The award-winning Donovan Bar at the iconic Brown’s Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel, in Mayfair has launched its brand new menu, EVOKE. The new menu, which has been expertly created by industry icon Salvatore Calabrese and Director of Mixology Federico Pavan, has been designed to reflect the journey into, through and beyond emotions. Each cocktail represents different flavours, ingredients and techniques intended to provoke different responses, from comforting nostalgia to a heady adrenaline rush.
The concept
The Donovan Bar EVOKE menu presents cocktails in pairs designed to produce complex emotions through taste, aroma and sight, which have been meticulously created by Salvatore, Federico and the team. Each cocktail will provoke different emotions and interactions to the drink unique to the individual enjoying it.
The cocktails
The first duo to kick off the Donovan Bar EVOKE menu is Red and Adrenaline. Created using Patron Reposado, Amaro Santoni, Ancho Reyes, Red Bell Pepper, Montelobos Mezcal and Bubbles, Red was inspired by the traditional Italian saying “diventare rosso come un peperone”, otherwise known as “why are you blushing?” The initial salty, savoury taste is cleared by smoky mezcal, revealing vibrant red peppers, and a finish of tequila laced with chilli liquor. The fiery red pepper represents the ideology of the colour and holds many passions of emotion. Complementing Red is Adrenaline – Old Tom Gin, Lucano Anniversario, Liquorice, Grand Marnier and Balsamic Vinegar. Representing the motion of adrenaline coursing through your veins, the vibrant burst of citrus is enhanced by an energetic buzz from the gin.
Wonder and (In)decision follow – created with Patron Silver Tequila, Acqua Bianca Framboise, Coconut, Raspberry and Citric, Wonder provides a moment to impress, and this cocktail certainly continues to do just that. Initially welcomed with coconut on the palate, the nutty hum is followed by raspberry before bittersweet blanched chocolate. (In)decision reflects a situation we are faced with daily – “Which one to go for?”. The delicious combination of Pisco, Campari, Theorie Cuoir Lontain, Rose and Le Soda Water results in a delightful treat that can’t be missed.
The Maestro’s passion for martinis is honoured with Martini Roots – a savoury sensation made with a choice of Belvedere Vodka or An Dúlamán Gin, Tomato, Fortified Wine, Grana Padano, Bread and “Olive”. This perfect balance of rich and fresh is the true taste of home and is for sure one of the best martinis in London along with The Vesper martini at The Vesper Bar. On the other side of the menu is Comfort Zone, a harmonious and smooth creation that celebrates floral and vegetal flavours using Bacardi Reserva Ocho, Plum Elderflower, acidified Celery and Bareksten Absinthe. Also featured on the menu are Wanderlust and Escape From Reality, Deep Blue paired with Gratitude, and the duo of Bosco and Big Smoke.
Timeless classics
Alongside the new drinks will feature some timeless classics from The Donovan Bar, such as Sparkling Side of The Moon, the Gran Torino, and The Maestro’s iconic creation – The Breakfast Martini. Guests will also find an exclusive collection of some of the rarest spirits in the world on the Vintage Menu. Created using these treasured rarities, cocktails are priced from £120 – £5,500 and include the Aviation, The 1837, and the famous Salvatore’s Legacy made with 1788 Clos de Griffier Vieux cognac, 1770 Kummel liqueur, c1860 Dubb Orange liqueur and c1930 Angostura bitters.
The Donovan Bar
The striking bespoke glass-topped bar acts as the main focal point with its dimly lit undertone highlighting the intricate glass design, whilst adding to the intimate atmosphere of the room. Away from the bar, guests can enjoy the fine hospitality of Fabio Spinetti and the team and relax in the plush, dark green, velvet seats at one of The Donovan Bar’s luxurious silver-topped tables. The bar also features a ‘naughty corner’, a large semi-private booth that is surrounded by some of Sir Terence Donovan’s more risqué photographs. Also very naughty and VERY nice are the bar snacks which are some of our favourite in all of London, huge chunks of moreish parmesan cheese and great olives. There is also a focused menu of Italian classics that pair so well with the cocktails.
The new EVOKE menu is world-class with some brilliant mixology on show.
To discover more visit roccofortehotels.com
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All imagery courtesy of Rocco Forte Hotels.