Blue is one of the hardest colors to find -- naturally -- in nature. Think about it. Aside from maybe blueberries, which aren't really blue in the classical sense, can you think of any other plant, fruit, or vegetable that has a true blue hue?

At The NAFEM Show 2019, Perlick unveiled all the new innovations and solutions we've been working on over the past several months and even years.

Despite the fact ice is used in one way or another in more than 90 percent of all cocktails, the importance of cocktail ice has only grown over the last several years. One of the driving forces behind this trend is large format ice, and behind that trend you can find -- science.

If you ask ice machine manufacturers, companies who specialize in ice sanitation, or even companies that produce and sell ice, one theme is common. Ice is food.

This is no different in the world of bar and beverage.

Over the course of time, all designs change. From the clandestine days of the speakeasy to operations built to create Instagrammable cocktails, bar designs have changed, too. So if we know designs have always changed, it's safe to assume they will continue to change in the future.

An effective design is the balance of form and function. In bars and restaurants, maintaining that balance can result in an incredible experience for both employees and guests.

Recently, Perlick sat down with restaurant development + design to discuss a number of topics related to bar equipment and design. You can view the full Q&A in rd+d’s current issue. Here are some of the highlights:

Every few years, we seem to have a new conversation about the nuances of the next generation. Well, it's time to have that talk again here in 2018 as we examine Gen Z.

How do you build a more profitable bar? How can you create a bar and beverage setup that is more efficient, more appealing to customers, and easier on the staff? What do operators need to think about before they design their bars or before renovating them?

With so many quality bars around the country, it means a great deal to be labeled as “the best.” From the menu and cocktail quality to the atmosphere and bar teams, a lot goes into being recognized at the top of the industry. Tales of the Cocktail’s Spirited Awards have become one of the most prestigious and coveted honors a bar can attain.

The Gin and Tonic is a cocktail we often associate with the U.K. or here at home in the United States. But if we're looking at how this barroom staple has changed over the years, and we're being objective when we do it, there's no denying the Spanish have mastered the Gin and Tonic.