Why Engaging Bartenders Is One of the Smartest Moves a Spirits Brand Can Make

In a category crowded with great liquid, bold packaging, and clever campaigns, spirits brands often overlook the most powerful lever they have in the on-premise world: Bartenders . Not as “accounts.” Not as “gatekeepers.” But as the people who turn awareness into loyalty—one recommendation at a time. Bartenders influence what Americans drink—at scale Multiple studies and industry reports point to the same reality: More than half of U.S. consumers are likely to order a drink based on a bartender’s recommendation. Over 80% of guests say they trust bar and restaurant staff to recommend alcohol , particularly when discovering new brands. For emerging and premium spirits, the bar is often where first trial happens—long before retail loyalty forms. In practice, this means one bartender isn’t influencing one decision. They’re influencing dozens—sometimes hundreds—of purchase decisions every week . A single shift can include: Recommending a brand in cocktails Steering a guest toward a specific

by The Best Drink Ever · source ↗