Greenville Bars and NC-based Gin Maker Join Forces to Support Women in Hospitality
Several Greenville bars are coming together to support women in the hospitality industry with the help of a North Carolina-based distillery. Conniption Gin launched the “Raising a Glass to Closing the Gap” campaign in March to recognize the contributions of women in hospitality. The campaign, which coincided with Women’s History Month, will run until October. For every participating cocktail sold, Conniption Gin will donate $1 to the James Beard Foundation’s Women’s Leadership Programs.
Support from Downtown Restaurants
Downtown restaurants Scoundrel and O-Ku have joined the cause by creating their own signature cocktails using Conniption Gin. Lauren Painter, manager and lead bartender at Scoundrel, shared her thoughts on using Conniption’s American Dry gin for their cocktail.
“I liked how the American Dry was more on the refreshing, floral side for a gin, which is perfect for spring and summertime,” said Painter.
Scoundrel’s La Belle Cocktail
Painter crafted the “La Belle” cocktail, inspired by her dining experience at Chai Pani in Asheville, North Carolina. The cocktail features Conniption’s American Dry gin, house-made cardamom syrup, lemon, Champagne, and orange blossom water, highlighting the gin’s base botanicals of Indian coriander and cardamom.
O-Ku’s Purple Lotus Cocktail
O-Ku showcases Conniption’s Kinship gin in the “Purple Lotus” cocktail, a fruit-forward libation that includes fresh lemon juice, bitters, and St-Germain liqueur. Lead bartender John “JO” Odumakinde praised the campaign for its inclusive efforts and the versatility of Kinship gin.
Supporting Women in the Distilling Industry
Conniption Gin’s co-founder, Melissa Katrincic, was the first American female distiller inducted into The Gin Guild, shedding light on the male-dominated distilling industry. Katrincic expressed the importance of breaking through these barriers and serving as a role model for other women in the industry.
“It’s important to me to serve as a role model for other women in the industry and to embrace my passion, dedication, and innovation in the gin industry overall,” said Katrincic.
Other Participating Bars
In addition to Scoundrel and O-Ku, other Greenville bars supporting the cause include The Anchorage, Hall’s Chophouse, and The Rabbit Hole. Each establishment has created unique cocktails using Conniption Gin to contribute to the campaign.
This collaborative effort among Greenville bars and a North Carolina-based gin maker highlights the community’s commitment to supporting women in the hospitality industry. Through the “Raising a Glass to Closing the Gap” campaign, these establishments are not only serving up delicious cocktails but also making a difference by empowering women in the field.
