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To attract new customers and stay relevant, a restaurant owner should always consider ways to spice up their beverage menu and create new promotions. Custom drinks or holiday drinks are one great way to celebrate a certain occasion. For example, you can make special 4th of July cocktails or Memorial Day mocktails. Other occasions like Labor Day can also inspire your offerings and that’s what we want to discuss!
Although we have so many articles on our blog page that can inform and inspire you, we have never talked about Labor Day cocktails and special promotions for the day. It’s not Christmas, Halloween, or the 4th of July but it is an occasion that businesses in the hospitality industry could and should acknowledge.
Labor Day weekend is the unofficial end of summer and many people want to enjoy some time out with friends before they dive into fall and holiday preparations. Bars and restaurants will be buzzing with happy friend groups and families looking to have a good time. That’s why you need to prepare your beverage inventory and create some great cocktails that will make Labor Day weekend a memorable one!
Labor Day Cocktails and Ideas to Spice Up the Drinks Menu
Labor Day is one of the last warmer summer days, making it the perfect occasion to offer refreshing and seasonal cocktails. It’s also a great time to attract more customers with exciting promotions. Here are some Labor Day cocktails to make:
Key Takeaway: Labor Day cocktails are going to make the last unofficial weekend of summer more enjoyable for your restaurant guests. Make a nice selection of refreshing drinks and make sure you promote them well prior to the event so more people can learn about it. This is a great opportunity to bring in new customers and boost your sales.
Watermelon Mojito
Watermelon is a great way to turn regular drinks into summer cocktails! Make this refreshing twist on the classic Mojito by adding watermelon juice, fresh mint, lime, rum, and a splash of soda water. This cocktail is light, fruity, and perfect for a warm Labor Day weekend.
Patriotic Sangria
If you don’t already have sangria on your menu, consider serving at least one of the many sangria flavors! This refreshing drink is loved by so many people worldwide that you just can’t go wrong with it. Different sangria flavors pair well with various foods and this is also a drink that you can prepare in advance in larger batches. You can even serve sangria in jugs so larger groups of people can pour cocktails themselves.
For the Patriotic sangria, you are going to need red, blue, and white elements. Mix red wine with fresh blueberries, white peaches, and strawberries. Top the drink off with sparkling water and if you want, add a special cocktail garnish.
Frozen Piña Colada
Piña Colada is a well-loved cocktail, frequently enjoyed during the warmer months. That’s why we suggest you add this version of it to your Labor Day cocktails list. You need to blend rum with coconut cream and pineapple juice to create an amazing tropical flavor. If you offer it frozen, it could be even more irresistible during the last warmer days.
Bourbon Lemonade
Every beverage inventory needs to have good bourbon on it. If you don’t, make sure you stock up before the Labor Day weekend so you can serve this great cocktail! Combine the bourbon with homemade lemonade and add a bit of mint for a southern-inspired cocktail that’s both refreshing and bold. We promise this will be a crowd favorite!
Cucumber Margarita
We can’t have a list of cocktails for special occasions without a good Margarita! We suggest you add a Cucumber Margarita to your Labor Day cocktails list this year because it’s refreshing and it’s going to be a total hit. Mix tequila, fresh lime juice, and cucumber, and add a touch of agave syrup for a cool and sophisticated take on the traditional Margarita.
Labor Day Cocktails and Promotion Ideas
Adding Labor Day cocktails to your offers is not going to cut it if you want to bring more customers to your restaurant. You should create special promotions for the Labor Day weekend and work hard on your restaurant marketing campaign prior. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Happy Hour Specials - Extend your happy hour throughout the holiday weekend with discounts on signature cocktails. Offering 2-for-1 deals or discounted pitchers of your Labor Day specials can draw larger groups.
- BBQ & Cocktails Combo - Pair your Labor Day cocktails with a Labor Day BBQ menu! Think grilled meats, corn on the cob, and summer salads. Offering a set menu at a special price can encourage guests to try both food and drinks.
- Outdoor Pop-Up Bar - If you have an outdoor space, consider setting up a pop-up bar. This can create a more festive and casual atmosphere, encouraging patrons to relax and enjoy the holiday.
- Social Media Contests - Encourage customers to take pictures of their Labor Day cocktails and tag your restaurant on social media for a chance to win a free meal or drink. This not only engages your audience but also increases your online presence.
- Live Music or DJ - Enhance the festive atmosphere with live music or a DJ. Music can create a lively ambiance, encouraging customers to stay longer and order more. This is a great tactic to use for Memorial Day celebrations, too.
- Loyalty Program Boost - Offer double points or special rewards for loyalty program members who dine during the Labor Day weekend. This encourages repeat business and strengthens customer relationships.
Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box and create your own special offers that maybe no one has ever done before. Take everything to social media and connect with potential customers before the Labor Day weekend is here. Post frequently about the food and drinks they can enjoy during that weekend and show them the great atmosphere at your restaurant. Use this opportunity to maximize profit and earn return customers for your business!
Frequently Asked Questions about Labor Day Cocktails
Do you want to know more about Labor Day cocktails? If you do, this section is for you. We have narrowed down some of the most popular questions on the topic and answered them for you!
Can I Offer Non-Alcoholic Labor Day Cocktails?
Absolutely! Non-alcoholic versions of popular cocktails, like mocktails, are a great option for customers who prefer not to drink alcohol. Drinks like Virgin Piña Coladas, Sparkling Lemonades, and Fruit Punches can be refreshing and inclusive for all guests.
What Food Pairs Well with Labor Day Cocktails?
Grilled foods like BBQ ribs, burgers, and corn on the cob pair well with Labor Day cocktails. Light appetizers like shrimp skewers, summer salads, and chips with guacamole also complement refreshing drinks, creating a balanced and festive menu.
How Can I Market My Labor Day Cocktails to Attract More Customers?
Promote your Labor Day cocktails on social media, highlighting their seasonal ingredients and festive presentations. You can also run contests, offer discounts for group orders or partner with local influencers to spread the word. Creative marketing can draw in new customers and increase foot traffic during the holiday.