There's no denying it: a holiday beverage is very different from a typical beer or cocktail. Customers are willing to pay premium prices for that warm, feeling-inducing experience. Because of this, November and December present a perfect opportunity for restaurants not only to celebrate with their customers, but also to bring in additional profits. 

For example, take the Holiday Mule, with a pour cost of roughly $2. An upgraded version of the classic Moscow Mule, this drink could go for $10 - $15 at your restaurant, depending on prices in your region. That's a profit of $8 or more for every Holiday Mule ordered.

In general, cocktails have a lower pour cost and a higher menu price than beer and many wine varieties. Combine this with the demand for seasonal flavors and nostalgic experiences, and add a little tabletop marketing, and a restaurant could see their bar profits rise significantly. This is especially true when serving your drinks in their proper flavor- and appearance-enhancing drinkware. A premium drink needs to be served in premium drinkware, or customers may feel like they are paying more than a cocktail is worth.

To help you prepare for a quick holiday menu shift, we have put together a downloadable Holiday Cocktail and Drinkware Pairing infographic that lays out eight of our favorite holiday beverages and the best drinkware to serve them in. Incorporate these drinks and cocktail recipes into your seasonal menu and determine which of your dishes to recommend them alongside. Your customers will have the chance to fully dive into the holiday palette, and your restaurant will showcase itself as a place for a quality cocktail and dining experience, leading to increased profits now and into the future.

Holiday Cocktail & Drinkware Pairing Infographic

Interested in a high-quality, printable PDF version of this infographic?

Click here to fill out our form and download now.

Plain text version:

Cranberry Cocktail
Short Tumbler
1.5 oz Gin
5 oz Cranberry Juice
3 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
Mint Leaves
Ice
Serve Cold

Mulled Wine:
Irish Coffee Mug
1 Bottle Dry Red Wine
2 Cups Water
1/2 Cup Sugar or Honey
2 Cinnamon Sticks
8 Whole Cloves
1 Sliced Orange
Serve Warm

Holiday Mule:
Copper Mug
1/2 cup Ginger Ale
1/4 cup Vodka
1/4 cup Cranberry Juice
2 tsp Fresh Lime Juice
Ice
Serve Cold 

Christmas Stout:
Irish Pint Glass
Check out the seasonal section at your local liquor store and try the one that stands out the most!
Serve Cool 

Eggnog:
Stemless Wine Glass
1 oz Brandy
1.25 oz Milk.5 oz Simple Syrup
1 Fresh Egg Yolk
Grated Nutmeg
1 Cinnamon Stick
Serve Cold 

Hot Cider:
Mason Jar
8 cups Apple Cider
1/3 cup Brown Sugar
4 Whole Cloves
1/2 tsp Allspice
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
3 Cinnamon Sticks
Serve Hot 

Hot Toddy:
Tall Glass Mug
1.5 oz Bourbon
1/4 cup Hot water
3 Whole Cloves
1 tbsp Pure Honey
2 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice
1 Star Anise
Serve Hot 

Wine:
Wine Glass
Check out the seasonal section at your local liquor store and try the one that stands out the most!
Serve Cool

For more ways to increase profits and productivity in your restaurant, check out our great resources or reach out to one of our experienced representatives today.