Happy New Year from all of us at Beaumont!  As we step into 2026, the bar industry continues to evolve, driven largely by the unique preferences of Gen Z. This demographic values experience over volume, prioritising authenticity, visual storytelling, and moderation. To keep your menu relevant this year, it’s time to move beyond the classics. Here is how to curate a selection that speaks to the next generation of cocktail enthusiasts. 1. Aesthetic is Everything For Gen Z, the first sip happens...

The week between Christmas and New Year is a unique time in the hospitality world. While the festive peak is still in full swing, there’s a brief window to look toward the horizon. After the high-volume intensity of December, your bar equipment and systems have likely been pushed to their limit. January doesn't have to be just about Dry Jan – it’s the perfect time for a professional reset. Here is how to prepare your bar to hit the ground running for a profitable and efficient New Year. 1. The...

In the bar industry, it’s a well-known secret that revenue is vanity, but margin is sanity. While a rare, aged single malt might command a high price tag, the profit percentage on that bottle is often surprisingly slim. To build a resilient and highly profitable drinks menu, you need to understand which serves offer the best return on investment. Long Drinks & Lengtheners The most profitable drinks on any menu usually share a common trait – the use of lengtheners. By using high-quality...

In the pursuit of cocktail perfection, the quality of your ice is a massive differentiator. Any bar can stock a premium whisky, but only a technically proficient one understands that ice is not a mere chilling agent – it is the final ingredient that dictates texture, flavour stability, and dilution. Surface Area Control The goal of serving any spirit-forward drink, whether neat or stirred, is to achieve maximum chill with minimum, controlled dilution. This is governed entirely by the ice's...

The Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report for 2026 points to an exciting shift. Customers are increasingly seeking cocktail experiences that are rooted in local culture and flavours. This isn't just about sourcing local spirits, it's about translating the culinary identity of your region – its ingredients, traditions, and even its stories – into compelling liquid form. This shift towards local isn't a fad; it's driven by a consumer desire for authenticity, sustainability and discovery. For discerning...

As the weather outside dictates richer, warmer serves, the transition to heated cocktails is essential to capture the spirit of the season. Mastering the hot cocktail involves precision, temperature control, and a thoughtful approach to presentation. For bars, these drinks offer high-margin, sophisticated alternatives to cold-weather classics. Technical Challenges of Heated Serves Unlike stirred or shaken drinks, where ice controls the dilution, a hot cocktail is a constant, delicate balancing...

Every successful bar operates on tight margins, yet a silent financial leak often goes unchecked: overpouring. That small, almost invisible 2ml extra splash per serve, accumulated across hundreds of drinks, translates to significant, quantifiable profit loss. If you are free-pouring or using uncertified, inaccurate equipment, you may be giving away your inventory. Mastering precision isn't just about technical finesse; it's about protecting your bottom line and staying competitive. Quantifying...

Ready to push your menu to the next level? Cocktail mastery demands control over all five tastes, and umami is the key to unlocking superior richness. This week, we dive into the advanced techniques required to harness this unique savoury power, giving your bar a definitive edge.  Umami, the Japanese term for savoury deliciousness, is naturally present in aged, fermented, and protein-rich foods. When subtly applied to cocktails, it adds a foundational richness that elevates spirits like...

You don't need an excuse to showcase the versatility of dark beer beyond the pint glass. Stout is far more than just beer; it is a complex liquid component, bringing unique layers of roast, texture, and bitter balance to cocktails that few spirits or syrups can replicate. Moving stout from a simple beverage to a key mixer opens up exciting flavour possibilities for your menu. The Stout Spectrum in Mixing The type of stout you choose dictates its role in a cocktail. Select based on the flavour...

Champagne cocktails are often relegated to New Year's Eve or special celebrations, but they deserve a permanent place on any sophisticated menu. These drinks offer a perfect balance of effervescence, bright acidity, and just enough boozy depth. More than just topping a syrup with bubbles, mastering the champagne cocktail means treating the sparkling wine as a delicate, high-quality ingredient. Controlling Bubbles and Balance Champagne cocktails are unique because dilution and carbonation are...