The craft-cocktail trend has been on the upswing in recent years, and it's showing no signs of going anywhere. From themed pop-up bars offering up cocktails based on television shows like Twin Peaks or Stranger Things to restaurants competing for the craziest bloody mary garnishes and toppings, offering high-craft cocktails has become a way for operators to differentiate.
The bloody mary is one cocktail that lends itself well to customization and experimentation. What’s more, operators can easily create signature takes on this classic cocktail by incorporating specialty condiments and toppings with a base of a spirit (typically vodka) and quality tomato juice.
Buzzworthy bloody marys are a great way to extend profitability across dayparts, as plenty of consumers enjoy breakfast foods outside of the morning hours, and they’re also a great way to increase check averages during the brunch rush, since alcohol beverages play a big role in profitability for breakfast-positioned eateries. The average price of a bloody mary, according to Technomic’s MenuMonitor, is $9.04, so by enticing guests to partake, operators can see a boost.
Some interesting takes on scratch signature Bloody Marys at restaurants now include:
- A fruity take: At Baker St. Pub & Grill locations (in Texas, Colorado, Illinois, Wisconsin and Virginia), guests can sip the Sweet Heat Bloody Mary, which features UV Sriracha Vodka, loaded bloody mary mix, and a splash of mango puree.
- Over-the-top garnishes: At Sobelman’s, a local chain in Wisconsin, guests can choose any number of crazy additions, including a Colby-jack cheeseburger slider, a skewer of bacon-wrapped jalapeno cheese balls or even—shockingly—an entire fried chicken.
- An ethnic twist: Comida Cantina in Longmont, Colorado, serves up a Mexican-inspired Bloody drink that features Monte Alban silver tequila instead of vodka, mixed with sangrita—a blend of pomegranate and other fruit juice, fresh tomato, and lime.
This post is sponsored by Red Gold