What is a Rail Drink?

Key Takeaways

• Rail drinks are simple cocktails made with lower-cost liquor, typically stored in a bartender's "speed rail." Common examples include rum and coke, vodka cranberry, and gin and tonic.

• They are a high-profit item for bars and restaurants, offering excellent margins thanks to low-cost ingredients and high sales volume.

• Ease of preparation makes rail drinks quick for bartenders to serve, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction.

• Guests love rail drinks for their affordability and familiarity, making them a staple at any bar.

• Incorporating a rail drink menu can boost revenue, simplify operations, and cater to customer preferences, benefiting both businesses and patrons alike.

A rum and coke, vodka cranberry, or gin and tonic are all bar classics – and also make up some of the most ordered rail drinks. Rail drinks help maximize revenue while minimizing costs (and also tend to be the most popular thing ordered at a bar.) 

Here is some more information on what a rail drink is, why it’s important, and how to build rail drinks into your restaurant or bar menu.

What is a rail drink?

A rail drink, also known as a “well drink” or a “house drink”, is a mixed drink made with less expensive, lower-tier liquor. Rail mixed drinks are named after a bartender’s “speed rail”, the area or rack right in front of the bartender that holds the most used liquor and mixers, for easy access.

What is considered a rail drink? 

In mixology, any simple cocktail made with low-cost liquor is considered a rail drink. Top-shelf liquors aren’t used for rail drinks. Here are some of the most common rail drinks you’ll see at any bar, and their ingredients:

Rum and coke

A simple yet classic cocktail made with rum and cola, often garnished with a lime wedge for a hint of citrus. This refreshing drink is a bar staple and easy to customize with light or dark rum.

• 2 oz. rum

• 4 oz. cola

• Lime wedge (for garnish)

Gin and tonic 

This crisp and refreshing drink combines gin with tonic water and is traditionally garnished with a lime wedge. The herbal notes of gin perfectly complement the effervescence of the tonic.

• 2 oz. gin

• 4 oz. tonic water

• Lime wedge (for garnish)

Vodka cranberry 

A fruity and vibrant cocktail made with vodka and cranberry juice, often served with a lime wedge for added tartness. It’s a light and refreshing option perfect for any occasion.

• 2 oz. vodka

• 4 oz. cranberry juice

• Lime wedge (for garnish)

Screwdriver

This classic cocktail mixes vodka with orange juice, creating a bright and citrusy drink. It's a simple yet flavorful option, sometimes garnished with an orange slice for a pop of color.

• 2 oz. vodka

• 4 oz. orange juice

Vodka soda

A clean and refreshing cocktail that combines vodka with soda water and is garnished with a lime wedge. It's a low-calorie option that highlights the crispness of club soda.

• 2 oz. vodka

• 4 oz. soda water

• Lime wedge (for garnish)

Whiskey sour

A timeless favorite made with whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup, often finished with a dash of bitters. This classic craft cocktail is sometimes garnished with a cherry or an orange slice.

• 2 oz. whiskey

• 3/4 oz. lemon juice

• 1/2 oz. simple syrup

• Dash of bitters

• Cherry or orange slice (for garnish)

Tequila sunrise 

This vibrant cocktail layers tequila, orange juice, and grenadine, creating a beautiful sunrise effect. It's typically garnished with an orange slice or cherry to complete the tropical look.

• 2 oz. tequila

• 4 oz. orange juice

• 1/2 oz. grenadine

• Orange slice or cherry (for garnish)

Paloma

A refreshing Mexican cocktail made with tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda or fruit juices, garnished with a lime wedge. For a twist, club soda or simple syrup can be added to adjust the sweetness.

• 2 oz. tequila

• 1/2 oz. lime juice

• 4 oz. grapefruit soda (or grapefruit juice + soda water)

• Lime wedge (for garnish)

Long island iced tea

A strong and complex alcoholic beverage blending vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, sour mix, and a splash of cola for its signature color. Garnished with a lemon wedge, this classic cocktail is both potent and flavorful.

• 1/2 oz. vodka

• 1/2 oz. rum

• 1/2 oz. gin

• 1/2 oz. tequila

• 1/2 oz. triple sec

• 1 oz. sour mix

• Splash of cola

• Lemon wedge (for garnish)

For more ideas of popular rail drinks and instructions on how to make them, check out this post.

How much alcohol is in a rail drink? 

Like most mixed drinks, there is typically the amount of alcohol as one “standard” drink. For mixed drinks, this is typically 1.5 fluid ounces of liquor, or 1 shot. But this can change depending on the recipe. For example, a long island iced tea typically has much more alcohol, around 3 - 4 oz per drink, due to the five different types of liquor in the drink.

What are the benefits of a rail drink list? 

Here are some benefits of creating a rail drinks list at your restaurant.  

High-profit margins  

Lower cost ingredients, combined with higher sales, means that your rail drinks will be huge profit drivers for your bar or restaurant. Drinks typically have the best profit margin out of anything on a restaurant menu, and rail drinks take full advantage of this perk. 

Easy preparation 

Rail drinks are quick and easy for your bartenders to make. With only a couple of ingredients, rail drinks can be made super quickly – making your bartender’s life easier, and more money going to your business. Using a POS system like Toast’s Bar POS helps streamline order management and ensures bartenders have quick access to the recipes and inventory they need, enhancing speed and consistency.

Guests love them 

Rail drinks are incredibly popular amongst guests. They are an affordable and reliable drink option, and many people’s go-to when at a bar.

Rail drinks for everyone!

Rail drinks are a great way to increase your restaurant’s profit margin, while making both your guests and staff happy. For more information on how to optimize your rail drink menu, check out this post.