Planning for Q4: Get Ahead on Your Holiday Beverage Strategy

Holiday success is planned—not improvised. With lead times tightening and demand peaking from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, Q4 is when beverage programs are won or lost. Use this wholesale-first guide to forecast demand, secure allocations, and delight guests with premium non-alcoholic options that match the season’s biggest moments.

Why Q4 planning matters for non-alcoholic programs

• Demand compresses into weeks: Thanksgiving → New Year’s Eve concentrates traffic and banquets; inventory disappears quickly.
• Guest inclusion drives covers: Elevated NA choices reduce “opt-outs,” increase party satisfaction, and support upsells.
• Operational control = profit: Locked specs, par levels, and delivery windows reduce waste, rush fees, and service delays.

Hero products to anchor your holiday builds

A simple Q4 timeline you can copy

• Week 1 (Now): Forecast by event type—receptions, prix fixe, NYE packages. Confirm case counts for each anchor product. Place preliminary POs to secure allocations.
• Week 2: Finalize menus and batch specs (ounces/serve, serves/bottle, expected covers). Set a reorder trigger (e.g., order when on-hand < 2 weeks’ volume).
• Weeks 3–4: Train FOH/BOH and bar teams; set lead/lag checks (delivery day −7 for buffer). Confirm displays and banquet par levels.
• Mid-season: Reconcile actuals vs. forecast weekly. Shift volume across outlets as needed; top-up before peak weekends.

Quick math for ordering (no spreadsheet required)

• Step 1: Decide serves per bottle (e.g., 5 oz pours → ~5 glasses per 750 mL; spritz yields vary by recipe).
• Step 2: Covers × attach rate (what % will choose NA). Many venues see 12–25% during the holidays.
• Step 3: Add 10–15% buffer for VIP holds, last-minute events, and NYE surges.

Menu placements that drive results

• Welcome pour upgrade: Make So Jennie Paris the “house toast” for private events.
• Spritz hour: Feature a Babylon Spritz signature on prix-fixe and lounge menus.
• Tasting menu pairings: Rotate Copenhagen Sparkling Tea selections by course.
• Zero-proof classics: Build four Lyre’s cocktails with seasonal garnishes.

Inventory & logistics tips

• Stagger deliveries: Split POs into two drops (now + mid-December) to keep storage manageable.
• Case economics: Lock case pricing and confirm minimums; align events to full-case increments.
• Display & speed: Pre-chill sparkling SKUs and pre-batch Babylon Spritz for service speed.
• Cross-training: Equip banquets and bars with the same specs for consistent execution.

Sample holiday features (steal these)

1. House Toast: So Jennie Paris Rosé, 5 oz flute, cranberry ribbon garnish.
2. Signature Spritz: Babylon Spritz over ice with orange wheel and rosemary; optional soda top for speed.
3. Tasting Pair: Copenhagen Sparkling Tea across seafood, poultry, and dessert courses.
4. Zero-Proof Classics: Lyre’s American Malt Old Fashioned; Lyre’s Dry London & tonic; Lyre’s Coffee Originale Espresso Martini.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I place holiday orders?

Place an initial order now and schedule a second drop 2–3 weeks before your biggest events. This secures inventory and spreads receiving labor.

Can you help with pairing and batching?

Yes. We provide pairing guidance, batch specs, and staff training notes on request to keep execution consistent across outlets.

What about storage and service?

Pre-chill sparkling SKUs, hold back-up cases near service areas, and pre-batch high-volume spritz builds. Use clear station cards to standardize pours.

Do you offer national shipping for wholesale?

Yes—Zepeim services wholesale accounts nationwide with reliable transit times and support for multi-location groups.

Can you support last-minute events?

We’ll do our best. Keep a buffer in par levels and contact us early in the week to explore expedited options.