The American Bar at The Savoy is paying homage to the legendary musicians and songwriters that have entertained guests in the bar for decades, with a new cocktail menu.
The menu, named ‘The Savoy Songbook’, is a collaborative effort by the American Bar team, led by head bartender Maxim Schulte and director of bars Declan McGurk.
A collection of twenty cocktails have been created with the bar’s most iconic songs in mind. The structure of the new music-led menu mirrors the track listings of an album, with each cocktail’s title playfully referring to a memorable line in the song that provides its inspiration.
The songs themselves, their lyrics, melodies and soulfulness are reflected in the ingredients, styles and spirits used in the drinks.
Examples include Crystal Star, inspired by The American Bar song by resident pianist Jon Nickoll, which presents a blend of Star of Bombay gin, chartreuse and geranium cordial, Muyu Chinotto Nero liqueur and white port, and Concrete Jungle, based on the Empire State of Mind song, combining Woodford Reserve rye whiskey, calvados, 30 & 40 Aperitif De Normandie, lemon and a red wine and rooibos reduction.
The Savoy Songbook is accompanied by a live album, recorded by Jon Nickoll. The album, which can be downloaded on Spotify, will feature a live recording of the songs that can be found in the cocktail menu.
Declan said: “The American Bar is as much a piano bar as it is a cocktail bar. The aim of this menu and album is to celebrate the unique atmosphere of the American Bar, something our wonderfully talented musicians are integral to helping create.”
