A liquor dispenser, also known as a pourer or bartender, is a machine designed to automatically measure and dispense liquor or mixed drinks. Liquor dispensers are commonly found in bars, restaurants, cruise ships, casinos and other commercial establishments that serve alcoholic beverages. They provide consistent pours, reduce waste, increase efficiency and in some cases even allow self-service.
Types of liquor dispensers
There are a few main types of liquor dispensers:
- Standard pourers – Measure a preset amount of liquor per drink
- Precision pourers – Allow the pour amount to be programmable
- Self-service dispensers – Allow customers to pour their own drinks
- Mixed drink dispensers – Automatically mix and dispense cocktails
Within these categories there are countertop, wall-mounted and portable options. Dispensers may be manually operated with push buttons or touchscreens, or completely automated using sensors and software integrations.
How standard pourers work
A standard liquor pourer works by gravity pouring liquor from an inverted bottle through a precisely sized nozzle, also called a portioner. The liquor flows into a measuring chamber below the nozzle which determines the volume dispensed – generally between 1 and 2 fluid ounces. When the chamber is full, the dispenser stops pouring automatically.
There is a lever arm inside the dispenser connected to the measuring chamber on one end and the nozzle on the other. As liquor fills the chamber, it raises the lever and tilts the nozzle up, closing off the flow. When the dispenser is reset, the chamber empties and the lever arm drops back down, realigning the nozzle to pour again.
Some dispensers have a switch or button that must be pressed to reset between pours. Others reset automatically when a glass is removed from the dispensing area. Standard 1 to 2 ounce pourers are ideal for quickly measuring shots, martinis and other basic liquor pours.
Components of a standard liquor pourer
- Bottle – Stores the liquor above the dispenser
- Nozzle – Controls the liquor flow rate
- Lever arm – Connects nozzle to measuring chamber
- Measuring chamber – Determines pour volume
- Valve – Opens/closes to allow resetting
- Drip tray – Catches spills and overflow
How precision pourers work
Precision pourers use the same gravity pouring method as standard models, but allow complete control over the dispense amount. An adjustable valve beneath the nozzle restricts flow to the desired volume, which may be as little as 1/4 oz for fine measurements.
Many precision pourers have interchangeable nozzles to pour different quantities – a 1 oz nozzle, 2 oz nozzle, etc. The pour amount can also be dialed in on an adjustable valve without changing nozzles. Precision models often have an LED display showing the current pour setting.
Precision pourers allow accurate dispensing for cocktails, wine and spirits tasting, and any application where variable portion control is needed. The pour amount can quickly be changed between drinks.
Key components of a precision liquor pourer
- Interchangeable nozzles – For pre-set pour volumes
- Adjustable valve – For custom pour volumes
- Digital display – Shows current pour setting
- Flow control knob – Adjusts pour amount
How self-service dispensers work
Self-service liquor dispensers are designed for unattended pours at bars, parties, corporate events and other settings. They operate similarly to precision pourers, but are made for use by consumers.
Self-service units may have multiple nozzles for different drinks, keyed to user selection buttons. An internal computer controls the pour amounts and communicates with a point-of-sale (POS) system. Users can insert money or swipe a pre-paid card to activate pouring.
Many self-service dispensers incorporate internet connectivity, cameras and ID scanners to control and monitor usage. Some include mixers to automatically dispense cocktails. Self-service units save on labor costs and expedite service during peak periods.
Key features of a self-service liquor dispenser
- User interface – Touchscreen or buttons
- Payment system – Cash/card reader
- POS integration – Controls pour data
- Internet connectivity – Allows remote monitoring
- Security features – ID scanner, cameras
How mixed drink dispensers work
Mixed drink dispensers take liquor pouring one step further by automatically measuring, mixing and dispensing entire cocktails. They consist of liquor pourers integrated with fluid mixing technology.
Most mixed drink dispensers have multiple ingredient chambers for spirits, juices, soda, water and other mixer liquids. Computerized pumps or valves meter the correct amounts of each ingredient into a mixing cup or nozzle to prepare drinks to recipe. Users simply select the desired cocktail on a touchscreen.
Some units even incorporate ice dispensers, garnish trays, glassware washers and other automation features to create a fully automated bartending system. These advanced machines can serve hundreds of precise, consistent drinks per hour without active bartending staff.
Key components of a mixed drink dispenser
- Liquor pourers – Precision dispensers for spirits
- Ingredient reservoirs – Storage tanks for mixes
- Pumping system – Meters and delivers ingredients
- Mixing apparatus – Blends drink ingredients
- Touchscreen – For drink selection
Liquor dispenser technologies
There are a few main technologies used in modern liquor dispensers:
Volumetric dispensing
The standard gravity pourers described above work on a volumetric basis – that is, measuring liquid volume. The chamber fills to the preset volume, then pouring stops. Volumetric dispensers are the most common type.
Timed dispensing
Timed dispensing relies on opening the nozzle valve for a precise duration instead of measuring volume. Flow rate through the nozzle must be very consistent. Timed dispensing allows pour-while-inverted setups.
Flow metering
Flow meters measure the actual amount of liquid dispensed rather than time or volume. Precise flow meters regulate the pour and shut off when the preset total passes. Great for viscous liquors.
Mass metering
Mass metering dispensers weigh the actual amount of liquor poured. The containing vessel rests on a load cell that detects when the programmed weight is reached and closes the valve. Accurate across viscosities and temperatures.
Benefits of using liquor dispensers
Here are some of the benefits commercial liquor dispensers offer compared to manual pouring:
- Precise pour amounts – No over pouring costs
- Drink consistency – Every cocktail tastes the same
- Increased speed – Hundreds of drinks per hour
- Reduced waste – Full accountability of inventory
- Automated data tracking – For inventory and cost control
- Lower labor costs – No dedicated bartenders needed
Liquor dispensers also prevent overserving alcohol and allow self-service in appropriate venues. Models with internet connectivity give management real-time metrics and can help identify high-demand drinks.
Applications for liquor dispensers
Commercial liquor dispensers have many applications across the food and beverage industry:
- Bars & nightclubs – Primary users looking to increase drinks output
- Restaurants – Wine, spirits and cocktail programs
- Hotels – In-room minibars and lobby bars
- Cruise lines – Onboard bars and beverage stations
- Casinos – High volume drinks for patrons
- Stadiums/arenas – Quickly serve fans
- Catering & events – Portable units
Dispensers allow these businesses to improve customer experience and expand revenue opportunities. Customers get consistent drinks quickly while labor is used more efficiently.
Considerations when choosing a liquor dispenser
Key factors to consider when selecting a liquor dispenser:
- Output speed – Drinks per hour
- Drink variety – Cocktails or straight pours?
- Portion sizes – Shots, doubles or variable?
- Number of heads – One liquor or multiple?
- Self-service – Accepts cash/cards?
- Connectivity – Data integration needed?
- Size – Countertop, wall or standalone?
- Budget – Purchase cost and operating costs
The ideal dispenser depends on the specific needs of the establishment. High volume nightclubs need very fast pourers, while fine dining restaurants may opt for slower precision units. Budget, space constraints, power requirements and upkeep must also be evaluated.
Liquor dispenser maintenance
Like any commercial equipment, liquor dispensers require regular maintenance and cleaning:
- Replace deteriorating nozzle gaskets
- Inspect/replace measuring chamber components
- Check calibration of pour amounts
- Clean nozzles to prevent clogging
- Remove resin buildup in flow valves
- Check hoses and connections for leaks
- Confirm computerized controls are functioning
Following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule will keep the dispenser pouring accurately for years. Staff should be trained on proper cleaning procedures.
Conclusion
Liquor dispensers are powered by gravity pouring or pumping through precision mechanisms to meter and deliver spirits, wine, beer and mixed drinks. Models range from basic portioners to fully automated cocktail machines that measure, mix and dispense finished beverages at the touch of a button.
By providing speed, portion control and data tracking, liquor dispensers help drive profits and customer satisfaction at bars, restaurants, events and anywhere drinks are served. For establishments doing a high volume of liquor service, dispensers are an efficient investment.