What Our Chat GBT Bartender Says About Marketing a Beverage Program

Marketing your cocktail menu can be an effective way to attract customers to your restaurant and increase sales. Here are some ideas to help you promote your cocktail offerings:

1. Social Media Campaign: Utilize platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to showcase your cocktails through high-quality photos and videos. Create visually appealing posts that highlight the unique ingredients, vibrant colors, and garnishes of your cocktails. Engage with your followers by posting polls or quizzes related to cocktails to generate interest and encourage interaction.

Join CEO of Shared Spirits, Sherman Mohr Thursday the 29th at 11:30 Central for an overview on making restaurant beverage menus an ecom play!

2. Happy Hour Specials: Introduce a dedicated happy hour where you offer discounted prices on selected cocktails. Promote this special time-limited offer through various channels, such as social media, your website, local listings, and physical signage in your restaurant. Highlight the value and savings customers can enjoy during this time. (Toast research data proves that the average happy hour spend is $68.00!)

3. Signature Cocktails: Develop a set of signature cocktails that are exclusive to your restaurant. Give each drink a distinct name and description that reflects its ingredients or inspiration. Highlight these special creations in your marketing materials, and consider offering a special discount or promotion to entice customers to try them.

4. Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with local influencers or bloggers who have a significant following in your area. Invite them to your restaurant to experience your cocktail menu and share their thoughts and photos on their social media platforms. Their recommendations and positive reviews can help generate buzz and attract new customers.

5. Cocktail Tastings and Workshops: Organize cocktail tastings or mixology workshops in your restaurant. Invite customers to learn about the art of cocktail making and offer them the opportunity to try different drinks from your menu. These events can create a fun and interactive atmosphere, and attendees are more likely to order cocktails in the future after learning about the craftsmanship behind them. (Onboard your restaurant to the Shared Spirits platform, check it out here, and this activity becomes compliant and far easier!)

6. Collaborate with Local Events: Partner with local events, such as festivals, food fairs, or charity fundraisers, to showcase your cocktail menu. Set up a booth or station where attendees can sample your drinks. This provides exposure to a larger audience and helps you reach potential customers who might not have visited your restaurant otherwise. (Sounds complicated but with the Shared Spirits platform, your exposure at events and festivals serves to drive that traffic back to your establishment!)

7. Engage with Online Reviews: Monitor and respond to online reviews and ratings on platforms like Yelp, Google Reviews, or TripAdvisor. Engage with both positive and negative reviews professionally and courteously. Positive reviews can encourage more customers to try your cocktails, while addressing negative reviews demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction. (Need help with this? We'll help introduce you to trusted resources.)

8. Menu Design: Create an attractive and visually appealing cocktail menu that reflects the ambiance and style of your restaurant. Use professional photography or illustrations to showcase your drinks. Make sure the descriptions are enticing, highlight key ingredients, and include any unique selling points. (Take it a step further, showcase your menu on the Shared Spirits platform and it becomes buyable, shareable, and redeemable, ALL ON MOBILE!

Remember to tailor your marketing efforts to your target audience and consistently monitor and adapt your strategies based on customer feedback and preferences. With the right marketing approach, you can effectively promote your cocktail menu and attract new customers to your restaurant.

If you'd like more information on how to leverage your beverage, reach out to Shared Spirits here!