Cocktail innovation is an essential part of being a good bar operator. To design a good cocktail menu, you need to not only know the trends in cocktails but understand which flavours work together and how they balance on the palate. Menu planning and a cocktail list that is carefully put together, keeping in mind the ingredients that are used in creating them, can contribute to the overall profitability of the bar.

In this video, Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network and USA Ratings, is in a conversation with Samantha Lindquist, Bartender and Mixologist for Alila Napa Valley, where Samantha explains the elements required for the creation of a successful cocktail program.