Leuven, Belgium-based AB InBev, through its Global Innovation and Technology Center (GITEC), is introducing PureDraught, a one-way, polymer keg system that keeps beer fresher up to four times longer than a traditional steel keg and reduces the carbon footprint of shipping beer — all while offering more versatility and variety for bar and restaurant owners, it says.

As consumers continue to attend happy hours, their thirst of Margaritas also will continue.

Retro cocktails, pop-up bars with themed cocktail creations, tasting events and consumers seeking “Instagram-able” ideas are helping to drive foot traffic to the relatively flat on-premise channel.

Hofbräuhaus Chicago in Rosemont, Ill., features nightly entertainment in its beer hall, including bands direct from Germany and Austria, featuring singing, dancing and audience participation along with the regular hoisting of steins of beer.

Technomic's “On-Premise Intelligence Report,” developed with New York-based Beverage Marketing Corporation, examines trends in the on-premise market as consumers' demands for quality, variety and authenticity increase and their flavor preferences shift.

As Americans prepare to watch the Super Bowl this coming Sunday, they will be flocking to retail outlets for their food and beverage needs. According to an Insights from New York-based Nielsen titled “The Evolution of Super Bowl Consumption,” the market research firm identified how today’s viewing experience has evolved.

Nielsen details that the female fan base remains substantial, noting that it has held steady at about 46-47 percent of total viewership from Super Bowl XLVII in 2014 to Super Bowl LII in 2018.

Showcasing diversity and emerging trends from around the world, the list included bars from 26 cities across 20 countries, according to the list.

The quest to perfect and expand on traditional offerings continues to evolve as witnessed by national cocktail competitions, happy hours and step-by-step recipes on websites and cocktail chatbots, which are furthering consumers’ fascination and enjoyment of cocktails at home and on-premise.

Classic with a twist, similar but different, bar operators are venturing beyond the standard gin and tonic.

When the “mid-week slump” hits, one of my favorite activities is meeting with friends for happy hour (where we can find the best deal, of course) and imbibe with premium cocktails at a lower price.