4 ways to use sparkling drinks behind the bar

Sparkling juice is perhaps most commonly thought of for being the kid friendly alternative to champagne on New Year’s Eve—tasty, bubbly, perfect for a special occasion and alcohol-free. However, in the modern age of the ‘mocktail craze’ and innovative beverage menus, it’s a staple for celebrations more than ever—whether that celebration is the workweek being over (who doesn’t love happy hour?!) or a night out with friends for a birthday. Sparkling juice can be used in so many more ways than just on its own in a champagne flute. Check out these four ways that bars and restaurants are making sparkling juice work harder for them.

Whether someone is abstaining from alcohol entirely or simply doesn’t want to drink a cocktail that contains it from time to time, mocktails are a great choice. This is especially true since the new-age mocktail goes beyond club soda and cut-fruit combinations. Diners can now order more inspired drinks like virgin Sparkling Pina Colada, alcohol-free Sangria and many more. Craft sodas and sparkling juices have catapulted mocktails into the public eye, making these zero-proof options every bit as interesting and delicious as multi-ingredient cocktails. In fact, juice is used in 21% of all mocktails on menus, according to Technomic’s MenuMonitor.

In recent years, the resurgence of “cocktail culture” has been undeniable, with specialty bars and lounges opening in major cities and smaller towns alike. Again, juices are a staple in the creation of these drinks, with MenuMonitor showing that 26% are created with juice. Sparkling juice offers bartenders a unique ingredient to mix into their libations—bubbles create a fun mouthfeel while aerating the drink and making it feel like more of a special occasion beverage. Sparkling White Grape Juice Cocktail is great in Sangrias, while options such as Sparkling Rose Grape Juice Cocktail can be used in lighter tiki-inspired or classic cocktails.  Looking for some inspiration? Sparkling cocktails with mango have grown 14% year-over-year, as have drinks with lime juice. Other trending ingredients include cucumber and raspberry.

Coconut water earned its rightful place as a great addition to smoothies when consumers started becoming more health conscious. Swapping out frozen yogurt or ice cream in frozen drinks and using coconut water, sparkling water and sparkling juices helps to save calories, add flavor and add that sparkling element to a drink. Mix Sparkling Red Grape Cocktail into a mixed-berry smoothie, for instance, for a fizzy lift on a classic favorite. Or add non-alcohol Sparkling Rose to a strawberry banana smoothie for a new twist.

The best part about the latest iterations of sparkling juices and sparkling mocktails is that they don’t have to be mixed into another drink to be enjoyed! Simply chill and pour into great glassware and they easily have every bit of elegance that another drink would offer. Even better, they offer operators the opportunity for upselling during brunches. For instance, orange juice is a standard on any breakfast or brunch menu, but operators can charge a bit more for a non-alcoholic Sparkling Strawberry Daquiri or Sangria. And during special occasions, tables can order a bottle of Sparkling Red Grape Juice Cocktail the same way they’d order a bottle of wine.

Sparkling juices offer diners an alcohol-free way to indulge, but are also great for cocktails, mocktails, smoothies, frozen drinks and more.

Everybody loves to sparkle. Make your celebration special with our fun and flavorful Sparkling beverages. For more information on adding Welch’s Sparkling to your menu, click here.