There are no qualms why The St. Regis came to the idea of dedicating its brand new bar menu to New York. The origin point of the most popular drinks, its bars, speakeasies and classy bartenders, the Big Apple is a perfect candidate.
But if you are as versed and picky as us, just a well-mixed good old Manhattan won’t be enough to satisfy you. Would it? If you crave something sophisticated and original with a special twist to your favorite drink, swing by The St. Regis bar for a special experience where every cocktail comes with a story. Chief bartender Enzo behind the New York New York bar menu skilfully and thoroughly studied each cocktail’s DNA and added a zing with some St. Regis character to it.
Inspired by one of the cocktail capitals of the world, new St. Regis menu is, in fact, inviting you to take a journey to American history through cocktail classics and new favorites.
BRINGING FRENCH 75 AND BLOODY MARY TOGETHER
French 75 always catches my eye in every bar menu. The formula of gin, champagne and lemon juice doesn’t sound like something extra complicated to mix, however many bartenders struggle to find the perfect balance. The St. Regis takes that base of French 75 and brings it to a new savory level with cherry tomatoes and Tabasco. Sounds familiar? Naturally, as those are the ingredients of Bloody Mary, the cocktail that The St. Regis is famous for. The recipe was born at the King Cole Room in New York’s The St. Regis Hotel and has become the house special ever since.
COOKING MINT JULEP IN A POT
The official drink of Kentucky Derby, once enjoyed by plantation owners and Confederate generals, it is a well-known refreshing summer option. I first tasted it in the Twelve Oak Plantation in Louisiana in the May heat. One simply doesn’t go to the American South without trying Mint Julep.
Enzo used to work as a chef in Jordan, Dubai, and Macau, so his work as a mixologist if often inspired by food and cooking techniques. To elevate the traditional Mint Julep he reveals an ace up his sleeve and literally adds some fire to the mix of bourbon, mint, and sugar by heating it up in a pot. What a smooth way to add that caramel note to that refreshing ensemble!
SERVING SAZERAC IN A VINTAGE FLASK
Once I saw this one on the menu, there was no hesitation it would be my star of the evening. As a big admirer of strong cocktails with personality and a huge fan of New Orleans, I could absolutely not skip Sazerac. Moreover, this alleged American cocktail is a challenging test for mixologists. Served in a vintage flask, where it is kept for about three weeks to make the tapestry of flavors even richer, this is as stylish as it gets.
SMOKING THIS CONFLAGRATION NATION
Originally created as a part of Smithsonian Channel and American history museum project to honor the 4th of July and the star-spangled banner particularly, this cocktail does stand up from the list. Strong as constitutional principles and bold as the Founding Fathers, it visually hypnotizes as the smoke smothers the glass.
TURNING ICE INTO CHEMISTRY
The bar team spent three months to make giant ice cubes perfectly clear, trying various methods, different types of water, through trial and errors. Once you learn how scrupulous your bartender is with ice, you will know the meticulous approach to mixology at The St. Regis. They cherish every drink and understand the importance of every tiny detail, from high-quality liquors to smooth vocal of the bar singer. This is what makes the cocktail experience at The St. Regis bar: exceptional, classy, and trendy. Just like New York itself.
The St. Regis Bar The St. Regis Macao, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, +853 8113 3700, www.stregismacao.com
