As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can shed some light on why rail drinks are commonly placed on the bar rail. The bar rail is typically the area of the bar that is easily accessible to bartenders and is used to hold various bottles of spirits and mixers. Rail drinks, also known as well drinks, are made using these readily available spirits and mixers that are conveniently located on the rail.
One of the main reasons why rail drinks are placed on the bar rail is for efficiency. When a customer orders a rail drink, the bartender can quickly and easily access the necessary ingredients from the rail. This allows for faster service, especially during busy times at the bar. By having the most commonly requested spirits and mixers within arms reach, bartenders can minimize the time spent searching for specific bottles or ingredients.
Another reason for placing rail drinks on the bar rail is cost-effectiveness. Rail drinks typically use lower-priced spirits as their base, which are often referred to as “well” spirits. These spirits are more affordable compared to premium or top-shelf spirits. By placing these well spirits on the rail, bars can easily incorporate them into various mixed drinks without the need to constantly access other areas of the bar for different bottles.
The placement of rail drinks on the bar rail also allows for consistency in drink preparation. Since the well spirits and mixers are always in the same location, bartenders can become familiar with the positioning and easily grab the correct ingredients without hesitation. This helps to ensure that each rail drink is consistently made, regardless of who is behind the bar.
Additionally, the visibility of rail drinks on the bar rail serves as a marketing tool. Customers can easily see the array of spirits available and may be more inclined to order a rail drink if they are looking for a quick and affordable option. The bar rail acts as a visual display, enticing customers to try different rail drinks or experiment with their own preferences.
In my personal experience, I have found that placing rail drinks on the bar rail has greatly improved the efficiency of service. As a bartender, having all the necessary ingredients within reach allows me to serve customers quickly and keep up with the demands of a busy night. It also provides a sense of organization and familiarity, making drink preparation much smoother.
To summarize, rail drinks are placed on the bar rail for several reasons. They allow for efficient service, cost-effectiveness, consistency in drink preparation, and act as a visual marketing tool. By having the most commonly used spirits and mixers readily available, bartenders can easily and quickly create rail drinks, making them a popular choice for customers at bars and nightclubs.