Even if you aren't the kind of vodka fan who drinks it straight, vodka makes a great base for some classic drinks. For bar and restaurant managers looking to make a profit, vodka cocktails can come with a low pour cost and can be used to drive revenue. Finding the right balance between tasty drinks that people will want to order and that will also drive profits is easier than you think. Keep reading to learn more about which profitable vodka cocktails you should be serving.
You can't go wrong with a classic. It also doesn't hurt that you can easily charge $10 for a drink (depending on your area) that only comes with a $2 pour cost. That means that you will have a full $8 profit on every drink. All you need is some well vodka, ginger beer, a splash or lime juice and a lime wedge for garnish. Simple ingredients mean that you can sell a delicious drink that is easy to make and sure to be a refreshing hit during the summer months.
A bloody Mary bar is the perfect way to drive profits. This popular drink is a brunch favorite and can also easily come with a $10 price tag (depending on your area), which is great for business. Run a Sunday brunch special on bloody Marys and you can increase sales volume while still making money. Keep in mind that bloody Marys usually come with quite a few garnishes such as bacon, okra, eggs and all sorts of other food. If you get too carried away with the extras, you may end up undermining your profit, so try to find the right balance between meeting customer expectations and making money.
The average pour cost for a bloody Mary is under $2. That means that even if you charge the bargain price of $6, you will still be able to make a sizable profit. Up the price or run specials for more sales volume and you can effectively turn a profit.
While the cosmopolitan has always been a popular drink, it has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years. This fun drink is another example of a simple vodka based cocktail that is easy to make and comes with an average pour cost of just over $2. Typically, you can charge anywhere from $6 to $14 (depending on your area) for a cosmo and you only have to worry about a few ingredients, including vodka, orange liqueur, lime juice and cranberry juice. The cosmo is also a great option because it is a versatile drink that you can always put your own spin on. Whether you want to promote a certain event or holiday, you can create the perfect cosmo for any occasion.
The White Russian is a quintessential vodka cocktail that provides a rich and smooth chocolaty drink that is perfect for cold winter nights. Again, this classic cocktail comes with a pour cost of around $1 and a sale price of $9 (depending on your area). That means a full $8 of profit per drink. While a white Russian tends to be more of a seasonal drink, it is a profitable drink to have in your rotation.
Vodka is a popular spirit among patrons, and it provides bar managers with a lucrative base for classic cocktails that will help you turn a profit. With the right ingredients and price point, you can increase sales and drive revenue at your bar or restaurant. To further improve profits, take advantage of holidays and other opportunities to run promotions.