Dry January – it comes as no surprise that the term is spiking on Google Trends. So, what does this mean for your restaurant? You need to sell more mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks.
As guests ride the health wave, gym memberships are booming, leaving your bookings as dry as the month of January.
How can you better your chances of filling those empty tables?
The answer: Know your guests’ behaviour.
By keeping a close eye on the latest trends, you can cater to guests’ needs and offer something special, like a mocktail, which could attract potential guests to your restaurant.
(Let’s get to it)
Mocktails, or non-alcoholic cocktails, can be profitable to your restaurant for several reasons:
(Just to name a few.)
By offering mocktails, you have a unique opportunity to cater to a wider audience, including individuals who do not consume alcohol, designated drivers, pregnant women, and those who choose not to drink for whatever reason.
This gives you the opportunity to expand your customer base and increase overall sales.
With a growing focus on health and wellness, many people are opting for healthier lifestyle choices.
(Look at the facts)
According to the Guardian newspaper ‘5.2 million fewer UK adults drank weekly in 2023 than in 2021’, this suggests that in the UK, there is a shift in behaviour, as the population becomes more alcohol aware.
The same can be said for the Nordics, where alcohol consumption is some of the lowest in Europe.
Similar to dietary preferences like vegetarian or vegan, choosing not to drink alcohol is increasing in popularity, and you must stay ahead of your alcohol-free game.
(This one again)
Whatever your guests’ preferences, it could be time to use a guest database. Imagine logging all your guest information into one place. This could include specifics about allergies or even…
You guessed it.
Does this guest drink alcohol?
Having information about guests who prefer non-alcoholic beverages allows your restaurant staff to provide a personalised service. Waitstaff can recommend specific mocktails based on past preferences, creating a more tailored and enjoyable dining experience.
This then leads to guest loyalty.
Non-alcoholic drinkers may appreciate the attention to their choices and be more likely to return, contributing to customer retention – win!
Interested to learn more? Get in touch!
Appealing to non-alcohol drinkers, mocktails can be mind-bending and a great marketing opportunity, allowing you to offer something different for your ever-growing sober clientele.
Experiment with unique flavors, presentations, and names for your non-alcoholic beverages. This creativity can be highlighted in your marketing efforts, attracting guests who are interested in trying something new and exciting.
(Nearly there…)
The cost of ingredients for mocktails can be lower than those for alcoholic beverages, especially if fresh fruits, juices, and other non-alcoholic components are used. This can contribute to higher profit margins for mocktails.
Like with cocktails, guests are willing to pay for an experience and all that shaking results in something worth paying for.
So it’s a win-win.
(Let’s wrap this up!)
Dive into the world of mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks to keep those tables buzzing. From health-conscious sippers to the sober trendsetters, there’s a drink for everyone. So, shake it up, spice it up, and all without the hangover.
Cheers to a January that’s anything but dry!
Ready to get shaking? Here is some mocktail inspiration: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/non-alcoholic-cocktail-recipes
