A well drink is an alcoholic beverage made with lower-quality liquor that is typically used to make mixed drinks. The term “well” refers to the fact that these liquors are usually kept near the bartenders' workstations, or that they can be easily accessed for making drinks. Well drinks are typically less expensive than premium or call drinks, which are made with higher-quality liquor.
Well drinks are generally made with vodka, gin, rum, or whiskey. These liquors are blended with a variety of mixers, such as soda water, juices, or syrups. Well drinks are usually served in glasses that hold 8 -12 ounces of liquid.
Types of Well Drinks
There are many popular-mixed drinks that are made with well liquor, such as vodka soda, gin and tonic, rum and cola, and whiskey neat. These drinks are typically very easy to make and require only a few ingredients.
If you're looking to save money on your alcoholic beverages, ordering a well drink is generally the way to go. However, keep in mind that you may not be getting the highest quality liquor in your drink. Nevertheless, a well drink can still be a delicious and refreshing way to enjoy your favorite mixed drink. Below is a list of different types of well drinks to offer at your establishment's menu:
- Scotch & Soda- A huge favorite, this well drink is made by mixing scotch and club soda or soda water. Scotch and soda is typically served in a highball glass, with two ounces of scotch and the rest being carbonated water or soda.
- Rum & Cola- A classic combination, a highball glass is filled with two-ounces of rum and the rest with cola.
- Vodka Soda- To make this popular well drink, all you need is two-ounces of vodka, a handful of ice, fill the rest with club soda, squeeze some lemon, and add a lemon wedge for decoration.
- Gin & Tonic- This classic well drink has been transformed into different forms, but the traditional take to this drink is simply two-ounces of gin over ice using a highball glass. Fill up the rest with tonic water and a lime wedge as garnish.
- Daiquiri- Not the usually frozen and fruity drink you know, this take on the famous daiquiri is some light rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and a twist of lime in a coupe glass.
- Mojito- Another popular drink everyone enjoys, this well drink consists of combining mint leaves and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker. Before shaking, add ice, white rum, and lime juice into the concoction. Pour into a highball glass with some club soda, mint and a lime wedge to garnish.
- Margarita- A margarita can be done in various forms, however the traditional version is simply blanco tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and agave syrup. Instead of triple sec, you can substitute with orange liqueur. Finish it off with some salt on the rim.
- Moscow Mule- All you need to make a moscow mule is two-ounces of vodka, half an ounce of lime juice, and three-ounces of ginger beer. Of course, no moscow mule would be complete without the classic cold copper mug to pour it into.
- Long Island- Known to be a very strong drink, a long island has many types of liquor all in one. It consists of gin, vodka, white rum, tequila, and triple sec combined with simple syrup, lemon juice, and some cola. Top it off with a lemon wedge, and you are done.
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Whiskey Sour- Mix bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and an egg white into a cocktail shaker. Once fully shook and combined, add ice and shake once again until chilled. Pour into a coupe glass once the drink is cold and sprinkle in some bitters.
Benefits Of Offering A Well Drinks List
Even though well drinks don’t typically show off bartenders skills, there are a vital asset to a bar menu and have many benefits, more than you think:
- Fast: Well drinks are made very quickly and can easily serve many patrons without having them wait too long.
- Profitable: Even though they are affordable and quick to make, well drinks can bring more profit to your bar allowing customers to enjoy more drinks.
- Affordable: Offering affordable options to your guests help them feel comfortable to continue enjoying drinks at your establishment and make them come back again.
How To Stock Your Well Drinks
Well drinks have a major representation for your bar program. It is important to make sure you are making the right choices for your bar's menu and well drink additions. There is a list of questions you need to ask yourself to find the perfect choices for your establishment.
- What is your establishment’s brand?: It is vital to first tune in with your brand's voice, what kind of establishment you are has a lot to do with what you present in your menu.
- What do customers prefer?: Know your guests, what they like and don’t like. Collecting customer data can help you build your well drink stock.
- What does the community want?: What area you are in has a lot to do with the kind of well drinks you display.
- What is trending?: Trends come and go but seasonal trends usually stay. Learn what drinks or liquors are favored in certain seasons.
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How high-quality is your liquor?: The liquors used in well drinks are lower-quality, but that does not mean you can’t choose the best one.
Get Ready & Start Mixing
Whether you're looking for your customers to save money or just want a simple mixed drink to add to your bar's menu, well drinks are a great option. Made with lower-quality liquor, well drinks are typically less expensive than premium or call drinks. Be sure to display what liquors you have available for well drinks, as the selection may vary. And finally, allow customers to enjoy your refreshing and delicious well drinks.
