Turn Your Customers into Holiday Brand Ambassadors

The holiday season presents a unique opportunity for your brewery to gain new loyal fans. If you can turn your current customers into your holiday party ambassadors, they’ll introduce your beer to friends, family, and coworkers in a way no marketing campaign can match.

Your customers already love your beer, and during the holidays, they’re more than happy to spread the word. With a few thoughtful suggestions, they can become the most popular guests at holiday gatherings and introduce your brand to a whole new audience.

How to Upsell During the Holidays - Tips for Your Staff

Your front-of-house (FOH) team plays a crucial role in making this happen. A well-trained, confident staff can upsell to-go beer in a way that feels genuine and not pushy. The trick is to position the recommendations as thoughtful suggestions that enhance the holiday experience.

Studies show that when asked, 49.1% of guests purchase to-go beer, compared to just 9% when they are not asked. Think of the impact of 40.1% more of your customers buying to-go beer – it’s massive! Here are a few simple recommendations your staff can suggest that every holiday guest will enjoy:

• Pilsner or Cream Ale –Grandpa only drinks macro lagers? Suggest a Pilsner or Cream Ale. These styles offer the crisp, clean flavor profile he’s used to while introducing him to the craft world.
• Amber or Brown Ale –Need a beer to go with every holiday meal? Ambers and Browns are perfect. Their malt-forward flavors complement hearty dishes without overpowering them.
• Seasonals –Looking for something adventurous? This is where your Seasonal Holiday Ale shines. The unique spices, rich flavors, and limited availability make it a standout for festive gatherings.
• IPA –For the seasoned craft drinker an IPA is always a solid choice. With bold flavors and hop-forward (citrus, tropical, and piney) character are great for those who enjoy something more complex.
• Stout or Porter –Bringing dessert? Stouts and Porters make for foolproof pairings with every sweet treat. Their rich, velvety flavors complement pies and cookies beautifully.

When your staff delivers these thoughtful recommendations, every sale deepens your customers’ connection with your brewery. Guests will leave with great beer in hand and a positive experience they’ll want to share with friends and family.

DraughtLab specializes in helping food and beverage companies understand and measure flavor. By building tasting programs and providing the necessary tools and training, DraughtLab empowers businesses to enhance product knowledge and improve sales and customer engagement.