.png)
If you are already planning the seasonal menu for this fall, we have a suggestion for you. Cider drinks for the ultimate fall flavor and feel! Whether you choose to serve regular spiked cider, fruit-infused spiked cider, or spiked cider cocktails - you won’t go wrong.
Spiked cider pairings make this type of drink a great addition not only to bar menus but to restaurant offers, too. Whether you serve the cider hot or cold, the aromas and the deliciousness will create a memorable customer experience.
We know that it can be hard to implement a new drink on your menu if you haven’t served anything similar before. But that’s why we are here to help! Let’s talk beverage inventory and restaurant marketing!
Beverage Inventory and New Items on the Menu
When you want to add new offers to your beverage menu, like cider drinks, you need to think about your inventory first. There are a few crucial steps to take to prepare for the new drinks you will be serving in the upcoming season.
Key Takeaway: If you want to introduce cider drinks to your beverage menu, you need to handle your inventory properly to prevent losses. Customer feedback is key when you are removing items from your menu and introducing new offers. Good marketing is also key and you shouldn’t neglect social media channels.
Assess Your Current Inventory
Take a thorough inventory of your existing beverage stock. This includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, mixers, cocktail garnishes, and any related items. Check your beverage inventory software to see some of the latest statistics of what is consumed the most.
Identify Slow-Moving Items
While you are reviewing data and auditing your inventory, pay special attention to slower-moving items. Check expiration dates (see: alcohol expiration) to see what needs to be used up as soon as possible. If they have not been popular for a few seasons already, or they have not been profitable, make them candidates for removal.
Determine Storage Space
Evaluate your storage capacity and layout. Determine how much space you'll need for the new beverages. If you need to add a lot of new bottles and other inventory items you were not stocking before, you may have to reevaluate the whole inventory organization system you currently have in place. Set aside enough time to handle this task. Well-organized beverage storage will make a world of difference in the operations of your bar or restaurant!
Review Sales and Customer Preferences
Analyze sales data and customer preferences. Identify trends and gaps in your current beverage offers that can be filled by some new, seasonal drinks. This will help you make informed decisions about what to keep and what to replace.
Set Clear Objectives
Define your goals for introducing the new beverage(s). Are you aiming to attract a specific audience, boost revenue, or improve your overall beverage selection? Having clear objectives will guide your decisions.
Choose the New Beverages
Select the new beverage(s) you want to introduce. Consider factors such as market demand, pricing, and compatibility with your existing food and beverage menu and customer base. There’s no need to have many new options. You can have just a few but ones that go well with the rest of your offers and make sense.
Create a Removal Plan
Create a plan for removing slow-moving or outdated items from your inventory. Consider creating some special offers and promotions to clear your inventory from specific items faster.
Update Your Beverage Menu
Revise your beverage menu to include the new cider drinks. Highlight the new beverage(s) with appealing descriptions and eye-catching visuals. Don’t forget that the glassware you use, as well as the garnish and the quality of the photos, can make a huge difference!
Monitor and Adjust
Continuously assess the performance of the new drinks you’ve added to the menu. Monitor the impact on your overall beverage sales. Be prepared to make adjustments to the pricing, presentation, or marketing strategy.
Review Customer Feedback
Encourage your customers to give feedback on your new beverages. Use their feedback to refine your offers and to phase-out sooner anything that people don’t like.
How to Market Your New Cider Drinks
If you have not served cider drinks or anything similar, chances are that you have to put more effort into marketing them. Below, we share some tips that will help you attract customers and have them try your latest offers!
Create a Compelling Story
Write a compelling story about the new cider drinks you are introducing to the menu. hare the inspiration behind them, their unique flavors, or any special ingredients or processes used. A great story can spark interest in customers.
Use Social Media
Use all the social media channels you have to promote the new cider drinks. Share high-quality images and engaging content related to them. Encourage people to share their own pictures of the drink when they are visiting your bar or restaurant. This is a great restaurant marketing tactic because you will be able to share this user-generated content and appear on people’s feeds more often.
Promote Specials and Happy Hours
To promote your cider drinks, include them in happy hour offers and other special deals. his can attract customers during off-peak hours and encourage them to try the drinks.
These are just three tactics you can use to promote your new drinks. If you have a larger budget, you can invest a lot more in advertising, have printed materials, collaborate with influencers, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions about Implementing Cider Drinks to a Restaurant Menu
If you are a restaurant owner looking to upgrade your beverage menu for the upcoming colder months, you probably have a lot of questions and decisions to make. To help you with all of that, we shared a lot of useful tips in the paragraphs above.
However, we know there’s always more you can learn, so we’ve decided to also answer some frequently asked questions related to the topic.
What Types of Cider Drinks Can I Consider for My Menu?
You can offer a variety of cider drinks, including traditional apple cider, hard cider (alcoholic), cider cocktails, and non-alcoholic cider-based mocktails. Experiment with different flavors, such as apple-cinnamon, pear, or fruit-infused ciders to find drinks that will fit
your menu well. Consider the possible drink and food pairings, too.
Should I Include Both Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic Cider Drinks in My Menu?
Offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cider options allows you to cater to a broader customer base, including those who don't consume alcohol. Non-alcoholic cider can be particularly appealing to families and designated drivers. Some people avoid alcohol for health-related reasons and they will enjoy having seasonal options to try.
Are There Specific Glassware and Garnishes for Serving Cider Drinks?
Use tulip-shaped glasses for cider to enhance the drinking experience. Garnishes like apple slices, cinnamon sticks, or citrus twists can complement the presentation. However, you can experiment with different glassware and garnishes to make your drinks unique and more appealing to customers.