Cocktails on Tap: Let's Talk Numbers

We recently sat down with Sarah from Overproof - hospo weapon and all-round efficiency guru - to get into the nitty gritty of kegged cocktails. And we’re not talking flavour (though that’s a given). We’re talking numbers, margins, and the kind of smart hacks that can save your skin during peak service.

Because while we’ll never tell you to ditch the craft, there’s definitely a time and place for speed.

There’s something special about a perfectly built cocktail. The shake, the pour, the garnish - it’s theatre in a glass. But when your bar is five deep and the dockets are flying faster than your muddler can move, it’s time to think smarter, not harder.

That’s where kegged cocktails come in. They’re not here to replace your hand-crafted masterpieces (unless you want them to). Think of them as another tool behind the bar - one that keeps the quality high and the chaos low.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Let’s use our Canyon Brewing Aperol Spritz Keg as an example:
A 30L keg costs $750 + GST, which works out to about $4.31 per serve.

Now, depending on your sell price, here’s what that looks like:

That’s solid margin territory, with minimal wastage and no over-pouring drama.

The Speed Advantage

A hand-shaken cocktail takes about 60–120 seconds.
A kegged cocktail? Roughly 7 seconds to pour and 16 to garnish.

That’s over a minute saved per serve, or about three hours of service time saved per 180 cocktails.

That’s time you could spend actually looking after your guests instead of drowning behind the bar.

When to Use Kegged Cocktails:

• Welcome drinks for large groups
• Quick upsells while guests wait for the main round
• Busy nights when the bar’s slammed
• Anywhere you need consistent, fast service

Why They Work

1. Easy Upsell: No need to reinvent your menu - kegged cocktails slide right in as a profitable add-on.
2. Simple Training: Minimal training required. If you can pull a pint, you can pour a Spritz.
3. Speed = Profit: Seven seconds to pour means quicker turns, happier guests, and more revenue.
4. Reduced Wastage: No half-used bottles or mispours - just consistency.
5. Reliability: Every serve, the same. No variance, no guesswork, just quality at pace.

Craft When It Counts. Pour Fast When It Doesn’t.

Kegged cocktails don’t replace your menu - they enhance it. They free you up to focus on what matters most: creating a great experience for your guests.

Because when the night’s in full swing, no one’s complaining about how their drink got there - they’re just glad it did.

Overproof x Canyon Brewing
Helping bars across New Zealand serve smarter, not slower.