Surprise Your Guests with a “Hot Welcome Drink"

It is often said that the first impression is also the last one. A warm welcome and constant attention can actually be one of the things that sets you apart from the competition and ultimately helps increase customer loyalty. Let's take a closer look at such a "minor thing" as a welcome drink.

Why Do Welcome Drinks Work?

Statistics show that after a single negative experience in a restaurant, 51% of customers will never visit the establishment again. Just imagine going out to dinner at a fine restaurant without anyone greeting you or coming to your table. How would you feel?

That's why when guests decide to dine at your restaurant, it's important to have a welcome that sets the tone for the rest of the experience. A new alternative to the aperitif in our gastronomy is the so-called welcome drink, which is usually served in a different room than the actual dining. Its role is, among other things, to facilitate social interaction while all the guests gather and then move to the table. It is also accompanied by a small appetiser. The serving of a welcome drink has a longer tradition in Spain, for example, where it has its classic combination: "Cavas and Tapas" (Spanish sparkling wine and various types of small starters).  

Welcome drinks play an important role in any welcome - whether it is to welcome guests at a hotel, restaurant, conference, exhibition or any other place. Depending on the event, their role varies. A welcome drink can make a guest feel like they are part of the VIP area, make the wait at the check-in more pleasant, kick-start the taste buds in a restaurant, and relieve stress and create a nice relaxing atmosphere at business meetings or conferences.

Try These Welcome Drink Tips

When you think of a welcome drink, you probably automatically think of an alcoholic beverage like wine, beer, maybe a mojito or a soft drink. But the guests' reactions suggest that even a hot drink can relax them or cheer them up after a long journey or a busy day.

Hot cocoa, chai latte or coffee

These drinks are perfect for an early morning welcome that will literally warm the body and soul. Be sure to take good care of the quality of your coffee.

Spiced Cider

This is another drink to consider on a cold day, especially during autumn and winter. It smells lovely, is unconventional and brings a great warming sensation. In other words, a reliable "icebreaker" at social gatherings.

Grog, Punch, Mulled Wine or Slovak Hriatô

In winter, these drinks are not only popular, but also sought after by guests. If you really want to set yourself apart, prepare your own recipe for these drinks that you can show off afterwards. Hriatô is a very specific drink that even many Slovaks are not familiar with. Guests will be surprised by the strength of this beverage, its caramel sweetness, which suppresses the significant percentage of alcohol, and the mini cracklings that caress the throat and add to the uniqueness of this 'home-made treasure'.

A good welcome drink will not only get your guests up and ready for the meal, it will brighten their mood and add flair to your service. Don't forget that it is the smallest little things that matter in the end.

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