Renowned bartender Salvatore Calabrese has served royalty and celebrities, crafted iconic cocktails and has created the world’s most expensive cocktail, and now he’s made liquid history again by creating the world’s oldest martini at Bound by Salvatore at The Cromwell on Monday, March 30.
The oldest martini was comprised of Park & Tilford unfiltered New York gin circa 1900 and Noilly Prat vermouth circa 1890, equating to 240 years of history. The martini was presented in an equally beautiful Baccarat crystal coupe glass.
“You are participating in a piece of history here,” stated Calabrese to guests. “We are talking the king of the cocktail…the martini. Out of any other cocktail in the world, if someone asked me which is king, this is the king.”
Calabrese was also celebrating his newest publication, the updated edition of his first cocktail book, “Classic Cocktails.” The New York Times called the original edition “a must-have,” and now it contains even more: new chapters and images; up-to-the-minute information on the most exciting cocktail trends, tastes, and techniques; and newly uncovered historical tidbits. “Classic Cocktails” is available April 21 and can be purchased at Bound or anywhere books are sold.
Guests of Bound are able to view and taste these rare finds with pours available for purchase, while quantities last, along with other extraordinary bottles, in the Liquid History cabinet.
The highly-acclaimed Bound by Salvatore, has brought new meaning to the lobby bar experience. Calabrese’s more than thirty years of experience shines with perfectly executed classic cocktails, never-before-seen espresso cocktails, elegant champagne cocktails, signature cocktails and exclusive to The Cromwell creations.
The distinctive circular bar at Bound by Salvatore serves as the centerpiece for the elegant space. With gold and dark tones, the feeling of warmth and intimacy is felt throughout the area, along with subtle lighting and beautiful design. Plush seating and curtains surround the bar, allowing for guests to separate themselves from the outside and enjoy themselves in a classic and sophisticated atmosphere. Bound by Salvatore is yet another example of the exclusivity of The Cromwell and how “nothing comes close to Cromwell.”
Salvatore Calabrese is one of the world’s most respected bartenders. His career spans more than 30 years in the hospitality business, beginning in Maiori on Italy’s Amalfi Coast; moving to London and the bar at DUKES Hotel in St. James, London; Library Bar at the prestigious Lanesborough Hotel at Hyde Park Corner; his own bar, Salvatore, at FIFTY in the 50 St. James’ venue; and Salvatore’s Bar at Playboy Club London. While at DUKES, he developed a reputation for his Martini Cocktail (some say the best in the world) and a niche market for extra-special cognacs. This was the start of a concept he calls “Liquid History,” a marketing concept that gained him respect amongst his peers. Salvatore Calabrese is past president of the United Kingdom Bartenders’ Guild. Today, Calabrese is internationally active within the industry, encouraging bartenders to become more professional through training programs while also judging national and international bartenders’ competitions.
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What a cool idea. I’ll have to check that book out.