DRINKS MASTERCLASS

How to make a Quarter Margarita

26-Jan-2024 - Last updated on 26-Jan-2024 at 16:32 GMT

Drinks Masterclass: how to make a Stray cocktail bar Quarter Margarita (Credit:Getty/SolStock)

Co-founder of Manchester cocktail bar Stray, Ben Reilly, details how to create the venues low ABV serve Quarter Margarita.

Reilly told The Morning Advertiser the benefits of offering versatile and lower ABV cocktails like the Quarter Margarita, named after the main spirit used in the recipe, were widespread.

He said: “This, like a classic margarita can be adapted in a multitude of ways - consider this a viable, low ABV base for any Margarita twist.

“It bridges the gap between non-alcoholic cocktails and full strength, meaning those who opt for a single spirit mixer might opt for this instead which as a result can increase spend per head.

Low and no alternatives

“It allows consumers to get the enjoyment of drinking a margarita without worrying about alcohol intake.”

Earlier this year, data from The Portman Group’s sixth annual survey in partnership with YouGov, revealed young people are the biggest consumers of low and no alcohol alternatives.

According to the figures, the number of 18 to 24-year-olds regularly drinking alternatives to alcohol in the UK has increased by 13 percentage points during the past two years.

Moreover, research from alcohol-free beer brand, Lucky Saint, last week showed nearly two out of three Brits (62%) felt comfortable going to the pub and not drinking alcohol.

Data insight firm Kantar also recently reported the volume of non-alcoholic beverages had risen 42% in the past five years.

More creative

The surge in alcohol free and low alcohol alternatives is evidenced at Stray, which goes through a case of Quarter Tequila per week “at least”.

“This is just as tasty as a full-strength Margarita, but with much less alcohol. It’s often difficult to get the same level of flavour from 0% spirits, but this competes with the big boys”, Reilly added.

In addition, enhancing drinks menus with versatile serves like the Quarter Margarita can help “encourage” inspiration for both consumers and team members.

Reilly continued: “People love seasonality and frequent changes encourage bartenders’ engagement, meaning they’re more willing (and able) to be creative and upsell.”

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