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The has experienced a series of downturns in the last few years. After navigating pandemic-era shutdowns and ongoing economic uncertainty, restaurants, bars, and hotels now face new challenges, such as supply chain hiccups and guests with higher-than-ever expectations.

Globally, the sector is growing. According to a survey by The Business Research Company, the 

bar and nightclub market alone is expected to reach , with a CAGR of 5.4% compared to 2024.

Still, this growth is hindered by the current labor shortage experienced by the entire hospitality industry. This is why restaurants and bars, where things need to keep moving at lightning speed, must use every tool they can get. 

In this article, we’ll discuss such a tool � the draft cocktail system. These sleek, behind-the-bar systems are revolutionizing how venues serve mixed drinks, combining speed, consistency, and a sprinkle of showmanship that today’s brands can’t afford to ignore.

What Exactly Is a Draft Cocktail System?

Draft cocktails are pre-batched, stored in kegs, and served through a pressurized tap system, just like draft beer. Ingredients are measured and mixed in advance, stored under CO� or nitrogen (depending on the cocktail style), and kept chilled until served.

Depending on the setup and establishment, some systems use stainless steel kegs, while others prefer bag-in-box systems. Regardless, the core idea is the same: high-quality cocktails served fast, efficiently, and consistently. No muddling. No shaking. No “what was that recipe again?”

The best part is that installation is usually quick and noninvasive. You just need to find professionals who understand your specific business needs. We recommend working with a local company that knows how the hospitality market works in the area. The Northwest Draft Technicians, for instance, are well-known for installing in bars and restaurants in the Portland, Oregon area.

Do I Really Need This?

That’s up to you to decide, but you should first be aware of the many benefits these systems bring once installed and ready to go.

Here are some of the most obvious benefits to consider:

Speed & Efficiency

Hospitality is a game of seconds, especially during rush hours. Traditional cocktails can take between 3 and 5 minutes each to craft, and if you have a beginner running the bar, things can get slower. Plus, there’s the fatigue factor.

°Õ´Ç»å²¹²â’s , so if you want more people to come into your establishment and enjoy themselves, a draft cocktail system may be the answer. The time spent per cocktail goes down to 10â€�15 seconds, which means more drinks served, shorter wait times, and happier guests.

Consistency in Every Pour

We’ve all had that one Margarita that tasted like saltwater, followed by another that could knock out a rhino. With draft systems, consistency is king. Every pour hits the same spec, whether it’s your most seasoned bartender or a new trainee behind the bar. That translates to better guest experiences and fewer returned drinks.

Labor Cost Savings

worldwide. Draft cocktail systems allow you to do more with less and reduce the need to hire more highly skilled mixologists to cover peak hours. One bartender can easily serve a high-volume crowd, freeing others to focus on upselling, guest engagement, or quality control. And this happens without dropping the quality or the experience.

In Summary

In a world where hospitality businesses are under pressure to deliver faster, better, and smarter service, draft cocktail systems offer a rare win-win: improved guest experience and operational efficiency. They streamline service, reduce labor costs, and ensure every guest gets a drink that’s as consistent as it is delicious.

They don’t replace the craft or creativity of a great bartender, but they will amplify it. These systems free up your team to focus on what really matters: connecting with guests, elevating the atmosphere, and driving brand loyalty.