VinePair Podcast Are Craft Cocktail Programs Helping or Hurting Bars and Restaurants?
Nov 13, 2025
The hosts tackle the debate on whether craft cocktail programs are harming bars. They explore the hidden costs and demands of skilled bartenders that many establishments struggle to meet. There’s a discussion on the challenges faced by bars outside major cities, including staffing and sourcing. The trio emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations and solid training over ambitious, complex menus. They also dive into how consumer expectations have shifted with premium spirits making a mark on cocktail culture.
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Late-Night Food Options Are Vanishing
- Late-night dining availability is shrinking, as bars close kitchens earlier when traffic slows.
- Adam describes struggling to find an open kitchen after a late NFL game in D.C.
THC Beverage Loophole Is Under Threat
- The THC beverage loophole is attracting regulatory backlash from many state AGs.
- Unregulated high-THC drinks sold widely face likely federal and state crackdowns.
Craft Cocktail Expectations Have Spread
- Craft-cocktail expectations have spread beyond bars built for them, creating hidden costs and strain.
- Patrons now expect premium spirits and labor-intensive touches even where economics don't support them.