Las Vegas Weekly

Tending the ‘tenders: Ketel One treats bartenders to a spa day

Industry members were thanked with reflexology, manicures and snacks

Jose Cuervo Tequila Ambassador Kevin Vanegas makes Mariena Mercer’s Sandia Ginger Fresca Margarita.

In addition to its consumers, Ketel One Vodka knows what bartenders like. A 30th floor Fantasy Tower suite at the Palms became a spa for the day on Tuesday, with over 100 bartenders, bar managers and industry members receiving a pampering the likes of which many may be unaccustomed. "The purpose is to thank our partners in the trade,” said liquor company Diageo Field Marketing Manager Sarah Richardson, “to pamper them."

At the door, bartenders were greeted with a Ketel One spa robe and slippers. Throughout the suite, rooms hosted masseurs, foot reflexologists, a manicure station and straightedge razor shaves for the men. Bartenders could also have their name engraved on flasks or bottle openers.

"They're having a blast, these guys. Some of them said they've never been to a spa,” said Richardson. "And the wet shave, many of them have never had a shave like that."

Cocktail stations introduced bartenders to four new Ketel One and Ketel One Citroen cocktails, as well as Singleton Scotch Whisky of Glendullan and the Jose Cuervo Platino cocktail created by First Food & Bar’s Mariena Mercer, the Sandia Ginger Fresca Margarita.

After nibbling on hors d’oeuvres and dipping tired feet into the infinity hot tub while overlooking the city skyline, it makes one wonder how positively amazing the service was going to be at Cadillac Ranch, Tao and Bouchon tonight, now that their bartenders have been tended to, too.