Greta Skamaročiūtė
Representing: Baltics
"Elevating Cocktail Culture with Empathy" focuses on the transformative power of empathy-both behind the bar and in front of it - while also addressing the importance of guest etiquette. By fostering empathy, the goal is to create a better work environment for bar staff.
This initiative seeks to infuse empathy into the heart of the bar industry, empowering bartenders to lead with compassion and encouraging guests to respond with respect. Through this approach, the aim is to enhance the overall hospitality experience, making bars more welcoming and enjoyable spaces for both staff and guests.
How?
1 - Personalized coasters paired with a delicious Ketel One cocktail. Each coaster will feature a handwritten note that expresses kindness and empathy, along with a gentle reminder of good bar etiquette. These coasters will serve as a personal touch, encouraging guests to connect with bartenders on a deeper level while enjoying a top-tier drink. By highlighting empathy and quality service, we set the stage for more meaningful and respectful interactions between bartenders and guests.
2 - An Instagram reel campaign encouraging bartenders to share the qualities they appreciate most in their guests as part of the "Empathy Elevates" initiative. Using the hashtag #EmpathyElevates, bartenders can highlight the positive behaviours and traits that make their work more enjoyable, fostering a conversation about how empathy and respect enhance the bar experience. This campaign will share stories where these positive guest qualities, paired with empathy and the perfect Ketel One cocktail, have led to memorable experiences, spreading these values throughout the community.
3 - A panel discussion titled "The Best Guests: How Empathy and Guest Etiquette Shape the Bar Experience" at the Baltic Bar Show. This discussion will focus on how empathy, combined with proper guest etiquette, creates a more supportive and enjoyable environment for everyone in the bar. Panelists will explore how guests who show consideration and respect, alongside bartenders who lead with empathy, contribute to a positive atmosphere. Bartenders will share insights on how fostering empathy and encouraging good guest etiquette can elevate cocktail culture, making the bar a better place to work and socialize for everyone involved.
Impact?
By prioritizing empathy and pairing it with a top-tier Ketel One cocktail, this initiative enhances the interactions between bartenders and guests, fostering a culture of kindness and respect that benefits everyone. This approach not only strengthens community ties but also creates a positive atmosphere in the bar. The combination of the social media campaign and the panel discussion will generate meaningful conversations about the importance of empathy and quality service within the hospitality industry, encouraging a shift towards more compassionate and memorable guest interactions. Additionally, the "Empathy Coasters and Ketel One Cocktail" initiative is easily adaptable to different venues and markets, making it a scalable and impactful solution that can be embraced by bartenders and venues worldwide.
One kind gesture with one thoughtfully crafted drink at a time!

Elevating with Empathy
50ml Ketel One
50ml Modified Crème de Pêche
100ml Soda water
Built / Highball glass / Ice column / Green leaf for garnish
Modified Crème de Pêche:
250ml Crème de Pêche
2 vanilla pods
2 teaspoons citric acid (8g)
2 teaspoons malic acid (10g)
5 dashes Angostura bitters
•Split the vanilla pods lengthwise to expose the seeds inside.
•In a clean, airtight container or jar, add the 250 ml of Crème de Pêche. Add the scraped vanilla seeds and the split vanilla pods to the Crème de Pêche. Seal the container and let it infuse at room temperature for 48 hours.
•After the infusion period, remove the vanilla pods from the Crème de Pêche. Stir in the citric acid (8g) and malic acid (10g) until fully dissolved.
•Add 5 dashes of Angostura bitters to the mixture.