"savoy" news and stories

After holding down a few bar shifts as a part-time night gig for extra cash, I knew I was really in trouble when I bought my first cocktail book that set me back most of my tip money. Flipping through the art deco dotted pages of cocktail recipes made my heart beat fast ... and it still does. The thrill of holding this book inspired me to give up the boring full-time day job and take up the bar life full-time. What was this cocktail bible? "The Savoy Cocktail Book" printed in 1930.

Although the first bar guide recipe book that we know of in print is Jerry Thomas' 1862 guide, "The Savoy Cocktail Book" has inspired many a modern-day bartender. The author Harry Craddock landed in London's Savoy Hotel after Prohibition damaged his career in the US. His bar book was one of the first to not only list drink recipes, but also a wine guide. Today's fancy pants bartenders should take note that it's not enough to be a cocktail geek. Mr. Craddock believed a good bartender also possessed a solid wine knowledge.

The legendary Savoy first opened in 1889 and still exists in London. The famous art deco steel "Savoy" sign was erected one year before the printing of "The Savoy Cocktail Book." This spot has boasted names such as César Ritz as first manager and Chef Auguste Escoffier as creator of fine cuisine. I'm more interested in the likes of the rare lady bartender Ada Coleman who Craddock worked under. We eagerly await the reopening this year after a massive renovation totaling over $160,000,000, including the famous American Bar where Craddock wowed his guests.

Get the recipe for the legendary Savoy Hotel cocktail.

Alabama-born LeNell Smothers defines herself first and foremost as a bartender, but she's been called many things -- most recently, the head mixtress at Casa Cóctel. She's owned her own whiskey label, called Red Hook Rye, and has been recognized by her home state as an honorary Colonel. Other interests include gin, sin and men.