The U.S. beverage market is a $354 billion industry with alcoholic beverages accounting for 60 percent of the revenues, according to Park Street. With numbers like these, it’s a good bet that a number of hotel guests and visitors would appreciate a thoughtful, well-curated beverage list.
Two major brands, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and Residence Inn by Marriott, announced new offerings this week that they hope appeal to those seeking a refreshing libation.
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts unveiled the new Worldly Classics cocktail program, which was created in partnership with renowned mixologist Angus Winchester. The unique selection of expertly mixed alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks offers a sophisticated yet surprising twist on the familiar cocktail, inspired by the culture and heritage of some of the brand's most iconic destinations around the globe. The program will be available at properties across the Americas beginning winter 2017.
Supported by intriguing stories and elevated service rituals, the Worldly Classics cocktails invite guests to discover the brand's international expertise, as well as the culture and heritage of its most iconic destinations. The Worldly Classics program is part of the brand's "Stories of the InterContinental Life" campaign, which showcases multisensory journeys to InterContinental Hotels & Resorts destinations around the world.
"InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has 190 hotels in more than 60 countries that span the globe, giving us the unique advantage of being able to deliver authentic dining and bar experiences to discerning global travelers," said Jason Moskal, VP, lifestyle brands, the Americas. "As the world's largest global luxury hospitality brand, the InterContinental Worldly Classics beverage program provides guests an immersive global cocktail experience to help transport them to many celebrated destinations around the world."
Inspired by the Golden Age of luxury travel, Winchester created 11 distinct cocktails embodying elegance, attention to detail and a sense of discovery. Examples of the innovative cocktails to be served across the Americas portfolio include:
- Brazilian Smash: Caipirinha inspired by the InterContinental San Paulo Hotel
- French Moto: Sidecar inspired by the InterContinental Paris le Grand Hotel
- Hong Kong Mule: Moscow Mule inspired by the InterContinental Hong Kong Hotel
- Indonesian Nu Fashioned: Old Fashioned inspired by the InterContinental Bali Resort
Residence Inn, on the other hand, is elevating the Residence Inn Mix wine and beer program. The Residence Inn Mix was introduced in 2015 to shake up the evening social concept and appeal to next-generation business travelers, providing an opportunity to experience unique aspects of the local area, socialize and network with other travelers without leaving the hotel.
The complimentary events are offered three nights a week at most Residence Inn hotels across the country and incorporate fun, rotating themes like “Off the Grill” Tuesdays and visits by local food trucks on rotating Wednesdays. And starting this month, the program will feature a carefully curated list of upscale beverage offerings.
With the enhanced wine program, each hotel will choose to serve at least one white and one red from a new selection of featured wines including Coppola Rosso & Bianco Pinot Grigio and BV Coastal Estates Chardonnay from California, and 14 Hands Winery Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington’s Columbia Valley. In addition to these new wine offerings, hotels in wine-producing regions may also offer one or two top quality local wines for their guests to reflect the destination’s offerings. Special Residence Inn Mix Wine Cards will be set out on tables, displaying the wine name, bottle image, varietal and appellation, along with a brief description of the wine, helping guests familiarize themselves with new labels.
Guests at the Residence Inn Mix events can also enjoy new, premium beer selections including leading regional brands like Blue Point Brewing Company, Breckenridge Brewery, Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company and 10 Barrel Brewing Co.
“As the leader in longer stays, Residence Inn is constantly evolving to meet guests’ desires. We created the innovative Residence Inn Mix when what we heard showed that next generation business travelers were seeking an on property social experience during longer stays,” says Diane Mayer, VP brand management, Residence Inn by Marriott. “We’ve seen the program’s success and know that our guests are savvy and educated when it comes to their wine and beer choices, so we’re taking the Residence Inn Mix to the next level with this new elevated beverage program.”