Welcome Drinks Trend Are Our Favorite New Hotel
n our way from the Cancun airport to the Rosewood Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen, my driver asked, "Do you prefer tequila or mezcal?" "It depends on the occasion." I said hesitantly, as I was already enjoying a Corona from the cooler. Fortunately, he did not give me a shot of either, but he clarified that he was talking about my welcome drink. I usually get sparkling wine or rum punch when I check in at Caribbean resorts, but this one felt more unique. Since its opening in 2008, Rosewood Mayakoba's signature welcome drink has been the Chaya cocktail, I learned. Fresh-pressed orange juice, lemon, peppermint, and your choice of mezcal or tequila are the ingredients of the Chaya cocktail, which gets its name from the Yucatan native leafy green. It is also a delightful option for everyone because there is a nonalcoholic version available. With its blend of regional flavors and a friendly greeting, it was the ideal start to my stay!
After I left, I observed that more and more hotels are showcasing inventive cocktails. The hospitality industry is being significantly impacted by cocktail culture as it develops. “There is only one chance to make a good first impression, and it starts with a warm welcome, enhanced by a custom cocktail upon arrival,” said Dant Hirsch, president and managing director of Ocean House Collection in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. They introduced their signature welcome drink at the beginning of 2024: the Miss Clavel cocktail. The Ferrari Trento sparkling wine, named for the character in Ludwig Bemelmans' *Madeline*, is served over pears marinated in Rothman & Winter Orchard pear liqueur.
This trend has inspired some hotels to serve cocktails that visually reflect their surroundings. At Denali National Park's Sheldon Chalet, for instance, guests are served a cocktail made with vodka, Le Bleu combier, lime juice, simple syrup, and fresh mint leaves that evokes the icy blue tones from Alaska.
To create an immersive experience, other establishments use local ingredients. Highlighted by Glorimil Forty, director of restaurants at St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, the Pachola welcome cocktail consists of silver rum, passionfruit, and Acerola, a Puerto Rican sour cherry. Apart from exhibiting local tastes, this drink emphasizes the significance of rum in the island's economy and culture.
These thoughtful welcome drinks add a special touch and a sense of connection to the location, which improves the guest experience.
A delightful surprise awaits guests at the Hotel Vesper in Houston upon check-in: a Vesper Paloma, which is made with fresh mint leaves, grapefruit juice, Espolon tequila, and a dehydrated lemon wheel. The hotel's Texas heritage is reflected in this decision. In Bali, a Banyan Tree Escape called Buahan offers a special take on the traditional Negroni known as the "Baligroni." Star anise, cardamom, homemade tangerine liqueur, rosella tea, and arak are all used in this cocktail. "It is more than just a welcome amenity," says Puspa Anggareni, resort manager. "The Baligroni combines vibrant local ingredients, rich Indonesian spices, and the enchanting magic of Buahan to encapsulate the uncharted paths of taste."
A brand's identity can also be evoked in travelers through signature cocktails. Take the Singapore Sling of the Raffles, for example. The brand's flagship hotel invented this now-iconic cocktail in 1915, and the Long Bar serves roughly 1,000 Slings every day. Seeking to establish a strong and significant connection with their Mexican heritage.
The recently opened Silvestre Nosara in Costa Rica welcomes you with their Mezcalita de Naranjilla, which features the native Naranjilla fruit. With its combination of pineapple, Kiwi, and lime flavors, mezcal, triple sec, spicy syrup, and lime juice, this refreshing beverage perfectly embodies the local vibe.
During a 2019 renovation at Raffles Singapore, the Singapore Sling was added as a welcome amenity to give visitors a taste of the past.
Along with complimentary drinks, hotels are surprising guests with locally brewed beer and convenient canned cocktails. While Sapporo Classic beer is served at the Hilton Niseko Village in Hokkaido, Japan, upon check-in, the Miami Beach Edition serves cool spritzes from Miami Cocktail Co. Because Sapporo Classic is only found on the island and Sapporo Black Label is sold overseas, it is a special treat for tourists.
Each arrival feels special and a part of the local culture thanks to these considerate actions that improve the visitor experience.
With the introduction of new and improved nonalcoholic wines, spirits, and aperitifs, hotels are expanding their welcome offerings to be more inclusive. The Lotte Hotel Seattle, for example, has unveiled Maesil, a traditional Korean welcome drink made from honey-marinated sweet Korean green plums. Reviving and refreshing, this antioxidant-rich beverage is perfect after a long day of travel.
Visitors are greeted with a special iced tea at the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach, made from Māmaki, a medicinal leaf that Hawaiians value for its healing properties. After six hours of brewing, the tea is chilled and mixed with fresh pineapple juice. It is served with a cold towel to provide a cool welcome.
A welcome drink is a great way to start a vacation, regardless of what you are drinking. A memorable first taste of the experience that awaits is provided, along with an evocative introduction to the destination. In addition to improving the welcome experience, these considerate actions also showcase the local way of life and make visitors feel very welcome.
A Banyan Tree Escape in Bali called Buahan serves a special version of the traditional Negroni known as "the Baligroni." Through the use of cardamom, arak, rosella tea, homemade tangerine liqueur, and star anise, this creative cocktail creates a vibrant and fragrant drink that beautifully captures the flavors and spices of the region. It is the ideal illustration of how the resort gives visitors a distinctive taste of Bali by fusing traditional features with creative mixology.
Elegantly garnished with Ferrari Trento sparkling wine, the Miss Clavel cocktail features pears marinated in Rothman & Winter Orchard pear liqueur. This tasty blend makes a sophisticated and refreshing beverage that is ideal for entertaining. A festive experience that perfectly captures the spirit of the hotel's enchanting ambiance is produced by the combination of the crisp bubbles of the sparkling wine and the sweet, fragrant pear liqueur.
A dehydrated lemon wheel and fresh mint leaves are used as garnishes for the Vesper Paloma, which blends Espolon tequila with crisp grapefruit juice. A delightful and refreshing drink, this lively cocktail perfectly balances the zesty flavors of tequila and grapefruit, making it ideal for entertaining guests or sipping on a sunny day. A delightfully aromatic touch is added by the addition of mint, which elevates the whole experience.
