JOY AT THE SAVOY: THE AMERICAN BAR
Post by Judith Schrut Email Judith
The splendiferous Savoy Hotel’s American Bar holds a special place in the history of cocktails since it introduced American cocktails to a wide-eyed European public for the very first time. When the total ban on alcohol in the 1920s Prohibition Era America brought thirsty Americans over in their droves, the Bar’s popularity soared. Prohibition also brought across barman Harry Craddock, who famously came and stayed for 40 years, authoring the legendary Savoy Cocktail Book, still regarded as the bartenders’ bible.
The American Bar was birthplace to many classics - The White Lady, the Corpse Reviver, the Hanky Panky, to name a few. Wedding Bells was invented to toast Queen Elizabeth’s wedding to Prince Phillip; Moonwalk for Neil Armstrong’s 1969 moon landing; and Speedbird for Concorde’s first flight.
The Savoy was London’s original luxury hotel, the first to have electric lifts, lights and 24-hour room service. This most elegant and atmospheric venue has been a favourite of the rich and famous since it opened in 1889. The long rollcall of celebrity American performers or guests includes Marilyn Monroe, Bob Dylan, Fred Astaire, Judy Garland and Humphrey Bogart. Gershwin premiered his Rhapsody in Blue here in 1925. Frank Sinatra liked to sneak into the Bar and play the piano. As you ascend the stairs to the American Bar, take time to gaze and gawp for yourself at its wonderwall of star photos and memorabilia.
Nowadays you’ll find the charming and award-winning Erik Lorincz presiding over the American Bar, welcoming guests from all corners of the globe to cosy up with cocktails including his signature drink, the stylish Green Park. As it has for decades, classic jazz is played seven nights a week on the famed baby grand.
Erik joyfully described to us the honour of creating a special cocktail for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations last year. This led to Diamond Jubilee Punch, fittingly served up from the Lalique Fountain in the Savoy’s forecourt, a forecourt famed as the only street in England where vehicles must drive on the right. The recipe called for 36 bottles of gin, 40 bottles of champagne, 90 litres each of Earl Grey Tea, lemon juice and iced sherbet. Summer 2014 may well see the fountain overflow again as the Savoy celebrates its 125th birthday.
Unsurprisingly, the cocktail menu is a wonder to behold. Modern ladies favour the lasciviously fruity Pink Collins, champagne cocktails or the sherry, port and rum combo making up the Malecon, while gentlemen prefer classic drinks like Dry Martini or an old fashioned Maid in Cuba is a spirited concoction of Bacardi rum, cucumber, mint and a hint of absinthe. If you’re looking for a nightcap, American Bar has a strong selection of ‘lullaby libations’ like Spiced Milk, Savoy Eggnog and lovely Erik’s absinthe- based chestwarmer, Monet Moment, created in honour of the French Impressionist who sketched nearby during his stay at the Savoy in 1902. If it’s a liquid breakfast you’re seeking, try waking the brain with a Morning Glory Fizz or a Bloody Caesar.
The American Bar, Savoy Hotel Cocktails from £15, Mocktails £10.50
www.fairmont.com/savoy-london/dining/americanbar