As we get ready to bid adieu to Summer, it’s time to not only think about changes in your beverage menu for what your restaurant, hotel and club patrons will be enjoying. But the same time as you seek to maximize the enjoyment of their visit, you need to be thinking about what you will serve those beverages in.
We think it all starts with the right cube. An Old Fashioned with a big cube size gives the illusion that less has melted. In fact, the big cube chills the drink faster; every bit of liquor is touching the cube, allowing a consistent temperature throughout.
There are many anniversaries that will be celebrated at you bar and tables in the fall. A diamond shaped cube is perfect for any cocktail that requires both ice and champagne. It covers a wide surface area which makes any cocktail look pretty.
How about thinking about a Spear shaped cube for Whiskey Highballs or Tom Collins, and other “Grandpa Cool” drinks. Much like the the big cube, this long, rectangular cut guarantees each bit of liquid is hitting ice, creating a much colder drink for much longer than regular ice.
We also see a great opportunity for a couple of carry-overs from the summer season. Flavored ice, and Fruit as ice cubes and Iced glasses (Steelite offers a wonderful icer) and we love the Nick and Nora glasses from Steelite.
Cardinal continues to produce a wonderfully creative portfolio of solutions. They have a series of tiki glasses with Interesting shapes for those exotic concoctions from your bar team. The mason jar look from Cardinal is also perfect for Infused Vodka, Margaritas and Southern Style Gin Cocktails.
We also find that many of our customers find that the Moscow Mule is a perfect carryover to the Fall. With vodka, ginger “beer,” lime juice, and a lime wedge it creates a refreshing and tangy cocktail that still has a bit of a bite and kick to it, and is also complementary to numerous dishes. There are a number of new “Moscow Mules” tumbler finishes with hammered or gun metal as well as tall and slender Japanese jiggers.
Keep in mind that even though rosé season is over, sparkling wines need to stay on your beverage menu. But we are suggesting to our customers to replace flutes with a fresh take of purpose glasses.
Needless to say, with College and Pro football back on your establishment’s TV screens, beer season kicks into high gear. Here’s a couple of ideas of how to create a signature. How about an ice-bucket with beer in flip top bottles and tags on them?
Beer mugs are no longer in style. They should be replaced by tumblers. It’s a great way to offer a “tasting” which can be done similarly to wine parings. We’ve noticed that most people are done with the 2 or 3 oz. taster and want something more substantial like a 6-oz. small beer.
We are also seeing beer used in cocktails. Keep in mind its lighter than spirits and has interesting flavors. Do not forget to support your local breweries– New York State has a ton as do New Jersey and Connecticut.
Have a great Fall and remember our H. Weiss team is here to help with giving your catering service a fresh take and keeping it fresh and creating signature concepts for your customers.
