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Do you want to create an amazing customer experience in your bar or restaurant? If you do, you must think further than your beverage inventory, glassware, and the bar cleaning checklist. As a business owner in a competitive field like the hospitality industry, you must consider things like seasonal menus, drink and food pairings, and training your waiters to a certain standard.
Among all the decisions you need to make and the things that your staff is required to learn, you need to decide whether you want to stand out from the crowd in a certain way. For example, some bars and restaurants choose to offer signature drinks. Others focus a lot on the design of the space and their marketing strategies. There are even themed bars and restaurants that want to attract fans of certain movies, music, etc.
If you already have done a few or all of the things we mentioned and you are looking for other ways to improve the experience you are offering to customers, we have an idea for you. Knowledgeable staff always makes a good impression, so why not equip yours with interesting facts about various items from your menu?
And since we love talking about everything beverage and cocktails, we have collected some of the best drinking facts you didn’t know and your customers probably don’t know, too. Let’s jump right in!
8 Drinking Facts to Share with Your Customers
The world of alcoholic beverages is full of fascinating tidbits and lesser-known facts. Use this to your advantage and share some facts with the customers at your bar or restaurant when they are ordering a beverage. These drinking facts will fascinate them and surely make the experience at your establishment memorable!
Key Takeaway: There are many drinking facts that will spark interesting conversations. Use unique information to create a pleasant experience for the customers at your bar or restaurant. These drinking facts may even make them like some drinks more, which will lead to more orders, therefore - an increase in profit!
1. The Oldest Known Recipe Is for…
Beer! This is one of the oldest beverages that were ever prepared in the world. The evidence for beer production dates back to at least 5,000 BC. The oldest known written recipe is for beer, found in a Sumerian poem honoring Ninkasi, the patron goddess of brewing.
Now, so many years later, beer is one of the most popular drinks in the entire world (see also: can beer go bad). There are plenty of varieties - from Indian pale ale, and American pale ale to stout and so, so many craft brews. Customers typically have their own preferences but you can always suggest the best beer and food pairings while sharing these fun drinking facts with them!
2. The Word "Whiskey" Means "Water of Life"
The word "whiskey" comes from the Old Irish term "uisce beatha," which translates to "water of life." This term was used to describe distilled alcoholic beverages that were believed to have medicinal properties.
Nowadays, people still ask “Does whiskey help a cold?”, which is while we have dedicated a whole article about it. Whiskey is among the most preferred types of alcohol and it’s a common ingredient in a large range of cocktails. You can even make whiskey cake with it, which immediately wins the hearts of people with a major sweet tooth!
3. Tequila Can Only Be Made in Mexico
The true tequila can only be produced in specific regions of Mexico. The drink is primarily made in the state of Jalisco. It is produced from the blue agave plant, and strict regulations govern its production to ensure authenticity to all different types of tequila.
There are many amazing tequila cocktails you can serve at your bar or restaurant and share this interesting fact with the people that order them. Tequila pairings are something you can always recommend, too, to ensure a great experience for your customers.
4. Wine "Legs" Don't Indicate Quality
The wine legs or "tears" that form on the inside of a wine glass after swirling are not an indication of the wine's quality. They are caused by the alcohol content and surface tension of the liquid, and they can be seen in both high-quality and lower-quality wines.
If you are hosting wine tasting parties at your restaurant or wine bar, you should share these types of drinking facts with the audience. You should also answer questions, such as “Does all wine get better with age?” to keep the people who attend the party interested.
5. The Bubbles in Champagne Are Important
The bubbles in champagne aren't just for show - they play a crucial role in the tasting experience. The bubbles carry aromatic compounds to the surface, enhancing the flavor and aroma. Interestingly, a standard bottle of champagne contains approximately 49 million bubbles!
If you want to take things a step further, you can also discuss champagne vs. prosecco with your customers and tell them all about the differences. This will spark many people’s interest in prosecco wine, too. And what’s the best way to celebrate the new drinking facts you have learned? By drinking a glass of sparkling wine!
6. The Origin of the Term “Cocktail”
The term "cocktail" is believed to have originated in the early 19th century. One theory suggests it comes from the French word "coquetel," a type of mixed drink. Another theory is that it refers to a practice of garnishing drinks with a rooster’s tail feather. It’s one of those drinking facts worth a discussion, isn’t it?
7. The Toasting Tradition
The tradition of toasting dates back to ancient times when people would raise their glasses and clink them together to ward off evil spirits. It was also believed that the sound of clinking glasses would mix the contents, preventing poisoning by ensuring drinks were shared. Let’s drink to that!
8. Prohibition Gave Rise to the Cocktail
During the Prohibition period in the United States, the quality of available alcohol was often very poor. To mask the unpleasant taste, bartenders created the cocktail drinks. By mixing the alcohol with various juices, syrups, and other flavorings, they made the alcohol more palatable. This era significantly contributed to the popularity of mixed drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions about Unpopular Drinking Facts
Want to know more interesting drinking facts? Look no further as we are going to answer a few common questions and give you even more facts to share!
What Is the Oldest Known Alcoholic Beverage?
The oldest known alcoholic beverage is a type of fermented drink made from honey, rice, and fruit, which dates back to around 7000 BC in China. Archaeologists discovered evidence of this ancient brew in pottery jars from the Neolithic village of Jiahu.
Why Do Some People Flush When They Drink Alcohol?
The flushing reaction, often seen in people of East Asian descent, is due to a genetic variation that affects the breakdown of alcohol. This variation causes a build-up of acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism, leading to the characteristic red flush, as well as other unpleasant symptoms.
Is the “Beer Belly” a Real Thing?
The "beer belly" is indeed real, but it's not just beer that causes it. Any excessive calorie intake, including from beer, can lead to weight gain, especially around the abdomen. Beer is calorie-dense, so overconsumption can contribute significantly to an increase in belly fat.