 |
Salvatore KalabrezeHead of the British Royal Bartenders' Association
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Salvatore Calabrese: The Secrets of a Bartending Legend
- From the Queen to Bond: Celebrity Cocktails
- The Bond Controversy: To Shake or Not to Shake
- The Art of Cocktail Mixing and Character Profiling
- The Myth of Hangover-Free Cocktails
- The Mysterious Origins of Famous Cocktails
- Celebrating National Spirits
Salvatore Calabrese: The Secrets of a Bartending Legend
Salvatore Calabrese, the head of the British Royal Bartenders Association, reveals the demands of James Bond and the drink preferences of the Queen of England. In an exclusive interview with "AIF. Europe," Calabrese shares the secrets of his profession and his experiences serving a wide range of notable figures.
From the Queen to Bond: Celebrity Cocktails
Calabrese discloses that Queen Elizabeth II enjoys his rendition of the classic Martini cocktail, while the Queen Mother preferred gin and tonic. He recalls being instructed on proper etiquette before meeting the Queen, including refraining from kissing her, despite his Italian charm. Calabrese has also served cocktails to Princess Diana, Prince Charles, Nelson Mandela, Fidel Castro, and George Bush, among countless Hollywood and British stars.
The Bond Controversy: To Shake or Not to Shake
Calabrese reveals that he was offered a role in a James Bond movie as the bartender who would prepare Bond's famous Martini. However, he declined the role, as he couldn't compromise his principles. He explains that the famous "shaken, not stirred" method demanded by Bond is not ideal for pure spirits like vodka or gin. The vigorous shaking in a shaker compromises the taste and aroma of the drink, making it cloudy and less enjoyable. Calabrese believes in gently stirring cocktails to maintain their clarity and flavor.
The Art of Cocktail Mixing and Character Profiling
With over 40 years of experience, Calabrese has developed an intuition for predicting customers' drink preferences. He can often accurately guess what cocktail a person will order just by observing them. He believes that one's choice of drink can provide insight into their character, although this is a subjective and approximate assessment. For example, he associates brandy with individuals who possess refined intellect and a thoughtful demeanor. Whiskey, on the other hand, appeals to more sociable people and those who are determined to achieve their goals.
The Myth of Hangover-Free Cocktails
Calabrese addresses the misconception that cocktails are less likely to cause hangovers compared to drinking individual spirits separately. He explains that when people consume cocktails, the quantities of each spirit are minimal, typically around 20 grams of one, 10 grams of another, and 50 grams of a third ingredient. The headache-inducing effects of excessive alcohol consumption come from drinking larger quantities, such as multiple glasses of wine or spirits. Calabrese emphasizes the importance of knowing how to mix ingredients in precise amounts and in the right manner to avoid overpowering flavors and aftertastes.
The Mysterious Origins of Famous Cocktails
Calabrese sheds light on the enigmatic names of some popular cocktails. He explains that the Bloody Mary, despite its ominous name, was originally created as a hangover cure in the early 1920s. The Red Snapper, a variation of the cocktail with gin instead of vodka, gained popularity in New York, but eventually returned to its original vodka-based recipe and was renamed the Bloody Mary in the 1930s. Calabrese acknowledges that the origins of some cocktail names remain speculative, even with imaginative interpretations. Some names, like the Black Russian, are self-explanatory, while others, such as Orgasm or Sex on the Beach, defy logical explanations.
Celebrating National Spirits
Calabrese encourages embracing the association between nationalities and their signature drinks. He points out that when people think of Scotland, they think of whisky before kilts or Robert Burns. Just as the French are renowned for wine and Germans for beer, vodka holds a special place as the national drink of Russia. Calabrese suggests taking pride in the purity and unique qualities of vodka and the ritualistic way it is consumed, which is exclusive to Russian culture.
