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Let’s face it, the bar business is essential to full service restaurants. Insights into what’s trending in alcoholic beverages can offer you a competitive edge. We are happy to help with the latest surveys of more than 34,000 bars in the U.S. by Datassentials.
Among all drinks, hard alcohol drinks are growing the fastest, up 9% over the past four years, ahead of wine, up 5.5% and beer, up 3.9%. Of the hard liquor brands, Bulleit is up 251% followed by Woodford Reserve, up 79.5%. Red blends and Proseccos are the fastest growing wine varieties. Among beers, it is no surprise that craft beers have experienced the greatest growth, by 16% while domestic beer is down nearly 5% as well as imported beer. Among domestic beer brands, Omission, Lagunitas and Goose Island are the fastest growing. 
The fastest growing cocktails since 2013 are the Moscow Mule (+296%), Old Fashioned (+217%), Negroni (+118%), French 75 (104%), Michelada (+103%) and Paloma (+102%). Bloody Mary menuing is up by more than 18%. Assuming you have a great Moscow Mule and Old Fashioned nailed as one of your popular drinks, here is a quick look at drinks that may not be on your radar. The Negroni cocktail is made of one part gin, one part vermouth rosso, and one part Campari, garnished with orange peel. A French 75 is a cocktail made from gin, Champagne, lemon juice, and sugar. It is also called a 75 Cocktail.
Most people describe a Michelada as a Bloody Mary that’s made with beer – not vodka. This Mexican cocktail is made with beer, lime juice, tomato juice, hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce. The Paloma is a tequila-based cocktail. This drink is most commonly prepared by mixing tequila with a grapefruit-flavored soda such as Fresca, Squirt, or Jarritos.
Check your own sales to assure that your bar drinks are experiencing similar growth and best of luck at your bar.
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