24-07-2025
Large Format Cocktails Are Regaining Popularity–Here's Why
One of the large format cocktails available at L.A. Jackson Bar in Nashville. Thompson Nashville
As an aging millennial, I've long considered large format cocktails as the overly sweet fish bowls of college bars or the easy, batched drinks of pool parties.
Recently, though, I've noticed how more bars are adding a new section to their drinks' lists with two or three large format options. And the once popular fish bowl isn't one of them.
'Large format cocktails have seen a real resurgence for us,' shared Brian Galati, co-owner of Machine Hospitality Group. The Chicago-based group first featured large format, or what they refer to as communal cocktails, on one of their menus back in 2019. When they opened their newest concept this summer, Machine Cocktail Bar, Galati said keeping a few of those legacy cocktails was important to maintain continuity and also to appeal to the modern imbiber's demands.
'There's a strong desire right now for experiences that feel intentional and a little bit indulgent—a communal cocktail turns a simple night out into something memorable,' said Galati noting their two communal cocktails on offer as Breakfast at Tiffany's, a rose gin and fresh berry carafe serving four to six guests and the Black Hearts Club, combining white rum, pineapple, Campari and lime for two to three guests.
Breakfast at Tiffany's is served at Machine Cocktail Bar in Chicago. Machine Hospitality Group
In Tennessee atop the Thompson Nashville, L.A. Jackson introduced large format cocktails to their menu after noticing a rising demand for similar orders among bar-goers. 'It's common for a group of five friends to each order an espresso martini, so we thought, why not offer a large, shareable version to enhance the experience?' explained Danielle Filoramo, assistant general manager and lead bartender Paul Morrison.
While they said individual cocktails still comprise the majority of orders, Filoramo and Morrison still serve an average of a dozen large format orders per shift. 'Today's guests aren't just looking to have a cocktail—they're looking to connect, celebrate, and share,' they share on the new wave of popularity. 'It's about more than what's in the glass—it's the moment that surrounds it.'
Filoramo and Morrison have discovered that there's somewhat of a ripple effect when it comes to large format drink orders; after one is presented to a group, other tables often follow suit.
'When they arrive at a table, they command attention,' agreed Jon Mendez, chief operating officer and partner of A Street Hospitality, which serves large format cocktails like sangria fountains at their restaurant Porto in Boston. 'There's a clear 'wow' factor that sparks conversation, often inspiring nearby tables to ask about them.'
'In today's social media-driven culture, presentation plays a major role in consumer decision-making,' Filoramo and Morrison explained.
There's No X in Espresso is the large format espresso martini at L.A. Jackson Bar in Nashville. Thompson Nashville
The large format presentations at The National in Telluride take the experiential notion a step further with their porrón offerings, batched cocktails in the typical glass pitcher of Basque country in Spain. "We often see guests turn it into a game to see who can hold the porrón the farthest away from their mouth without spilling,' said co-owner Kate Thompson.
The National began offering three large format cocktails this past June, including the Basque region's Kalimotxo, a polarizing blend of Rioja wine, Coca Cola and lemon. 'We built our large format cocktails to be very easy and quick to make,' said Thompson. And yet, the experience prompts many questions from the unique vessel to the traditional recipes. 'Having something you can talk to your bartender about and learn a bit about another part of the world is a bonus.' Is the sudden interest related to the economy?
In a time when inflation eclipses our daily routine, Galati suggested how the renewed interest around large format cocktails is 'absolutely' influenced by the economy. 'Guests are more value-conscious, and a large format cocktail often comes out to a better price-per-person than ordering several separate drinks,' he said.
Machine Cocktail Bar's communal Breakfast at Tiffany's, for example, clocks in at $56 for four to six servings, whereas individual cocktail prices start at $18. 'It's a way to get a premium experience without overextending your budget,' said Galati.
While it's not necessarily cheaper for the restaurant to produce large formats—given the cocktails use the same ingredients as an individual drink—Galati justified that the impact is definitely greater.
Filoramo and Morrison at L.A. Jackson agreed, explaining that from an operational standpoint, large format drinks offer 'real advantages' as they're faster to prepare, which helps streamline service during high-volume periods, and they ensure consistency in taste and presentation.
Yet, the real value, Mendez stressed, lies in the atmosphere these drinks create. 'They bring energy to a dining room.' Bigger doesn't necessarily mean more
While ordering a large format cocktail may feel more indulgent, this isn't always the case. At Pelican Club at Faraway Martha's Vineyard, for example, they've offered non-alcoholic versions of shareable mocktails.
'Today's drinking culture is less about overconsumption and more about shared moments, storytelling, and aesthetics,' said Galati.
So that even the bars that do use alcohol for their large formats, like Machine Cocktail Bar, notice how customers slow down, are more present and enjoy the time with friends over this shared experience. 'A large format cocktail hits all those notes—it's about the vibe, not just the drink,' said Galati.
