Claridge’s Cocktail Book: A Guide to Iconic Drinks
Claridge’s, famous for its legendary cocktails, has made it possible to recreate its signature drinks at home through the Claridge’s Cocktail Book. The book features a curated selection of recipes that bring a touch of hotel luxury into your home.
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
Here are a few signature drinks from the Claridge’s cocktail collection that you can easily recreate in your own kitchen:
The Claridge’s Martini
A refined version of the classic martini, this drink is a staple at Claridge’s. Here's how to recreate it at home:
- 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
Perfect for those who appreciate the simplicity and elegance of a classic cocktail:
- 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.
The Bold 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.
How to Source the Best Ingredients for Your Cocktails
Getting the ingredients just right is essential to recreating Claridge’s cocktails. Here are a few tips for sourcing premium ingredients for your drinks:
- 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
The cocktails from Claridge’s are meant to elevate any occasion. Here’s how to choose the right cocktail for every event:
- 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.
Pairing the right cocktail with the occasion will add an extra touch of elegance to your event.
