The weather is colder, the nights are darker and longer, and it may be tempting for your usual customers to want to stay indoors.
Winter blues, freezing temperatures and harsher weather can all impact footfall into your venue and this year may continue to look uncertain due to the lasting impact of the coronavirus pandemic but simply by tweaking your offers you can take advantage of the festive period and prepare your business to beat that cold weather slump.
The Power of Social Media
Firstly, use social media to your advantage. Really highlight the facilities you have on offer and publicise these across your social platforms. Got a cosy fire perfect for snuggling up next to? Take some pictures of staff enjoying a warm, hot chocolate by the fire and upload it! Got a new craft beer on offer? Take an appetising picture of the mouthwatering pint on the bar and upload it. Got some hearty winter grub on the menu? Be sure to set up a quiet corner in your venue on a table, take a few pictures of your offering and upload them. Weekly specials, discounts, offers and themed nights always work well too so be sure your customers know about them.
Winter Drinks and Cocktails
But what about your Christmas drinks selection? Seasonal drinks menus are hugely popular – not only do they reflect seasonality in ingredients but they can help to attract new customers as well as stress the urgency of coming to your venue due to the sense of urgency and exclusivity. Everyone associates winter with warmer spiced, herbs and fruits like cranberries so it’s always wise to capitalise on these.
Irish Coffee
A safe, winter staple, Irish coffee is ideal for carrying over from autumn to winter and is super simple and easy to make.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 Tablespoons Double Cream
- 150ml Black Coffee (freshly brewed)
- 50ml Irish Whiskey
- 1 Teaspoon Brown Sugar
- Nutmeg (grated)
Lightly whip the cream until it’s slightly thickened and set aside. Pour the hot coffee into a tall heatproof glass, add the whiskey and sugar. Stir, gently float the cream on top and sprinkle over some nutmeg to finish.
Hot Rum Punch
Ho, ho, ho, and a bottle of rum! Not just the preferred tipple of pirates but a warming winter favourite, too.
INGREDIENTS
- 50ml Old J Spiced Rum
- 50ml Brandy
- 60g Sugar
- 500ml Boiling Water
- 1 Large Lemon
- Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cloves
Add all ingredients, except lemon, to a pan and heat over gentle heat. Stir often to dissolve the sugar but don’t bring to a boil. Juice the lemon and strain it, removing any pips. Add the lemon juice to the punch, stir and serve! Add a cinnamon stick to garnish.
Mulled Low Cider
INGREDIENTS
- 2 Litres South West Orchards Low Alcohol Cider
- 6 Cloves
- 3-4 Star Anise
- ¼ Nutmeg (grated into the pan)
- Juice of One Orange
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- Monin Gomme (Sugar Syrup)
Add all ingredients to the pan and heat. Once boiling, turn down to a simmer and leave for five to eight minutes. As everything infuses, you’ll get delicious layers of flavour. Taste and add sugar, as needed.
Warming Hot Gin Toddy
INGREDIENTS
- 75ml Agnes Arber Premium Gin
- 4 Cloves
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- 4 Cardamom Pods
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 2 Tablespoons Orange Juice
- 1 Tablespoon Clear Honey
Place the cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods and cloves in a pan with 300ml of water. Bring to the boil whilst the flavours infuse. Stir in the honey, followed by gin, orange juice and lemon juice. Stir, serve and add a cinnamon stick and lemon slice to garnish.