Donovan Bar debuts Evoke menu

London-based Donovan Bar at Brown’s Hotel has unveiled its latest cocktail menu, designed to reflect a journey into, through and beyond emotions.

The Evoke menu launched on 17 July, and was created by Salvatore Calabrese, known as ‘The Maestro’,  and director of mixology Federico Pavan.

Each cocktail on the list represents different flavours, ingredients and techniques intended to provoke different responses and emotions, from comforting nostalgia to a ‘heady’ adrenaline rush, through taste, aroma and sight.

One such duo on the menu is Red and Adrenaline.

Created using Patrón reposado, Amaro Santoni, ancho reyes, red bell pepper, Montelobos mezcal and bubbles, Red was inspired by the traditional Italian saying “diventare rosso come un peperone”, which translates to ‘to turn red like a pepper’.

The initial salty, savoury taste is cleared by smoky mezcal, revealing vibrant red peppers, and a finish of Tequila laced with chilli liquor.

The fiery red pepper represents all ideology of the colour and holds many passions of emotion.

Complementing Red is Adrenaline, made with Old Tom gin, Lucano Anniversario, liquorice, Grand Marnier and balsamic vinegar.

Representing the motion of adrenaline coursing through veins, the ‘vibrant’ burst of citrus is enhanced by an ‘energetic buzz’ from the gin.

Another duo is Wonder and (In)decision.

Created with Patrón silver Tequila, Acqua Bianca framboise, coconut, raspberry and citric, Wonder is said to provide ‘a moment to impress’.

Meanwhile, (In)decision reflects ‘a situation we are faced with daily’: “which one to go for?”.

This serve is made with a combination of pisco, Campari, Theorie Cuoir Lontain, rose and Le Soda Water.

Calabrese’s passion for Martinis is honoured with Martini Roots – a savoury serve made with a choice of Belvedere Vodka or An Dúlamán Gin, tomato, fortified wine, Grana Padano, bread and ‘olive’, which creates flavours of an Italian antipasto board, with aromas of fresh ciabatta created by an atomised spritz.

On the other side of the menu is Comfort Zone, a harmonious and smooth creation that celebrates floral and vegetal flavours using Bacardi Reserva Ocho, plum elderflower, acidified celery and Bareksten absinthe.

Also featured on the menu are Tradewind and Escape From Reality, Deep Blue paired with Gratitude, and the duo of Bosco and Big Smoke.

Alongside the new drinks, the team have continued to offer timeless classics from The Donovan Bar, such as Sparkling Side of The Moon, the Gran Torino, and The Maestro’s original creation, The Breakfast Martini.

Guests will also find an exclusive collection of some of the rarest spirits in the world on the Vintage Menu.

Created using ‘treasured rarities’, cocktails on this section of the menu are priced from £120 up to £5,500 (US$154-US$7,070).

To learn more about Donovan Bar’s Vintage Menu, pick up copy of the August issue of The Spirits Business magazine, available next week.