1. Say Goodbye to Plastic
Plastic straws may be small, but they take over 200 years to fully decompose. Imagine a cocktail that takes only two minutes to drink, but could take hundreds of years to decompose. Switch to paper, stainless steel, or even pasta straws. Your guests will love the change.
2. Match your menu to the seasons
Using seasonal fruits, herbs, and ingredients not only reduces costs but also creates fresher, healthier drinks. Plus, introducing new seasonal products gives guests more reasons to enjoy their drinks.
If you need new inspiration, you can refer to our: Menu.
3. Reuse and Recycle
Glass bottles, cartons, even spirits packaging—they can all be recycled. Even more amazing is that you can use syrup containers to decorate your bar. For example, transforming syrup containers into candy jars is both clever and adds a touch of flair to your bar.
4. Compost leftover food
Don't throw away piles of lime wedges and orange peels. Composting fruit waste can reduce the burden on landfills. You can also partner with local farms and community gardens to help with landfill waste.
5. Conserve water whenever possible.
Instruct staff to avoid running taps constantly. If possible, consider installing water-efficient dishwashers. Every little bit of water saved adds up—especially in a busy bar, where washware can quickly pile up.
6. Offer more sustainable options.
Give guests opportunities to make environmentally friendly choices—for example, by highlighting cocktails made with sustainable spirits. A little encouragement can make a big difference.
7. Try citrus alternatives.
Citrus fruits are wasteful, have a large carbon footprint, and have a short shelf life. Instead of endlessly juicing lemons and limes, try acidic alternatives like apple cider vinegar, lactic acid fermented juice, or citric/tartaric acid solutions. These alternatives are refreshing, reduce waste, and reduce reliance on imported citrus. Many modern cocktail bars are already adopting these alternatives.
The Final Pour
Running a sustainable bar isn't about striving for perfection, but continuous improvement. From eliminating century-old plastic straws to reinterpreting citrus flavors with creative sour alternatives, every change you make will make your bar more environmentally friendly. Most importantly, your actions can inspire more customers to join the green movement, keeping your bar on trend and constantly delivering exciting new creations.
