It’s getting chilly in London, which means rooftop bar season is officially drawing to a close, thankfully the English capital is certainly not short of bars for those looking to escape the weather and imbibe. For this week’s Cocktail of the Week, we are heading to undoubtedly one of London’s most iconic hotels, The Savoy, which for those looking to sip the evening away in the most sophisticated manner, is always a strong choice.
Aside from being home to not one but two of London’s best bars – American Bar and The Beaufort Bar – The Savoy is currently awash with action. The capital is in the midst of London Cocktail Week, an annual celebration with this year running from October 3rd through 13th. Joining in on the action, The Savoy is running two exclusive experiences for cocktail lovers.
Those who enjoy a dash of history with their cocktails should beeline to The Savoy’s American Bar, where they can enjoy a classic Hanky Panky cocktail, formulated by head bartender Ada ‘Coley’ Coleman during the early 1920s. To celebrate London Cocktail Week, the bar is serving a vintage edition that utilizes Bombay Sapphire gin from the 1970s alongside vermouth and Fernet-Branca. Drinkers will also enjoy a cocktail made with modern gin, allowing them to pick out the differences.
Over at the Beaufort Bar, everyone who orders the classic French 75 is invited to spin the ‘Champagne Wheel’ to select which premium champagne they will be served to compliment the cocktail. Aimed to highlight the dynamic terroir of Champagne, the Champagne Wheel leaves everything to chance, adding a new element of drama to your evening cocktails.
[See also: Eclipse & Soda by Mount Gay Rum]
However, London Cocktail Week isn’t all that’s happening at The Savoy currently, it’s a big year for this grand dame as 2024 marks its 135th year. A momentous occasion for any hotel, but particularly for the storied halls of The Savoy.
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Recently, the Beaufort Bar started the latest iteration of its live performance series, Beaufort Bar Sounds: Jazz Edition, in partnership with Johnnie Walker Blue Lable. Every Wednesday until October 23rd, some of London’s finest Jazz musicians have been drawing the crowds, filling the bar with revelers looking to capture some of the hotel’s jazz age charm.
[See also: The Acadia Cocktail by Oriole Bar, London]
A collection of fresh cocktails has been concocted for the occasion, all of which highlight the smooth smoky flavor of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. For this week’s Cocktail of the Week, we were inspired by these jazz nights, so we have selected The Blue Walker.
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This little number is an elegant and refreshing serve, that pairs Johnnie Walker Blue Label with the light citrus notes of both grapefruit cordial and bitters. It’s also topped off with Laurent Perrier Heritage champagne, because, well, we are at The Savoy after all.
Ingredients
1oz Johnnie Walker Blue Label
2oz Clarified Grapefruit Cordial
2 Dashes grapefruit bitters
Laurent Perrier Heritage champagne
Method
Pour the Johnnie Walker Blue Label into a tall glass with ice, before adding the grapefruit cordial and a couple dashes of grapefruit bitters. Stir it all to combine before topping everything off with some Laurent Perrier Heritage Champagne.
Now of course, if you are enjoying this one at home, it’s never going to quite capture the majesty of a cocktail while the jazz is playing at Beaufort’s Bar. You could stick on some Miles Davis, close your eyes and you may make it 5% of the way there. Or you could stop being silly, hop in a cab, and head down to The Savoy to enjoy the real thing.
[See also: The Choco Negroni by Mayfair’s Il Gattopardo]
