The Donovan Bar
The Team Behind It All
Happy Ever After. The new menu has been expertly created by the industry icons Salvatore Calabrese, aka ‘The Maestro’, and Federico Pavan, Director of Mixology. Salvatore and Federico recreated the narrative of traditional stories and fairy tales in each cocktail through various ingredients and flavour profiles. From princesses like Cinderella and Snow White to classic stories like Little Red Riding Hood and Peter Pan, be whisked away from reality to a fairy tale land to discover their own ‘Happily Ever After’.
Happily Ever After follows on from The Donovan Bar’s previous two limited-edition menus ‘Evoke’ and ‘Once Upon a Time’ – both of which were created by Salvatore, Federico and the team. Like Happily Ever After, Once Upon a Time and Evoke were made to tell different stories and represent memorable moments. Building on this tradition, Happily Ever After continues to be a testament to the unparalleled creativity and craftsmanship behind every drink. Overseeing proceedings is Bar Manager Fabio Spinetti who has nearly 20 years experience at London’s most exclusive bars. You will be pleased to know that the iconic parmesan bar snack remains at The Donovan Bar to accompany the new cocktails.
A Magical Opening
Inspired by Jack and the Beanstalk, opening the menu is Head in the Clouds. the serve has been created using Patrón Silver, Green Chartreuse, Benedictine D.O.M, Kiwi and Pea. Striking green in colour, this opulent, earthy cocktail is perfect for those who dare to follow their dreams and step outside their comfort zone.
Peter Punch follows next – just like Peter Pan himself, this cocktail is ideal for a sprightly palate. Light, fruity and electric, the base of Altos Tequila Blanco and Casamigos Mezcal is lifted by Americano Cocchi Rosa, Dragon Fruit, and Guava and topped off with bubbles.
The final cocktail in the opening section is Little Red. A New York Sour in playful reverse, this short, strong and robust cocktail is just like our heroine Little Red Riding Hood and has been created using Uncle Nearest 1884, Macallan 12 Years, Amaro Lucano Anniversario, Muyu Vetiver Gris, Nettle and Strawberry.
Happily Ever After in Every Sip
Cinderella might be the most iconic fairy tale of all, and Midnight Scandal certainly lives up to this status. Served in a glistening glass slipper, this magical cocktail is created with Espolòn Tequila, Ketel One Vodka, Savoia Orancio, Coconut, London Essence Ginger Beer and Butternut Squash – making it light, fruity, with a touch of spiciness on the finish. Following the theme of the magical presentation, the Three Wishes is served in a genie-style lamp and grants all flavour desires in one delicious sip. Rich, chocolatey and fruity, it has been created using Ron Santiago de Cuba 11 Years, Johnnie Walker Black Label, Cadello, Marsala and Fig.
It wouldn’t be a menu created by The Maestro if it didn’t include a martini. Silent Pearl, embraces all of the flavours of the sea and pays homage to the home of The Little Mermaid. A bracing vesper-style martini with a savoury, salty twist, Silent Pearl is created using No.3 Gin, Grey Goose Vodka, Mancino Sakura, Samphire and Soya. Also featured on The Donovan Bar’s menu are 101 Reasons, Seven Apples, Wizzpop, Drosselmeyer, and Wonderland.
The Green Light; contains Altamura Vodka, Acqua Bianca, Matcha, Sherry and Lacto-fermented Cucumber which enhances the natural tangy flavours. Salvatore and Federico have both emphasized on the importance of sustainability in their craft, so the process of lacto-fermentation reduces excess waste created by cocktail garnishes.
Overall
The Donovan Bar’s ‘Happily Ever After’ menu is a masterful blend of storytelling and mixology. It offers a mature return to childhood dreams, followed by a magical escape with every sip of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. From the enchanting Head in the Clouds, all the way to Midnight Scandal, each cocktail is a delightful journey through beloved fairy tales, further cementing The Donovan Bar as a beacon of artistry in the world of cocktails.
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