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With the season of love fast approaching, now is the perfect opportunity for venues to showcase their wine by the glass offerings and help customers fall head over heels for new and exciting grape varieties. In looking at last year’s figures, nearly half of the British population celebrated the day of hearts and romance by going out for dinner and, increasingly, they’re looking to try new things!

Offering a wide and diverse variety of wines by the glass is absolutely crucial in attracting customers and encouraging them to try something different, both this Valentine’s Day and beyond. In fact, according to the CGA, 77% of UK wine drinkers are presently inclined to visit the On-Premise at least once a week, providing an ideal opportunity to promote wine by the glass as these consumers are evidently eager to experiment, willing to take risks, and be adventurous. 

To optimise this opportunity, your venue should consider offering a mix of classic and trendy wines this February, as well as a range of price points; this will appeal to both those who are familiar with the world of wine and those who are just starting to explore it. A great way for customers who may not be ready to take the plunge and just want to dip their toe in the wine world, or those on the hunt for something totally unique is: a wine-based cocktail… 

In today’s blog, we see a return of the beloved wine cocktail(s), which were an incredible hit at Halloween, proving to be a great addition to your Valentine’s Day menus as they offer a unique and sophisticated twist on traditional wine offerings. 

 

Love Potion Number 1: Strawberry Champagne Float

Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to indulge in sweet treats and indulge in a little luxury. Why not treat your customers to a delicious & delectable Strawberry Champagne Float? The combination of Sparkling Champagne and sweet strawberries creates a dessert-like drink that is perfect for sipping on and tantalising taste buds. 

Not to mention, the captivating combination of red strawberries and the golden bubbles of the Champagne create a visually stunning drink that is sure to impress. And, these fabulous Floats are easily customisable; staff can simply adjust the sweetness and the ratio of Champagne to strawberries according to preference. 

Treat your customers to a decadent treat this February in the form of a sumptuous and bubbly float:

120 ml Brut Champagne, chilled | 2 tbsp Strawberry Puree | 2 scoops Strawberry Ice Cream | Sugar & Vanilla Extract

Substitutions: Frozen Strawberries | Rosé Brut or Prosecco | Vanilla Ice Cream 

Read the full recipe and method here. 

 

Cupid’s Cocktail Number 2: Love Struck Cocktail 

Add a touch of sugar to your day with a Love Struck Cocktail, perfect for sharing with a special someone on Valentine’s Day or for treating yourself to a little bit of decadence. Whether you’re indulging in a delicious brunch or simply taking a moment to relax and unwind, this sweet and sophisticated drink is perfect to toast all the wonderful things that make life worth celebrating! 

The sweetness of the passion fruit liqueur and simple syrup, the tartness of the cranberry juice and lemon juice, and the fizz of the Prosecco create a perfect balance of flavours and will truly elevate your guests’ senses this February. 

Surprise your diners with this delightful Valentine’s Day treat by combining the following: 

45 ml Vodka |  45 ml Passion Fruit Liqueur | 30 ml Cranberry Juice | 15 ml Lemon Juice | 15 ml Simple Syrup | 25 ml Prosecco

Get the full details of the recipe and preparation here.

 

Romantic Rhapsody Number 3: Crimson Cabernet Crush Cocktail

Make this Valentine’s Day a truly unforgettable experience by serving this delicious and romantic rosy red wine cocktail! The rich, velvety, and robust flavours of Cabernet Sauvignon are complemented by a touch of sweetness from the powdered sugar and a burst of tartness from the lemon juice. The cranberries or strawberries not only add a pop of colour but also an added touch of sweetness to the drink, making it a truly romantic and memorable cocktail. 

Transport your customers to a world of sparkle and celebration with the following: 

250ml Cabernet Sauvignon | 59ml Soda Water | 1 tsp Powdered Sugar |
1 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice | Cranberries or Strawberries for garnish 

View the entire recipe and process here. 

Fall Head Over Heels for Wine By the Glass 

Additionally, venues can absolutely enhance the customer experience by sticking to wine by the glass basics: providing wine pairing suggestions with menu items, offering wine flights, and hosting wine tastings or educational events. This will not only help customers discover new wines they love but also foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of wine.

At the end of the day, Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity for venues across the UK to showcase their wine and help customers fall in love with new and exciting varieties, whether it be by the glass or in the form of a wine cocktail (such as those mentioned above). Offering a wide range of options will not only enhance the overall customer experience but will also drive sales and profits this February (and beyond). 

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