Design Inspiration: 5 Promotional Coasters That Actually Work
When it comes to branding, the smallest details often make the biggest impression. And custom coasters? They’re not just there to catch spills—they’re undercover marketing tools that’ve been around since the early 1900s.
Whether you’re pouring craft brews or brewing oat lattes, the right coaster can promote events, push merch, build loyalty, and get customers coming back for more.
Here are five coaster designs that prove promotional doesn’t have to mean predictable.
1. Say Less, Promote More
This brewery keeps it sleek with a black coaster, bold “cheers.” headline, and a subtle line underneath: “Wednesdays = Trivia + Beer. 7PM.”
Why it works: Minimalist doesn’t mean boring—it means sharp, confident, and intentional. This design grabs attention without yelling, while that quiet promo line does all the work behind the scenes. Guests spot it mid-sip and immediately know there’s a reason to come back next week (and maybe bring friends). Its branding and event marketing rolled into one clean circle.
2. Loyalty That’s Actually Fun
This coffee shop uses a cheeky, cartoon coffee cup to point the way—literally—to their Sip Club sign-up. With a scannable coaster and the promise of a free drink after nine visits, they turn loyalty into a vibe. It’s playful, on-brand, and way more effective than a forgotten punch card in someone’s glove box.
Why it works: It promotes more than just coffee—it promotes coming back. The character grabs attention, the QR code makes it easy, and the reward gives guests a reason to stick around. Plus, it looks great on social when someone posts their cappuccino with a side of perks.
3. Hype the Special While It’s Hot
The Smokehouse Bar & Grill puts their newest burger front and center with a bold coaster that’s impossible to miss. Featuring a mouthwatering photo and the headline “NEW Melt Down Burger,” it invites guests to ask about it right now—before it disappears.
Why it works: This isn’t just a coaster, it’s a table-side billboard. It gets people talking, builds hype, and drives FOMO—all without a single server pitch. Limited-time promos deserve attention, and this design delivers it with full flavor.
4. From Happy Hour to Home Bar
Dockyards Spirits uses this colorful coaster to turn cocktails into conversions. With a lineup of beautifully styled drinks, a clear QR code, and the line “Loving your drink? Make it at home with our Cocktail Kits,” it invites customers to take the experience with them.
Why it works: It promotes more than just a product—it promotes a lifestyle. Guests already sipping something great are the perfect audience for an upsell, and this coaster makes the leap from bar to bar cart effortless. The result? More sales, more brand love, and more reasons to come back.
5. Drink Coasters That Spill the (Organic) Tea
A vegan café turned a simple coaster into a farm-to-table flex with a bold logo, scannable QR code, and the line: “Farm-fresh and fully transparent. Scan to learn more.”
Why it works: Guests aren’t just here for the oat milk latte—they care about the story behind the salad, smoothie, and sandwich, too. By linking to an ingredient sourcing page or sustainability story, this coaster promotes what makes the café different: fresh, ethical, feel-good food. It’s a low-key way to turn a lunch order into a brand moment. And with dynamic QR codes, they can keep the promo current—think seasonal menus, local farm features, or behind-the-scenes videos.
Coasters That Work Harder (and Smarter)
Think a coaster is just a drink’s sidekick? Think again. Custom coasters can quietly become one of your most profitable print pieces—no exaggeration. Unlike flyers that get tossed or table tents that blend into the background, coasters sit front and center, right under your customer’s drink.
When designed with intention, coasters work overtime:
- They spark curiosity. QR codes, trivia, contests—small prompts that lead to big engagement.
- They promote your promos. Limited-time specials, new merch, loyalty clubs—it all fits.
- They boost your brand. Logos, taglines, colors, textures—it’s a vibe that sticks.
- They travel. Great coasters end up in purses, pockets, and home bars. Free advertising, anyone?
Cost-effective, versatile, and subtle in the best way, promotional coasters work while you’re busy pouring drinks or plating food. No extra hustle required.
Raise Your Glass—and Your Brand
From bold burger drops to loyalty programs with personality, coasters prove that even the smallest details can make the biggest moves. They're conversation starters, silent sellers, and little canvases that bring big ideas to the table—literally.
Ready to design custom coasters that don’t just sit there? Stomp makes it easy with fast shipping, instant proofs, and a design tool that’s almost too fun. Let’s make something worth spilling over.
- Tags: Design
- Nashira Edmiston
