The Bar Journal

The Langham, London and MARTINI® vermouth are delighted to announce the launch of ‘The Art of Aperitif’, a stylish new pop-up celebrating the most iconic of vermouth-based cocktails, surrounded by MARTINI artwork and rare heritage memorabilia.

Launching on 3rd October, ‘The Art of Aperitif’ will offer guests seven modern cocktail serves created by Alex Kratena, Head Bartender at The Langham’s Artesian bar, paired with seven deliciously enticing food pairings. Highlight serves will include: MARTINI Bianco mixed with Pine, Raspberry and Crodino; MARTINI Rosso, olives combined with MARTINI Bitter and Chinotto; and MARTINI Rosato, BACARDI Superior rum, Guava and MARTINI Bitter.

Based in the hotel’s iconic all day Palm Court restaurant – Afternoon Tea sanctuary by day, transformed into an aperitivo bar by night – ‘The Art of Aperitif’ will showcase over 30 pieces of artwork from the MARTINI poster archive along with exclusive celebrated limited edition MARTINI bottles and rare MARTINI heritage bottles from between the 1890’s and 1980’s. Guests will also be able to enjoy a complimentary MARTINI Royale whilst taking in the exhibits.

Winner of multiple accolades including International Bartender of the Year, Alex Kratena is leading the way in reinvention and pioneering new mixtures. He explains: “The vision behind ‘The Art of Aperitif’ was to celebrate the most iconic of Italian drinks brands by serving unique combinations and offering a rare insight into the distinct heritage of MARTINI.”

Quote: “MARTINI has always been rooted in drinks innovation and we are delighted to partner with The Langham on this unique opportunity. ‘The Art of Aperitif’ will offer guests the chance to enjoy a bit of Italian culture with relaxing after-work drinks and some delicious light bites. We’re excited to celebrate both the artists who have designed posters for MARTINI with a range of elegantly modern cocktails and food pairings that complement these eclectic mixtures.”
‘The Art of Aperitif’ is open every day until 29th November between 6pm-11pm

The menu includes:
· Cocktail: MARTINI Bianco, Pine, Raspberry, Crodino
· Food pairing: Chargrilled Prawns, Red Chilli, Garlic Butter

· Cocktail: Noilly Prat, GREY GOOSE, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Frankincense
· Food pairing: Grilled Scallops, Pickled Apple, Chorizo

· Cocktail: MARTINI Rosso, Olives, MARTINI Bitter, Chinotto
· Food pairing: Beef Carpacio, Beans, Baby Artichoke

· Cocktail: MARTINI Bianco, Lime, MARTINI Prosecco, Basil, St. Germain
· Food pairing: Lobster, Tomato, Spring Onion, Macaroni and Basil

· Cocktail: MARTINI Gran Lusso, Gentian, Verjus, Tonic
· Food pairing: Wild Mushroom Risotto and Truffle Mayonnaise

· Cocktail: MARTINI Gran Lusso, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE, Stracciatella
· Food pairing: Foie Gras, Smoked Duck Terrine and Spiced Pear Chutney

· Cocktail: MARTINI Rosato, BACARDI Superior rum, Guava, MARTINI Bitter
Food pairing: Crab, Heirloom Tomatoes, Avocado and Ceviche

SALUTE!
GIUSEPPE GALLO