London’s Hotel Café Royal has recently launched an exquisite new cocktail concept called Green Bar. Dedicated to highlighting the intriguing absinthe spirit, Green Bar offers a range of unique experiences for fans of the green fairy. With a delightful selection of creative cocktails and an impressive list of globally-produced absinthes, Green Bar provides something for every absinthe lover’s palate. The bar’s opening was inspired by Café Royal’s rich history, as it first opened its doors in 1865 and was a favorite spot for many celebrated guests, including the renowned poet Oscar Wilde, who had a penchant for absinthe. Offering an immersive and nostalgic experience, Green Bar pays homage to the hotel’s past while introducing innovative twists to classic absinthe-based cocktails.
Absinthe Delights
During a recent visit to Green Bar, I was captivated by the thoughtfully crafted cocktails and the meticulous attention to absinthe service. My sister and I began our evening with the delightful White Fairy cocktail, blending Jameson Crested fat-washed coconut oil, La Fée Blanche absinthe, coconut purée, spiced orgeat, aquafaba, lime, and soda water. The combination of flavors was extraordinary, leaving us both pleasantly surprised. Moving on to a straight serving of Devil’s Botany Regalis absinthe, we experienced its herbaceous and lively notes, created from wild botanicals grown across Britain. The traditional service involved an absinthe fountain, allowing the water to slowly dissolve into the spirit, enhancing its complexity and aroma. This attention to detail truly elevated the absinthe-drinking experience.
The Inspired Art of Mixology
To curate the bar’s exceptional absinthe cocktails, the team at Green Bar drew inspiration from the original Café Royal cocktail book published in 1937. They added contemporary twists to some of the absinthe-based classics discovered in the book, resulting in unique and inviting libations. The Femme Au Café stood out as a creamy and flavor-packed concoction, blending Devil’s Botany London absinthe, chocolate absinthe liqueur, Jade Perique tobacco liqueur, cinnamon, and espresso. Another standout option was the refreshing La Parisienne, featuring La Fée Blanche absinthe, Champagne sherbet, liquorice bitter, egg white, and lemon. The team’s creativity showcased the versatility of absinthe as an ingredient in cocktails, proving that it can be both sophisticated and challenging to work with.
Beyond the Green Spirit
While Green Bar focuses on absinthe, it also offers an extensive selection of other spirits and non-alcoholic beverages to cater to various preferences. The menu features a well-curated list of small plates, including caviar, oysters, warm nuts, and fries, perfectly complementing the drinks. However, what truly sets Green Bar apart is its exclusive limited-release absinthe offerings, such as La Fée X•S Suisse and La Fée X•S Suisse Française. These rare absinthes provide a truly unique experience for connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike. In addition, Green Bar continues to experiment with new cocktail ideas and explore different absinthe brands. Exciting developments are in the works, promising additional surprises for guests in the months to come.
Green Bar is nestled within London’s Hotel Café Royal, located at 10 Air St, London W1B 5AB, United Kingdom. Operating from 4 PM to 1 AM daily, with a special early opening at 12 PM on Saturdays, the bar welcomes both reservations and walk-ins. Whether you are a seasoned absinthe aficionado or simply curious about exploring this captivating spirit, Green Bar promises a memorable and enchanting experience that pays tribute to the history of absinthe while embracing modern mixology techniques.
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