By Olivia Cuccaro
Seaworthy Flying Fish at Hotel Arts Barcelona
- 2.5 oz Havana Club 3 Años rum
- 8 leaves of mint
- 1 piece star anise
- 1 dash tonka bean
- 1 bar spoon vanilla sugar
- 2/3 oz cardamon syrup
- 2/3 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz fresh squeezed pineapple juice
- 1 splash soda
To create this cocktail of the week, clap fresh mint in hands and put directly in glass. Pour splash of soda on top to loosen mint oils. Add star anise, vanilla sugar, cardamom syrup, tonka bean, lime juice, pineapple juice and Havana Club 3 Años rum. Fill with crushed ice and gently stir to mix. Garnish with mint, pineapple, cardamom, star anise and vanilla.
A combination of art and history is the inspiration behind this week’s refreshing rum cocktail. Served at Hotel Arts Barcelona, the Seaworthy Flying Fish recalls the sparkling Mediterranean that the property overlooks, as well as the city’s landmark Peix Structure. Created by artist Frank Gehry, the golden sculpture’s name means “fish” in Catalan, but the concept of the Seaworthy Flying Fish cocktail goes beyond the iconic work of art.
“Historical letters serve as proof that in 1586 a fleet of English ships commanded by Sir Francis Drake were stranded near Havana,” said Doreen Phillip, mixologist at Hotel Arts Barcelona, in speaking to Elite Traveler. “The ships were full of plundered gold, but the crew was too sick to sail. Only a compass and a little symbol of a ‘flying fish’ around Sir Francis’s neck had given him hope.”
Legend has it that Sir Francis combated the physical toll of sea travel using local ingredients for their medicinal properties. He is thought to have created a mixture of mint for his stomach, lime to treat scurvy, and chuchuhuasi tree bark soaked in rum and cane sugar to cure dysentery. The healing brew dubbed El Draque — Drake’s Spanish nickname — is said to have inspired what we know and love as the mojito.
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“Our Flying Fish features a Caribbean measurement of Cuban white rum,” added Phillip, “an homage to the pirate with the ‘flying fish’ around his neck. The shimmering green concoction’s aesthetic is a perfect match for the seaside, artsy venue and the dangling Peix is a perfect pairing, reflecting its surroundings.”
Experience true Catalan style in the Presidential Suite, which spans the top two floors of the hotel. The penthouse suite comprises two bedroom suites, a spacious lounge, terrace, bathroom with Bulgari amenities, kitchen, and private gym with a personal trainer available. Guests of the suite receive the hotel’s multilingual butler service, specialized chefs, customized breakfast, and private transfer to La Roca Village for the best shopping in the city. Your stay also comes complete with a Mini Cooper cabriolet to explore even more of Barcelona during your stay.
Plan your trip to the Spanish city with our Guide to Barcelona featured in the May/June 2017 issue of Elite Traveler.
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Hotel Arts Barcelona is located at Carrer de la Marina, 19-21, 08005 Barcelona, Spain. For more information, please visit hotelartsbarcelona.com.
