Goose peach vodka with basil essence and St . Germain elderflower liqueur , it ’ s topped off with Champagne to deliver a mouth-watering experience . The bar ’ s Smokin Passion and Lux Espresso Martini are also quite popular among guests .
MORE BOUGIE COCKTAILS SOON TO COME
The hotel cocktail revamp will continue next with Phase # 2 at the Lobby Bar , which will feature more batched and bottled cocktails from the cocktail kitchen , with a focus on California ingredients and the era of glam .
“ We go back in December for phase two and will implement some really cool cocktails for the lobby ,” says Kathy
Casey , president and CEO of Liquid Kitchen . “ We ’ ll be introducing new glassware and everything will be glam and bougie , which is perfect for the local LA crowd . I think they ’ ll love these cocktails .”
It ’ s been interesting to see how sales patterns have evolved post introduction of the menu , Noone adds .
“ Because of our location and the emphasis on recent years to lower alcohol consumption , we ’ ve struggled since we opened ,” he notes . “ But this is a reverse trend for us , and we have seen substantial increases in our liquor volumes . We can ’ t wait for the introduction of the Lobby Bar in December .” – Krystina Skibo
Multi-Concept Hospitality :
PRINCESS CRUISES
Beverages Fit For a Queen
CONSUMERS HAVE NO SHORTAGE of options when it comes to cruises , and many lines excel in food and beverage offerings . Princess Cruises stands out for its exceptional programs on all 15 ships in the fleet .
For one , the company has partnered with celebrity mixologist Rob Floyd , who uses his unique blend of knowledge , technique and flair for storytelling to create cocktails exclusive to Princess . Guests can explore these new drinks at the lively Good Spirits at Sea cocktail bar , which is based on the popular Good Spirits TV series . Guests are immersed in the culture of each destination with crafted cocktails inspired by regional flavors around the world .
“ Rob has been a great partner for us ,” says Sami Kohen , vice president of food and beverage for Princess Cruises . Floyd is also heavily involved with Princess ’ newest ship , the Sun Princess , which will have 25 different bars .
FINE WINES
Each Princess ship is recognized for its wine list . The selections include more than 250 labels of wines that pair well with the menu to offer a well-rounded culinary experience . The brand this past year launched several partnerships and initiatives , including a Caymus Winemaker Dinner .
Available on all ships in the fleet , the exclusive dinner leverages the expertise of Chuck Wagner , owner and winemaker of Caymus Vineyards , to deliver a five-course menu that complements the tasting notes of his wines . Caymus Vineyards is also working with Princess on a refreshed wine menu , and will be the curator for Crown Grill specialty restaurant , with wine-pairing recommendations on the menu .
Princess also partnered with spirits provider Diageo to create a series of pop-up Martini bars . Guests can sip and savor custom-made libations featuring the top-quality spirits , fresh ingredients and unique preparation techniques from by Princess ’ own expert mixologists .
Offered at venues such as Crooners , Take 5 , Crown Grill and The Wheelhouse multiple times per voyage , guests can request their favorite gin or vodka Martini , combine it with dry vermouth ( or keep it very dry ). They can then customize their creation with olives stuffed with everything from blue cheese to caviar and finishing a twist of lemon , lime or orange for a truly personalized experience . The cruise line is revamping its Martini program , Kohen says , “ putting a new twist on the old program and making it fun .”
Princess , which had seven ships sailing in Alaska during the 2023 season , expanded the beverage program onboard these ships this year to include decadent coffee and hot chocolate-based creations , themed frozen drinks , Alaska wines and flights of Alaska beer , Alaska cocktails , Bloody Marys and Mimosas .
The cruise line has also named Lavazza its official coffee partner , giving guests the chance to enjoy hot coffee options and convenient ready-to-drink cans . The partnership will soon be expanded to include coffee-inspired dinners and recipes collectively designed by Lavazza experts and Princess executive chefs , educational sessions , tastings , food pairings and samplings . — Melissa Dowling
www . cheersonline . com Winter 2023 • Cheers 11