non-alcoholic drinks. In fact, research from Statista found that global revenue in the non-alcoholic beverages market has been climbing for the past seven years and is forecast to reach a new peak in 2027. Yet despite that upward trend, many menus still play it safe with non-alcoholic beverages – staying in the neighborhood of sodas, flavored coffees and teas, or a few simple stand-ins for alcohol. But there is a thirsty market for concoctions that aren’t simply alcohol substitutes but are worth the visit in their own right. As a recent Eater report says, the latest incarnations of non-alcoholic drinks break the boundaries of traditional cocktail culture. Case in point: The Sun Ship, a signature drink of Ghost Note Coffee in Washington, D.C., is “technically a coffee beverage, but you would be forgiven for forgetting that there’s espresso in it — there’s also coconut water, lime, and smoked grapefruit rosemary syrup. It’s refreshing with strong citrus notes, but the rosemary adds a deep herbal aroma to it.” These drinks call for a chef’s sensibilities around flavor complexity – and as a result, they can help justify prices more akin to those typically charged for conventional cocktails. What can you do to make your non-alcoholic beverage menu worth a special trip – or at least a second glance? Despite red wine’s long-held reputation for health benefits, mounting evidence has shown there is no healthy level of alcohol consumption. More consumers are abstaining from alcohol as a result, According to GlobalData research, 16 percent of consumers are actively trying to cut back on alcoholic drinks and 39 percent say they consume these drinks only in moderation. Take this as an opportunity to fine-tune your beverage menu by adding not only naturally alcohol-free beverages but also non-alcoholic wines. While they can be hit-or-miss, these wines are finally getting some respect from the wine industry. There are some hidden gems to add to your menu that may help you stand out to guests who would love to have a guilt-free glass of wine with dinner. More consumers may be cutting back on alcoholic beverages, but they are still craving premium drinks. Your beverage menu is an ideal tool to use to bring customers in the door to enjoy items they crave but are less apt to prepare at home or order for takeout. As the weather cools, you can pull in so many appealing flavors of the season – think warm, spicy pumpkin, caramel apple, tangy cranberry or sweet pear. What flavors could you recast in new recipes to help guests experience the season? At a time when consumers may need a little extra incentive to dine out at restaurants, the experience you offer plays an increasingly important role. Your beverage menu can help enhance your restaurant experience, all while helping you boost check totals. Try elevating your alcoholic and non-alcoholic options with indulgent after-dinner drinks, warm seasonal concoctions and memorable presentations – elements your guests wouldn’t necessarily go to the trouble to recreate at home (and in many states, may not be able to order to-go). |
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April 2024
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