Miruna-Andreea Tudose

I'm thrilled to unveil an initiative that captures the essence of Ketel One Vodka's commitment to community and innovation. Our mission has always been to elevate both the cocktail and the bartender, pushing cocktail culture forward while making a meaningful impact on the world and our industry.

Today, we are introducing the "Stronger Together" initiative, designed to support the hospitality community here in Bucharest. This initiative specifically targets individuals from Nepal, Sri Lanka, and India who work in our local venues but face challenges in accessing formal training and career development. By the end of the year, we aim to train 20 individuals from renowned venues such as Ave Forchetta, Grande Belleza, Linea Closer to the Moon, and Kraft Market, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in the hospitality industry.

Hosted at our company's dedicated academy, the program will include two monthly sessions, each lasting two hours, covering essential topics like cocktail preparation, customer service excellence, sustainable bartending practices, and speciality coffee skills. We are confident that this training will significantly enhance participants' prospects, and we expect many will be in a position to secure higher roles within six months of completing the program.

I've crafted a special cocktail: "Stronger Together" to symbolise our dedication to sustainability and unity. This cocktail embodies our belief in the power of collaboration and the positive impact of combining diverse elements. Featuring an Espresso Martini made from leftover coffee grounds from local coffee shops and a lemon coulis crafted from fresh juice leftovers, "Stronger Together" is more than just a drink – it's a testament to our commitment to reducing waste and celebrating the synergy of diverse influences. The cocktail is garnished with a delicate rice crisp, symbolizing the strength and resilience of the participants, who, like rice, form the foundation of many cultures and adapt beautifully to different environments, just as they will thrive in Bucharest's diverse hospitality landscape.

Our goal is to create a lasting impact by strengthening the local hospitality industry with passionate, well-trained professionals and promoting sustainability through the creative use of resources. With 70% of consumers now showing a preference for sustainable practices in hospitality, this initiative not only prepares our participants for success but also positions their venues at the forefront of this important trend. By enhancing the skills of local workers, we contribute to the economic resilience of Bucharest's hospitality sector. This initiative aligns perfectly with the growing demand for skilled professionals in our city and addresses a critical gap in the market.
"Stronger Together" is more than a cocktail; it's a call to action. By coming together, we can elevate the hospitality community, foster cultural exchange, and build a more inclusive and resilient industry. Similar programs in other European cities have shown a 30% increase in customer satisfaction at participating venues, and we are confident that Bucharest will experience similar success.

Stronger Together

30 ml Ketel One Vodka
80 ml homemade coffee liqueur
10 ml lemon coulis
2 dashes walnut bitter
Garnish : Rice crispy paper
Shaken & poured into a coupette

Ingredients for homemade coffee liqueur:
700g used coffee grounds
800g white sugar
500g water
1 liter Ketel One Vodka
1 liter cold espresso
Instructions:
1.Combine the used coffee grounds, sugar, water, and vodka in a heat-resistant container.
2.Heat the mixture to 85°C and let it infuse for 2 hours.
3.Strain the mixture to remove the coffee grounds.
4.Add the cold espresso to the strained liquid and stir until fully combined.

Ingredients for lemon coulis :
800g juiced lemon peels (from lemons after they've been juiced)
450g white sugar
200g water
Instructions:
1.In a pot, combine the juiced lemon peels, sugar, and water.
2.Heat the mixture to 90°C and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3.Blend the cooked mixture until smooth.
4.Strain to remove any remaining solids for a smooth coulis.