I think there was an episode of friends or something when one of the girls boyfriends tried out sweetheart as a nickname. Didnt work out for him.
In the same manner, do what works for you.
Personally, I walk up, make eye contact, smile, say hi give a one arm hug around the waste (without turning to the side for that faggy one arm fake ass nigga hug) and kiss the cheek. Like out the side of my mouth kiss the cheek. Keep it casual. Kino it up.