3-minute read ---

Restaurants and food servicers are witnessing a significant shift in beverage trends, driven by the preferences of those born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, also known as Generation Z or “Gen Z” for short. This generation, now in their early to mid-20s, is rapidly redefining consumer demands, particularly in the realm of beverages. From “dirty sodas” and mocktails to energy drinks and flavored sparkling waters, restaurants and food service operators have a unique opportunity to capitalize on this trend by aligning their offerings with Gen Z beverage trends and preferences.

Understanding Gen Z Beverage Trends
Gen Z's influence is evident in their demand for innovative flavors, convenience, and sustainability. The rise of ready-to-drink (RTD) bottled and canned cocktails and hard seltzers highlights their preference for variety, portability, and novelty. These types of drinks cater to Gen Z's desire for convenience and on-the-go consumption. Additionally, there is a noticeable trend of Gen Z consumers gravitating towards premium drink options, showing a willingness to pay more for beverages that offer unique, high-quality experiences or presentations.

Non-alcoholic beverages are also gaining traction, especially among young adult consumers, with brands exploring new territories in flavor profiles and organic ingredients. This aligns with Gen Z's health-conscious mindset, as they seek out drinks that provide more than just refreshment, but nutritional benefits as well.

Strategies for Restaurants to Capture Gen Z's Attention

Resonate with Gen Z's desire for individuality, creative presentation, and innovation

Consider developing a non-alcoholic drink menu

Consider partnering with brands that emphasize ethical production methods

1. Expand RTD Offerings and Customize Cocktails
Restaurants can tap into the growing RTD market by offering a curated selection of ready-to-drink cocktails and hard seltzers. This not only meets the demand for convenience but also allows restaurants to streamline operations during busy periods. Additionally, offering customizable cocktail options where customers can mix and match flavors or add unique garnishes can create a personalized dining experience that resonates with Gen Z's desire for individuality, creative presentation, and innovation.

2. Introduce Non-Alcoholic Beverage Menus
With the rise of non-alcoholic beverages, restaurants should consider developing a dedicated non-alcoholic drink menu. This could include non-alcoholic cocktails, mocktails with bold flavors, or drinks with functional ingredients like adaptogens and superfoods. By doing so, restaurants cater to both health-conscious diners and those who prefer a more inclusive drinking experience without compromising on taste or quality.

3. Create Social Media-Worthy Moments
Gen Z is the first generation of true digital natives, and their social media presence plays a significant role in their dining choices. Restaurants can capitalize on this by designing visually appealing beverages that are "Instagrammable." Whether it's a vibrant, colorful mocktail or a creatively presented ready-to-drink cocktail bottle, drinks that are aesthetically pleasing and photogenic are more likely to be shared on social media, providing free promotion and drawing in new customers through peer recommendation – the most effective form of marketing.

4. Host Themed Nights and Special Events
To further engage Gen Z consumers, restaurants can host themed nights or special events centered around innovative beverage offerings. For example, a "DIY Cocktail Night" where customers can craft their own drinks or a "Mocktail Monday" that showcases the latest non-alcoholic creations. These events not only create a buzz but also position the restaurant as a trendsetter in the beverage scene.

5. Leverage Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
Sustainability is a key concern for Gen Z, and restaurants can capitalize on this by highlighting their commitment to environmentally friendly practices. This could involve using locally sourced ingredients, offering beverages in recyclable or compostable packaging, or partnering with brands that emphasize ethical production methods. Clearly communicating these efforts to customers, through menu descriptions or in-restaurant signage, can enhance the restaurant's appeal to Gen Z consumers who prioritize sustainability.

Effortlessly Manage Drink Orders with Aldelo Express
As Gen Z continues to reshape the beverage landscape, restaurants have a unique opportunity to stay ahead of the curve by adapting their offerings to meet this generation's evolving preferences. By expanding ready-to-drink and non-alcoholic options, emphasizing sustainability, and creating shareable experiences, restaurants can attract and retain Gen Z customers, ultimately driving growth and staying relevant in a competitive market.
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Whether managing ready-to-drink cocktails, alcoholic beverages, or mixed drinks with multiple add-ons, Aldelo Express Cloud Point-of-Sale provides multiple solutions to support restaurants, food trucks, bars, and other establishments in enhancing their drink menu:

• QR code initiation of digital menus for in-store and remote online orders and digital payments
• Fast opening of new drink tabs via credit card swipe, dip, or tap using supported EMV devices
• “Open” and “Limited” Bar Tab pre-authorization to ensure cards are active and valid before closing tabs for a larger amount
• Tab search and recall by customer name
• Mobile point-of-sale solutions that support mobile, outdoor, and/or tableside ordering and payments
• Seamless inventory management including item countdown and low stock level alerts
• Customer profiles and digital reservation and waitlist modules
• Up to 20 digital kitchen display system (KDS) screens and 20 physical printers
• and more!

Learn more by contacting an Aldelo representative today at [email protected] or 925-621-2410

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​Restaurants that use ultra-competitive
Aldelo Pay or Aldelo Partner Merchant Services
obtain access to
a Centralized Multi-Store Restaurant Technology Platform
that includes Masa+ Online Ordering,
Unlimited Software Releases,
​Unlimited Software Upgrades, and 24/7 Technical Support!


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Please contact an Aldelo representative today for more details, 
including a free Aldelo Express POS demo trial

[email protected] | 877-639-8767 | [email protected]

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