The (unofficial?) world Martini guru

If you’re anything like me and can’t resist a good martini, a gorgeous bar and most of all a barman who knows what he’s doing, then get suited and booted and get down to the Lanesborough Hotel in Park Lane and ask for the man who has been labelled the world - yes - the world expert on how to make the perfect martini - Salvatore Calabrese.

Salvatore has recently published his latest book "Classic Cocktails" which I hear through the grapevine has quietly become the bible of bar literature. His cocktails have even been labelled "still works of art." Salvatore Calabrese has spent the last six years at The Lanesborough Hotel on Park Lane mixing magic for an international audience.

And if there is any doubt in your mind that he’s an expert, then his list of credientials should put your mind at rest; Salvatore is winner of The Campari Bartender of the Year 1993, Lea & Perrins International Healthy Cocktail Competition 1995, holder of the Chevalerie du Verre Galant 1993, Chevalier l’Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne 1992 and Chair of the London Area U.K. Bartender’s Guild.

Calabrese, previously Head Barman at Duke’s, St. James’s, has also established himself as a world expert on vintage Cognacs, and has spent many years creating the ’Liquid History’ collection.

The collection is made up of some of the world’s oldest and rarest Grande Champagne Cognacs. The vintages mark some of history’s most important events and his most memorable experience was opening a bottle of 1789 Cognac, the year of the French Revolution, and selling it at £1000 a measure in one night. Crikey, I think I’ll stick to extra dry with an olive thanks.

By Michelle Smith