The Bar Journal

Yes, while we have been forced to stay home during the lockdown, at the same time we have been driven into a new habit:  enjoying a “new” life indoors.

Initially, it was a bit of a shock, however, people slowly tried to adapt to these restrictions until it became the new normal.

The hospitality industry had an obligation to come up with something to keep their businesses going, but most importantly to keep their guests still happy and satisfied.  Following the government allowance, lots of businesses started to implement their takeaway and delivery options but some of them had to adapt their menu to be able to cater for these options.

Each business implemented different ways to make this work; from the drink-to-go “bottled cocktails” or “beers in a milk bottle”, to the drinks delivered to your doorstep such as the “cocktail in a box”. Cocktail deliveries have been offered in many different serves – prebatched pouches and bottles or even in a box where the buyers would find all the ingredients in individual portions and have the joy of making their own cocktails at home.

This last option seemed to be extremely popular especially during the heavy months of lockdown, seeing bars, restaurants, event companies or even brands directly specialising in something that has now become THE NEW TREND.

Nobody could ever imagine that 2020 would bring this new era of “cocktails to-go” but during these rough times, it was inevitable that the food & beverage industry needed an immediate switch and as a result, the beginning of a new normality!

Blue Bar at The Berkeley – London, U.K.

“The idea of creating a bottled cocktail for the Blue Bar at the Berkeley came way before the pandemic. The project was already set for ready-to-drink cocktails available in the minibar of the hotel rooms.

What happened next, was the beginning of a new trend within the hotel and, as our strong neighborhood required attention, we just put together a new concept around the serve, the recipe, and the delivery. Our options were including a bike delivery and if needed bespoke cocktail making at the door.

Up till now, it is still going strong and we believe we have established a new trademark for the Blue Bar Signature serves it will have a future as the trademark of the Blue Bar signature and brand.”

Andrea Melis – Head Bartender, Blue Bar

Davies & Brook at Claridges – London, U.K.

“After volunteering for the NHS during lockdown, Davies and Brook took the decision of adapting the business into the takeaway with the “Davies and Brook to Go Box” project. It was our way of getting closer to our guests during lockdown, as we realised it would be long before we could open the business as usual.

To Go Box Experience featured Claridge’s Fried Chicken AKA CFC being one of the most popular dishes bar menu. The offer was complemented with 3 sides, one dessert and a homemade Parker House Rolls bread as well as the option of two drinks including the Strawberry Milk Punch.

It’s been such an incredible experience that during these unprecedented times have reminded us of why we are in this business and how much we miss providing hospitality.

We decided to conclude our Takeaway to Go Box at the beginning of July in order to start working for the reopening of our restaurant, which luckily will happen soon!”

Matteo Carretta – Head Bartender, Davies & Brook

Paradiso – Barcelona – Spain

“Our idea was born during the pandemic; all the bars closed, the restrictions in place and the guidelines to follow, has increased the demand for consumers to enjoy cocktails at home. In collaboration with Diageo we have crafted a line of 5 cocktails to-go, all different in style, look and designed to meet our customer needs so that we could bring the full Paradiso experience in their homes. These cocktails soon became extremely popular until the point to find a space in the “Signature” section in our cocktail list.

The packaging are crystal bottles (we opted for sustainable packaging) so that after the use of the cocktail it can remain a memory to people.

The cocktail production is made in our lab following all the health & safety regulations including the bottle sterilization and with the ABV% and expiring date printed on it. Some of our Signature selection are:

Champagne Negroni: A Negroni more aromatic, illusionist and transparent.

Punch in a bottle: Our margarita with a touch of mezcal, Fino Sherry, and a little spicy.

Seasonal Breeze: A cocktail with seasonal ingredients, low-alcohol and affordable in price.

Giacomo Giannotti – Founder & Owner, Paradiso Barcelona

COMPETITION TIME!!!

For the chance to win a cocktail box follow these 3 simple rules:

I. like the last post on Instagram
&
II. follow@italspirits on Instagram
&
III. tag three friends