This time of year, customers crave cozy vibes in every bite and sip. ‘Tis the season to get creative and blur those lines between the kitchen and the bar.
Think beyond the usual suspects. We’re talking warming spices that dance on the palate, infusions that capture the essence of the season, and presentations that turn heads. Imagine a cardamom-spiced pear shrub that doubles as a cocktail base and a glaze for your latest dessert. Or a smoked cinnamon syrup that elevates both your signature Old Fashioned and that killer bread pudding you’ve been perfecting.
Meal in a Glass
Elevate your bar game by mixing culinary techniques with drinks. Adventurous food-inspired cocktails are trending. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Protein-Packed Punches
Infuse savory elements that offer functional benefits. Think chicken soup hot toddies or beef bone broth bourbon—options that offer unique flavors with a high-profit margin.
Pizza in a Glass
A negroni with tomato water, basil, and olives to bring the essence of pizza to your drink menu.
Breakfast of Champions
Rum with orange juice, maple syrup, bacon strips, and a waffle stick—because breakfast isn’t just for mornings.
Exotic Additions for Unique Sips
Warm & Toasty
Serve steaming mulled wine or cider spiked with brandy or rum. Or offer hot toddies with maple syrup, lemon, and a blend of seasonal spices.
Unexpected Syrups
Set your menu apart with innovative simple syrups. Craft a bold tamarind ginger fizz using ginger beer syrup or infuse cold brew with pistachio and lavender syrups for a nuanced café experience.
Root Veggies
Add earthy depth to drinks with roasted beets, carrots, or sweet potatoes. Blend them into a Bloody Mary base or mix with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a cozy mocktail.
Eye-Catching Garnishes
Elevate cocktails with high-impact, low-effort garnishes that engage multiple senses and boost perceived value. Try dried blood orange slices, edible flowers, and smoked rosemary sprigs.
Yuzu
This on-trend, aromatic Japanese citrus adds a refreshing twist to margaritas, gin and tonics, or green tea sour mocktails. Its complex profile—think grapefruit meets mandarin with a hint of lime—can elevate even the simplest drinks.
Raise the Rim
Spice up drinks with innovative rim blends. Use our Chile Margarita Spiceology® blend to complement the tartness of margaritas, or mix shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven-spice blend) with salt for a zesty, slightly spicy rim for Asian-inspired cocktails.
Showstopping Flair with Presentation & Glassware
Invest in unique glassware and garnishes to create visually stunning cocktails and mocktails that elevate the dining experience. Explore SuppliesOnTheFly.com for an extensive selection of glassware, bar tools, garnishing supplies, and more to create showstopping drinks that make a statement.
Cozy & Indulgent Hot Beverages
Heat up your profits this holiday season with cozy drinks. Hot beverages offer high margins, low prep time, and irresistible appeal on cold nights. Turn comfort into
cash with these crowd-pleasing, warm libations.
Caffeinated Cocktails
Serve hot drinks like Irish coffees, espresso martinis, or coffee spiked with rum, ginger, and banana liqueur.
Spiked Hot Chocolate
Enhance hot chocolate with bourbon, spiced rum, or peppermint schnapps.
Holiday Warmers
Offer mulled wine and spiked apple cider with holiday spices like ginger, cloves, star anise, and cinnamon.
