Claridge’s Cocktail Book: A Guide to Iconic Drinks
Known for its iconic cocktails, Claridge’s now shares its signature recipes through the Claridge’s Cocktail Book, allowing you to create luxury drinks at home that capture the hotel’s elegance and history.
The book offers a range of drinks, from timeless classics to innovative creations, perfect for any occasion. It’s designed to inspire home bartenders and elevate their cocktail skills.
Recreate Claridge’s Signature Cocktails at Home
Try your hand at these signature Claridge’s cocktails, and bring the luxury of the hotel’s bar right to your own kitchen:
The Iconic Claridge’s Martini
This luxurious take on the classic martini is a signature at the hotel. Here’s how to make it:
- Ingredients: 2 oz gin, 1/2 oz dry vermouth, lemon twist or olive (optional).
- Instructions: Stir gin and vermouth with ice in a mixing glass until chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a twist of lemon or an olive. Serve and enjoy!
The Claridge’s Old Fashioned
A drink with elegance and simplicity, perfect for any classic cocktail lover:
- Ingredients: 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey, 1 sugar cube, 3 dashes Angostura bitters, orange peel.
- Instructions: Muddle the sugar and bitters in a rocks glass, then add ice and pour in the whiskey. Stir gently and garnish with a twist of orange peel. Enjoy the smooth, rich flavors.
Claridge’s Fumoir Negroni
For those who appreciate bold flavors, this Fumoir Negroni adds a sophisticated twist to the classic cocktail:
- Ingredients: 1 oz gin, 1 oz Campari, 1 oz sweet vermouth, orange twist for garnish.
- Instructions: Stir the gin, Campari, and vermouth in a mixing glass with ice. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with the orange twist for a fragrant finish.
Tips for Sourcing Ingredients
To truly capture the essence of Claridge’s cocktails, sourcing the right ingredients is key. Here are a few tips for ensuring your drinks are as close to the original as possible:
- Use High-Quality Spirits: Opt for premium brands of gin, whiskey, and vermouth to get that signature smoothness and depth of flavor.
- Fresh Ingredients: For garnishes like citrus or herbs, always use fresh ingredients to bring out the best flavor.
- Specialty Items: Some recipes, like the Fumoir Negroni, call for unique vermouths or bitters, which can be found at specialty liquor shops or online retailers.
When you carefully choose your ingredients, you’ll be able to replicate the elegance of Claridge’s drinks in your own home.
How to Pair Claridge’s Cocktails with Different Occasions
Each Claridge’s cocktail is designed to enhance a special occasion. Here’s how to pair the drinks with different types of events:
- The Claridge’s Martini: Ideal for sophisticated dinner parties or evening cocktails with friends. Its crisp and refreshing taste makes it perfect for special occasions.
- The Old Fashioned: A timeless drink for cozy evenings, intimate gatherings, or celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries.
- The Fumoir Negroni: Perfect for a pre-dinner drink or as an aperitif at cocktail receptions, where the bold flavors can stimulate the palate before a meal.
Choose the perfect cocktail for your event, and make every occasion more memorable with the right drink pairing.
