Lobbies may be a hotel’s immediate attention getter, but it’s the bar that’s increasingly becoming the scene-stealer. After all, who wants to hang out in a lobby when they can cozy up to a cocktail? Here’s a look at three watering holes serving up killer signature cocktails that have the locals flocking in. Bottoms up!
Swanky Balthazar, in the 90-room Hotel d’Angleterre in Copenhagen, which reopened May 2013 following a twoyear closure, claims to be Denmark’s only champagne bar. Named for the 12-litre champagne bottle, this upscale newcomer features over 160 champagnes and a slew of signature champagnebased cocktails. The classy Duchess blends Hennessey Cognac, Merlet apricot brandy, fresh lime and honey. For a tipple with a tad more muscle, opt for the Old Smoking Rifle made with Knob Creek bourbon, amaretto and a dash of grenadine syrup.
In central Brussels, the Lounge Bar at the 150-room Dominican Hotel is an oasis of orange fabrics and warm woods. Amongst the long list of traditional cocktails are several in-house specialties named for the hotel, which sits on the site of a 15th century Dominican abbey. Try the Dominican Gin Fizz, a heady mix of Plymouth Gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar syrup, egg white and Chartreuse. Better yet, order the house’s number one specialty, the Dominican Think Pink, a smooth concoction of Hendrick’s gin, St. Germain Elderflower, Apollo 11 and Fair goji berry liqueurs.
One of Manhattan’s newest bars is Henry, located in the lobby of the Hudson Hotel. Named after the legendary explorer Henry Hudson, it has an extensive signature cocktail list created by world-renowned mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana (a.k.a. Mr. Lyan), a two-time U.K. bartender of the year. Among the yummy offerings are the Living Cocktail made with miso caramel, homemade carrot vinegar and reposado tequila. More refined palettes may prefer the Polleno made with fresh sour apple, sweet apple, fino sherry and fennel pollen.