How to Build a Good Cocktail Bible
In the bar and restaurant industry, a cocktail bible plays a pivotal role in the success of an establishment. A great cocktail bible has the ability to set your bar and services apart from your competitors. Due to its importance to business, many managers can get overwhelmed while building their own.
To make the process easier for you, we’ve written up the essential features a good cocktail bible must have.
It must have well-organized recipes
When your cocktail recipes are organized, it’ll be easier for your bartenders to follow and remember them.Make sure that the patterns and formats are clear, consistent, and easy to follow. To avoid mistakes, the measurements must be specific and accurate.Remember to also organize cocktails around base spirits.
It must include off-menu cocktailsNot every customer will stick to your menu. Some of them will ask for specific drinks, and they will expect your bartenders to grant their request.To prepare your bar staff for unpredictable moments like this, include off-menu cocktails in your bible. This way, your bartenders don’t have to pull out their phones to get the recipes.
For cocktail references or inspiration, you can visit Drink Magazine or IBA (International Bartenders Association).
Sometimes, your bartenders will forget certain recipes. It might be due to pressure, an overflowing crowd, or personal reasons. Your bar staff should be ready when challenges like these happen. It’s wise to keep a printed copy of your bible in a discreet corner of the bar. Or if you like, you can host your bible on a cloud-based system like Google Drive. This option will work best for you if you’re using an iPad for your POS system or other bar and management software. Remember, a good cocktail program is crucial for your establishment, so pay extra attention to it.
