The craft cocktail movement has become exponentially more popular in recent years. According to Barman’s Journal, a craft cocktail can be defined as a cocktail where every element is handmade or tailored specifically to the drink. And while the benefits of selling and serving craft cocktails are numerous, the processes to create their ingredients can be complicated and time consuming.
One of the most popular ways to create a craft cocktail is to infuse delicious but unexpected flavors into different ingredients. This process takes fruits, herbs, or whatever ingredient or flavor is desired, and soaking them in alcohol for four days, sometimes even longer.
However, the foodservice industry is a very fast paced environment. It is rare that a bartender will have the time to wait four days for a small amount of ingredients for a cocktail.
A Quick Solution for Infusing Spirits and Cocktails
The Henkelman Vacuum Sealer can be used infuse cocktail ingredients in a fraction of the time it would usually take. The vacuum sealer opens the ‘pores’ of the item you are trying to infuse, allowing the alcohol to be absorbed into the food in a matter of minutes.
At the National Restaurant Association Show, Henkelman demonstrated their vacuum sealer’s ability to infuse ingredients with more than just alcohol. The Henkelman chefs switched it around and infused the vodka for a Bloody Mary with actual jalapenos and herbs.
With the Craft Cocktail Movement at a high point, it’s time to start serving craft cocktails. And there are several reasons to consider smoked cocktails.
Why Bars Should Consider Smoked Cocktails
Let's just come right out and say it. Smoked cocktails can be extremely profitable. In fact, it's not uncommon for high end cocktail bars to charge as much as two or three dollars more for a cocktail that's undergone the smoking process.
Smoked cocktails can also help restaurants or bars set themselves apart from the competition with a unique, signature cocktail that includes a proprietary blend of smoked wood, for example. This turns a cocktail menu into marketing, allowing an operation to brand itself based on signature drinks.
Lastly, there's a theatrical element to smoking cocktails. Long before the back-of-the-house moved to the forefront with concepts like theater kitchens, bartenders have been creating in front of customers for centuries. And with smoked cocktails, there's another level to the act. Smoke billowing across the bar during a slow but careful creation process builds anticipation, resulting in a cocktail that's one part beverage and equal part experience.
Watch the Henkelman Craft Cocktail video if you want to learn more about how to use a Henkelman Vacuum Sealer to create delicious and memorable craft cocktails.
