London has reaffirmed its position as a global cocktail capital, with several of its premier bars launching inventive new menus just in time for the warmer season. Drawing inspiration from fine art, music, and sustainable practices, five standout venues have unveiled fresh offerings that blend creativity with technical mastery.
Artesian at the Langham
Artesian at the Langham Hotel has released Ultimo, the third and final installment in its Futureproof series. Aiming to redefine modern mixology, the menu features 16 cocktails, each highlighting a single star ingredient. Among the most notable is Parsnip, a twist on the Espresso Martini that blends Grey Goose vodka, Metaxa 12 Stars, Amaro Lucano, coffee, and butter with the unlikely addition of parsnip. Sustainability remains a core theme, with ingredients such as kale appearing in savory offerings like the Kale Martini, made with Meili Vodka, Kay sake, and the namesake leafy green. The bar snacks are curated by acclaimed chef Chet Sharma of Bibi.
Velvet by Salvatore Calabrese
At Velvet in the Corinthia Hotel, legendary bartender Salvatore Calabrese turns to iconic artwork for inspiration. The new Pixel Book menu reimagines masterpieces through the lens of AI, translating visual art into cocktail form. Highlights include Girl with a Pearl Earring, which features Beluga Noble vodka, hibiscus, rose blush, saffron-infused honey, and an edible pearl, and The Enigma, a Martini-like drink that pays tribute to the Mona Lisa using Grey Goose vodka and nitro Champagne vermouth. The Wave of Dreams, inspired by Hokusai’s The Great Wave off Kanagawa, combines Hibiki Harmony Whisky and sake, served in a bespoke blue-brushed glass. As always, custom glassware plays a central role in the presentation.
Bar 45
At Bar 45, located in 45 Park Lane, the latest offering is titled Simplicity, though its content suggests anything but. Divided into six taste categories—crisp, rich, umami, Negroni, rare, and zero—the menu emphasizes flavor-led decision-making. The We Paloma presents a crisp, kiwi-infused take on the Mexican classic, while the Negroni section offers creative variants such as coconut and sesame. Non-alcoholic options receive equal attention, exemplified by the Peach Temple, made with Everleaf Mountain, peach, and lemonade. Behind the scenes, advanced techniques like Greek yogurt washing and sour pression freezing are employed to enhance flavor and texture without overwhelming the drinker.
Le Magritte Bar at The Beaumont
In Mayfair, Le Magritte Bar at The Beaumont Hotel has launched The Great American Songbook, a cocktail collection inspired by the golden era of American music. Designed by head bartender Giovanni Dellaglio, with recent direction from new bar and terrace director Benoit Provost, the menu pays homage to legends like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Sinatra’s Come Fly with Me is reinterpreted as a lush blend of banana rum, Bacardí, Chinotto Nero, and chocolate bitters, while Summer Wind features Lakes Gin, bergamot, and cucumber foam. That’s Amore channels romantic nostalgia with a mix of pisco, basil, and peach liqueur.
The Delaunay Bar
The Delaunay Bar in Covent Garden draws from the Art Nouveau elegance of Vienna Secessionists such as Gustav Klimt. Inspired by what the bar describes as the “golden age of design,” the new menu evokes European sophistication through intricate blends. The Peacock Pavilion combines cachaça, Casamigos mezcal, pineapple, ginger, lime juice, fino Sherry, and smoked salt, while Hands on Glass layers High West double rye with calvados, Cynar, Frangelico, Bourbon, cherry, and Peychaud’s bitters.
Together, these innovative menus underscore the city’s vibrant cocktail culture, where artistry, experimentation, and a deep respect for ingredients continue to elevate London’s status on the global stage.
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