Kegged cocktails have become an industry game changer, according to Norma Taps founders Dave Lincoln and Luke Jones.
As trends have evolved, so too has innovation within the mixology scene. For Auckland-based hospitality gurus Dave Lincoln and Luke Jones, the marriage of sustainability, technology and modern trends has created a unique combination that has gained popularity. Lincoln and Jones first encountered the concept of kegged cocktails during their travels in London and Australia, where they had been used as a solution to bars and restaurants' struggle to deliver high-quality, consistent cocktails due to time, costs, and the resources involved.
Kegged cocktails have become a way of the future in international markets. To test this idea in the New Zealand market, the pair opened a pop-up bar, Norma Taps, to gather feedback and fine-tune its offerings.
Lincoln said that innovation had always been at the core of Norma Taps. Using kegs for cocktails has made the process smoother and ensured quality and consistency while cutting down on waste and labour costs. This fresh approach has also boosted efficiency and met the growing demand for convenience without sacrificing taste or quality.
"Kegged cocktails are just like traditional cocktails, but with a twist—they're pre-batched, pre-carbonated, and sometimes even nitro-infused. This means bars can serve top-quality cocktails quickly and consistently without needing much prep time," said Lincoln.
In just three months, Norma Taps has seen incredible demand. With over 35 taps in Auckland and another ten across the North Island, it sells more than 150 kegs each month.
Kegged cocktails have considerable sustainable benefits and highlight the importance of reduced waste. Since the cocktails are served from kegs, there is hardly any bottle waste and less spoilage of ingredients like juices that often go unused in traditional setups. This has meant that resources are used more efficiently overall.
The Norma Taps range has tapped into the growing popularity of various cocktails, from traditional fan favourites to show-stopping concoctions on the rise. Lincoln said top sellers include Spicy Margarita, Espresso Martini, and Rosebud. By focusing on these crowd-pleasers, the kegs have allowed bars and bartenders to channel their creativity into crafting their own unique cocktails.
Looking ahead, Lincoln and Jones have focused on expanding the on-premise side of their business. Their goal has been to help other bars integrate tapped kegged cocktails into their menus, boost service speed, and elevate customer satisfaction.
Jones added that kegged cocktails have become a valuable solution for bars to invest in.
"They are perfect for busy settings and let bartenders serve cocktails in no time. With pre-batched cocktails, you can bring on staff who need little to no training, freeing up your head bartenders to focus on creating the custom cocktails they love," he said.
“With kegged cocktails, every cocktail meets the same high standard that customers will expect, which will help bars and restaurants establish a desired reputation for consistency and reliability.”
The pair also emphasised the importance of cost savings in the current industry climate and how kegged cocktails will lower overall costs for business owners.
Looking ahead, Lincoln and Jones believe that kegged cocktails on tap will become the new norm, and bars and restaurants will follow the growing international trend.
"We believe more bars will soon start offering staple cocktails on tap, like margaritas, espresso martinis, and spritzes. This move will help them streamline service while allowing bartenders to focus on creating unique signature cocktails for special occasions," said Lincoln.
"Ready-to-serve formats are the next big trend, attracting consumers who want convenience without compromising quality."
Norma Taps has represented innovation and sustainability, which has pushed the cocktail industry forward while meeting the changing needs of both bars and customers.
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