Vivian Marlowe
When ordering alcoholic beverages, it's helpful to know about the speed rail or well—a rack or shelf that holds the bottles of liquor that are most commonly ordered and therefore easiest for the bartender to access. The speed rail is usually located at waist height, and the bottles it holds are often cheaper brands chosen to reduce costs and maximise profits. The drinks made with these liquors are known as rail drinks, well drinks, or house drinks, and they're typically straightforward, made with few ingredients, and not dependent on a specific brand. Examples include rum and coke, vodka cranberry, and gin and tonic. Ordering a rail drink is a good way to save money without sacrificing taste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Mixed drinks and cocktails that incorporate spirits, liqueurs, and mixers |
| Storage | Stored within easy reach of the bartender in the bar's "speed rail", "speed rack", or "well", a rack or shelf at a lower level than the bar that the bartender uses to prepare drinks |
| Liquor | Vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, tequila, and possibly generic brandy or scotch |
| Mixers | Soda water, tonic water, cola, ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, and other fruit juices like cranberry, orange, and pineapple |
| Garnishes | Lemon or lime slices, cherries, olives, or even a stick of celery |
| Examples | Rum and coke, vodka cranberry, gin and tonic, margaritas, Manhattans, tequila sunrise, and Long Island Iced Tea |
| Cost | Lower-cost liquors |
| Popularity | Most ordered drinks at a bar |
| Preparation | Quick and easy to prepare |
| Purpose | To maximize revenue while minimizing costs |
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What You'll Learn
- Speed rail drinks are made with the bar's cheapest liquor
- They are also known as house or well drinks
- Examples include rum and coke, vodka cranberry, and gin and tonic
- They are quick and easy to prepare, which increases customer satisfaction
- Rail drinks have the highest profit margins on a restaurant menu
Speed rail drinks are made with the bar's cheapest liquor
"Rail drinks", also known as "house" or "well" drinks, are cocktails made with spirits, liqueurs, and mixers from the bar's speed rail. The speed rail is a rack or shelf that is easily accessible to the bartender, usually located along or under the bar. These drinks are typically made with lower-cost liquors, which can be stored within easy reach of the bartender. This helps to reduce costs and maximise profits for the bar. However, it's worth noting that some bars may use the speed rail to hold premium labels during promotions or to create an upscale vibe.
When ordering a rail drink, it is common to specify the type of alcohol you want, such as vodka, gin, or rum. You can also request a mixer, such as soda water, lemonade, or cranberry juice. Rail drinks are typically straightforward, made with a limited number of ingredients, and are not dependent on specific brands or age statements. They are known for their affordability and simplicity, often consisting of just one spirit and one mixer.
While the liquors used in rail drinks may vary, the most common options include vodka, gin, rum, and blended whiskey. These drinks are popular among guests due to their low cost and familiarity. They are also quick and easy for bartenders to prepare, contributing to enhanced efficiency and customer satisfaction. Rail drinks often have high profit margins due to the combination of low-cost ingredients and high sales volume.
It's important to note that rail drinks differ from "call" drinks, where customers specify a particular brand or type of liquor. Call drinks may include requests for specific brands of whisky, such as "Glenlivet and soda" or "Jack and Coke". Rail drinks, on the other hand, are ordered more generically, such as "vodka tonic" or "rum and coke".
While the exact ingredients may vary, rail drinks typically include alcohol, a mixer, and optional garnishes. Common garnishes include lime wedges, lemon slices, cherries, olives, or even a stick of celery, depending on the drink. These garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal of the drink but also improve its flavour.
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They are also known as house or well drinks
When ordering alcoholic beverages, the speed rail is the part of the bar directly in front of the bartender where the well drinks are kept. Well drinks, also known as house drinks, are the least expensive drinks on a bar's menu and are typically made with cheaper, high-well liquor that is stored in easy-to-reach places for quick access. These drinks are usually simple, straightforward, and easy to make, consisting of one or two ingredients, such as a spirit and a mixer, or a basic cocktail. The speed and efficiency with which these drinks can be made give the speed rail its name.
The speed rail order typically includes basic spirits such as gin, vodka, rum, tequila, and whiskey. These are the most commonly ordered alcohols and form the base of many cocktails. They are also the most affordable options, making them ideal for well drinks. The speed rail ensures that these popular alcohols are readily available for bartenders to grab and use in high-demand periods.
House or well drinks are typically ordered by customers who are looking for a simple, affordable drink. They are often the go-to choice for those who don't have a specific preference for a brand or a particular cocktail. The affordability and simplicity of these drinks make them a popular choice, especially in busy bars or during happy hour.
The term 'house drink' can also refer to a bar's speciality or signature cocktail. Each bar may have its own unique house drink, which is typically a more complex and carefully crafted cocktail, showcasing the bar's style or theme. These house drinks may be more expensive and elaborate than the standard well drinks but still fall under the same category.
Well drinks are usually served in a standard glass, and the type of glass used can vary depending on the bar's preference or the drink's style. Highballs, tumblers, and Collins glasses are commonly used for house drinks, depending on the specific drink and its ingredients.
Ordering a house or well drink offers a cost-effective way to enjoy a night out without sacrificing taste or experience. These drinks are convenient for both the customer and the bartender, providing a quick and easy option that satisfies a wide range of preferences.
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Examples include rum and coke, vodka cranberry, and gin and tonic
Rail drinks are simple cocktails made with lower-cost liquor, typically stored in a bartender's speed rail. The speed rail is a rack or shelf at waist height that sits along or under the bar, within easy reach of the bartender. The term "rail drink" comes from the rack's resemblance to a well or rail.
Now, let's look at the examples you provided:
Rum and Coke
Also known as the Cuba Libre, this classic cocktail originated from the American occupation of Cuba in the early 20th century. It is typically garnished with a lime wedge, adding a hint of citrus to the drink. This drink is a favourite among patrons and is one of the most frequently ordered rail drinks.
Vodka Cranberry
A vibrant and fruity cocktail, the vodka cranberry is made with vodka and cranberry juice, often served with a lime wedge for added tartness. It is a light and refreshing option, perfect for any occasion. This drink is also among the most popular rail drinks and contributes significantly to a bar's revenue.
Gin and Tonic
The gin and tonic is a simple yet classic cocktail that combines the herbal notes of gin with the effervescence of tonic water. It is traditionally garnished with a lime wedge. While usually ordered as a call or premium drink, the gin and tonic is a good candidate for a rail drink due to its simplicity.
These examples showcase the typical characteristics of rail drinks: they are straightforward, made with a few lower-cost ingredients, and can be quickly prepared and served, making them high-profit items for bars and restaurants.
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They are quick and easy to prepare, which increases customer satisfaction
The speed rail is a bartender's best friend, and for good reason. It holds the most commonly ordered spirits and mixers, making it easy for bartenders to quickly craft popular drinks. This efficiency benefits both the bartender and the customer, as orders can be fulfilled swiftly, enhancing customer satisfaction.
The speed rail typically contains lower-cost liquors, such as vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, and tequila, as well as mixers like soda water, tonic water, juices, and lemonade. These ingredients are combined to create simple, classic cocktails with broad appeal. For example, a customer might order a "vodka rail drink," specifying soda water or lemonade as their mixer of choice. This straightforward formula allows bartenders to prepare drinks with minimal fuss, ensuring customers receive their orders promptly.
The speed rail's accessibility plays a crucial role in expediting drink preparation. Being situated within easy reach of the bartender, often at waist height, means they can quickly grab the necessary ingredients without wasting time searching or moving around the bar. This setup is especially advantageous during busy periods, enabling bartenders to serve more customers in a shorter time frame.
The affordability of speed rail drinks is another factor contributing to customer satisfaction. These drinks, also known as "house" or "well" beverages, are priced lower than premium cocktails, making them a popular and accessible option for patrons. By using less expensive brands, bars can maximize profits while passing savings on to customers. This creates a win-win scenario where customers enjoy their favourite drinks at wallet-friendly prices, and bars benefit from increased drink sales and higher profit margins.
While speed rail drinks are known for their simplicity and affordability, they can be elevated to cater to diverse tastes. Bartenders can offer variations on classic drinks, such as a "Spiked Soda" (a rebranded vodka tonic) or "Cancun in a Cup" (a playful take on the Tequila Sunrise). Garnishes like mint leaves, citrus wedges, and fresh herbs also enhance the presentation and flavour of these drinks, making them even more enticing to customers.
In conclusion, the speed rail is an essential component of any bar's setup, facilitating the quick and efficient preparation of popular alcoholic beverages. By streamlining drink preparation, bartenders can enhance customer satisfaction, ensuring patrons receive their favourite drinks promptly and at affordable prices.
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Rail drinks have the highest profit margins on a restaurant menu
Rail drinks, also known as "well drinks" or "house drinks", are simple cocktails made with lower-cost liquor and mixers stored in a bartender's "speed rail". The speed rail is the area in front of the bartender that holds the most commonly used and easily accessible liquors and mixers. These drinks typically consist of a spirit and a mixer, such as rum and coke, vodka cranberry, gin and tonic, or vodka tonic. They may also include a garnish like a lime wedge or olive.
Rail drinks have high profit margins due to their low-cost ingredients and high sales volume. They are quick and easy for bartenders to make, increasing efficiency and customer satisfaction. Rail drinks are also popular among guests for their affordability and familiarity, making them a staple at any bar. By incorporating a rail drink menu, establishments can boost revenue, simplify operations, and cater to customer preferences.
The term "rail drink" may be used differently depending on the bar and region. In some establishments, the speed rail may hold premium labels as part of a promotion or to create an upscale vibe. It is always a good idea to check the bottles before ordering. Additionally, the term "rail drink" may be more commonly used outside the United States, with alternative terms such as "well drink" or "house drink" being more familiar to some bartenders.
Overall, rail drinks offer a great opportunity for bars and restaurants to maximize revenue while minimizing costs. They are a win-win for both the business and patrons, as they provide an affordable and reliable drink option for customers while driving profits for the establishment. By understanding the concept of rail drinks and their profit potential, bar and restaurant owners can make informed decisions about their drink offerings to enhance their bottom line.
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Frequently asked questions
A speed rail order, also known as a rail or well drink, is an alcoholic beverage made using the lower-cost liquors stored within easy reach of the bartender in the bar's "speed rail", "speed rack", or "well".
Common examples of speed rail orders include a rum and coke, vodka cranberry, gin and tonic, or a tequila sunrise.
Speed rail orders are made with the bar's cheapest liquor, which is kept at the bartender's waist height in the speed rail. They are typically ordered when a customer does not specify a particular brand of liquor.
Speed rail orders have high profit margins due to their low-cost ingredients and high sales volume. They are also quick and easy for bartenders to make and serve, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction.
