Elevate Your Guest Experience: The Unseen Power of Innovative Welcome Drinks

In the ever-evolving hospitality industry, staying ahead of the curve means offering guests more than just a stay—it’s about creating memorable experiences from the moment they walk through the door. This morning, I had the pleasure of attending this month’s “Friday Flavours,” an intimate training session at the CoffeeWORKS Experience Center in Bangkok, where I witnessed firsthand how a well-crafted welcome drink can set the tone for an unforgettable visit. Thanks to my friend Dale Lee , Co-Founder & Managing Director at CoffeeWORKS, who knows my passion for all things beverage and marketing related, for inviting me to join the event.

Inspiration Beyond the Ordinary: The theme of this month’s Friday Flavours session was "Welcome Drinks," but these weren’t just any drinks. Under the guidance of Khun Top, CoffeeWORKS' master barista, we explored innovative recipes featuring Giffard Liqueurs & Sirops . These drinks far surpass the usual offerings seen at even the most luxurious resorts in Thailand. One standout creation, the "Saneha," (developed by Khun Top) blends traditional Thai flavors with modern mixology techniques, resulting in a drink that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious – and utterly Instagram worthy (see recipe at the end).

Why This Matters for Your F&B or Services Business: From a marketing perspective, incorporating such signature drinks into your menu isn’t just about serving beverages—it's about branding. These unique mocktails, which can easily be adapted into adult beverages, offer a perfect way for coffee shops, resorts, and VIP lounges to differentiate themselves. They are a conversation starter, a photo opportunity, and a brand experience all in one glass.

Building the Case for F&B Professionals: The event wasn’t just about learning new recipes. It was a space where baristas and bartenders, from coffeehouses, to high-end hair salons, to private in-house bars, shared ideas and found inspiration to bring back to their workplaces. This collaborative environment is essential for any business in the food and beverage sector aiming to stay innovative and competitive.

If you're in the hospitality industry and looking to enhance your offerings, or just be inspired, I highly recommend experiencing one of CoffeeWORKS' “Friday Flavours,” sessions featuring Giffard syrups, which take place on the last Friday of every month. Not only will you leave with new skills and ideas, but you’ll also understand the subtle art of creating drinks that make a lasting impression on your guests. As a passionate advocate for elevating the guest experience, I see the potential these sessions hold for any business serious about standing out in a crowded market.

The Saneha (by Khun Top)

10 ml Giffard Watermelon Syrup

10 ml Giffard Pink Grapefruit Syrup

20 ml Giffard Lemon Syrup

30 ml Lemon juice (fresh)

Fresh watermelon (5 piece)

For the rim:

Salt

Dried red pepper (finely ground)

For the garnish:

Red chili pepper (2 finely sliced pieces)

1 Fresh kaffir lime leaf

Tools Needed:

Coupe glass

Cocktail shaker

Strainers

Tropical cocktail toothpick (as shown)

Directions:

Mix salt and red pepper flakes on a plate at the desired ration (50/50 is a good start). Use a piece of lemon to carefully moisten 50% of the coupe glass going down about 30%. Dab the glass while rotating to cover the lemon juice coated area in the salt/red pepper mix.

Add Giffard Watermelon Syrup, Giffard Pink Grapefruit Syrup, Giffard Lemon Syrup and lemon juice (fresh) to the top half of a cocktail shaker and stir (10 ml of spirits may be added at this point).

Remove seeds from watermelon slices and add to the bottom half of the cocktail shaker and muddle until a fine pulp.

Add ice to the watermelon pulp and combine the mix from the top half of the shaker.

Shake vigorously until well chilled.

Double strain into the coupe glass.

Garnish with the kaffir lime and red chili pepper.

Enjoy.