Wine bars often sell half-servings, many beer halls offer half-pints, and flights are a great way to sample straight spirits, as well as different beers or wines. Cocktails, though, typically come in just one size. That’s changing, though.
An article in the New York Times highlights a handful of bars in Manhattan’s East Village are offering small-size cocktails. As one bartender interviewed noted, the concept of mini-drinks helps widen experience, since patrons can try more cocktails without being overserved.
Because of the labor involved in making most cocktails, most of the short drinks offered are pre-mixed and available on draft. This not only enables bartenders to deliver drinks in any size with speed and efficiency, it also permits them to give guests a taste of a cocktail– a perk long afforded the beer and wine drinker.
It’s not just a New York thing: An article in the upcoming April issue of Cheers looks at how bars and restaurants nationwide are using appetizer-size cocktails. Some offer them as an amuse-bouche while guest are waiting for their drink to be made, while others feature them as happy hour specials.
Casual chain operator Houlihan’s promotes a mini Martini flight. While not exactly a short drink–each flight is equivalent to one cocktail—the concept allows for more guest experimentation with peace of mind.
Read the full NYT article here.
