How Coffee Shops Can Use NA Kegs to Increase Ticket Size
Adding 1-2 NA kegs to your tap setup lets you sell $4-7 draft drinks that cost you a few dollars per gallon. Here's the math and the playbook.
Adding 1-2 NA kegs to your tap setup lets you sell $4-7 draft drinks that cost you a few dollars per gallon - and your customers will love them.
Most coffee shops live and die by average ticket size. Espresso drinks are great, but there's a ceiling. NA kegs on tap break through that ceiling by giving you a new product category that's fast to pour, high margin, and genuinely exciting to customers.
The Revenue Math
Let's break down what one NA keg actually earns:
Cost Side
- Keg cost: ~$80-140 (varies by product)
- Servings per keg: 40-53 (at 12-16 oz pours)
- Cost per serving: ~$1.50-$3.50
Revenue Side
- Menu price: $4-7 per serving
- Revenue per keg: $160-$371
- Gross margin per keg: $80-$230
Comparison to Your Existing Menu
| Product | Cost to Make | Sell Price | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drip coffee | $0.25 | $3.00 | 92% |
| Latte | $0.80 | $5.50 | 85% |
| NA draft (sparkling tea) | $1.50-2.50 | $5.00-7.00 | 55-70% |
| Bottled NA drink | $2.50-4.00 | $5.00-6.00 | 30-45% |
NA draft margin isn't quite as high as drip coffee, but it's significantly better than bottled alternatives - and it creates an upsell moment your staff can use all day.
What to Put on Tap
For cafes, the two highest-performing NA keg categories are:
Sparkling Tea
- Naturally caffeinated (or not) - fits your existing caffeine narrative
- Beautiful colors draw attention from the counter
- Appeals to health-conscious customers
- Daypart: All day, especially morning and afternoon
Hop Water
- Zero calories, zero caffeine - perfect afternoon/evening option
- Appeals to customers who've finished their coffee quota
- Crisp and refreshing - pairs well with food
- Daypart: Afternoon and evening, especially in warmer months
The Upsell Script
Train your baristas on one simple phrase:
"We also have [sparkling tea / hop water] on tap today - it's draft, naturally brewed, and really refreshing. Want to try a sample?"
The sample pour is your best conversion tool. A 2 oz taste costs you pennies and converts at 30-50% in most cafes.
Equipment You Already Have
If you pour cold brew on tap, you have everything you need:
- Kegerator or undercounter cooler ✓
- CO₂ tank and regulator ✓
- Sankey D coupler ✓
- Tap faucet ✓
If you don't have a draft system yet, a single-tap mini kegerator starts around $200-400 and pays for itself within the first keg.
Real Impact on Ticket Size
Cafes that add NA kegs typically see:
- 15-25% increase in average ticket for customers who add a draft drink
- New visit occasions - customers coming in for "a drink" in the afternoon, not just coffee
- Longer dwell times - customers with a non-coffee drink tend to stay and order food
If you want help picking kegs and quantities for your cafe, Get Keg Pricing & Availability and we'll run the numbers with you.
