Changes in the dining industry brought about by the pandemic continue to drive the habits of diners, and adult beverages are no exception. To align menus to current preferences, clubs are recognizing that members are prioritizing health and sustainability along with choosing higher-quality products.
Better-for-You
As consumers prioritize their health, healthier alternatives such as low calorie, hard seltzers with less sugar, vegan, organic, biodynamic and even CBD beverages continue to be on the rise. Low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages are also becoming increasingly popular and flooding the market with choices for every taste bud and type of drinker.
Ready-to-Drink
Ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails are pre-packaged cocktails that are ready for consumption upon opening. Perfectly portioned, these drinks are a convenient cocktail alternative that saves bartenders valuable time. RTD cocktails come in several different forms and can be enjoyed straight from the can or poured into a glass.
One benefit that sets RTD cocktails apart from their traditional counterpart is that each can displays ingredients and nutritional information. This can be advantageous for health-conscious guests if they are curious as to what is in their drink. As more big brands are joining the RTD craze the canned-cocktail options only continue to grow, along with hard teas and hard lemonades.
Low- to No-Alcohol
Options such as mocktails, zero-proof spirits and non-alcoholic beers and wines offer a similar taste to their traditional counterparts without the effects. These drinks are ideal for health-conscious guests as well as those who are looking to reduce their alcohol intake or cut it out of their diet entirely.
Higher-Quality
Along with becoming more health-conscious, moderation has also become a part of consumers’ everyday lifestyle. With consumers continuing to drink a little less, they are willing to pay for quality. With taking a “less is more” approach to alcoholic beverages, consumers are looking for higher-quality, premium drinks and spirits that they can take their time to savor and enjoy.
Mexican Influence
Finally, there has been a growing interest in tequila and mezcal and cocktails that feature these two agave spirits. The rising popularity is likely attributed to increasing visibility of Mexican food and culture and an increase in premium spirits on the market.
Adult beverages are just as important as the meal and can enhance the member experience. Being able to easily upsell beverages and aligning options to member preferences and current industry trends allows clubs to boost both revenue and member satisfaction.
