Salvatore Calabrese to host Negroni masterclass

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Negroni, London-based imbibers can learn to make the classic cocktail with the Donovan Bar’s Salvatore Calabrese.

Salvatore Calabrese will host a Negroni masterclass at Brown’s Hotel, London

The Donovan Bar at luxury London hotel Brown’s will host the masterclass, with attendees given the chance to “unravel the secrets of the perfect Negroni” under the tutelage of Calabrese, known as The Maestro.

During the masterclass, Calabrese will take guests through the steps required to create the perfect Negroni, from the history of the gin-based cocktail to a demonstration on how to create the drink.

Last year, when Calabrese spoke with The Spirits Business he recalled the first time he made a Negroni.

He said: “After making my first Americano I thought I could make a Negroni as well.”

The Italian-born bartender saw his mentor, Signor Rafaello, speaking with somebody else when a gentleman came up to the bar and asked for a Negroni.

Having seen his mentor create the classic Italian cocktail many times before, Calabrese set to the task.

“Signor Rafaello saw what I was doing, and he came over to the bar and he took the drink,” said Calabrese.

“We went round the back and he tasted it. The next thing I knew, he just slapped me right round my ear! It was a gentle slap as if to say ‘don’t do what you are not old enough to do’.”

Calabrese said that to this day he still ducks his head whenever he makes a Negroni.

Brown’s Hotel will host the masterclass on 8 May, and guests will be served a selection of canapés throughout the evening. Tickets for the masterclass are priced at £50 and can be reserved by contacting the hotel.