Storytelling is crucial to the success of any bar. One of the classic stories we tell is the tale of how Harry Craddock created the classic cocktail, the White Lady. This story will be told numerous times when this week we re-create the American Bar at the annual Savoy Golf Invitational event at Brocket Hall - a networking event for the cream of business and commerce and the executive team at the soon-to-reopen Savoy hotel.
The story, whether myth or fact, is testament to the drink itself and how a classic can stand the test of time. When we think about the roll call of American Bar luminaries who have told this story, I can only think of what my grandma used to say to me: "It's not the story you tell, but it's how you tell it. You have to 'live the story'." I'm sure everyone has their own special White Lady story, whether you are Craddock himself back in the 1930s, or the stoic Joe Gilmour - one can only imagine how many times in his 35 years at the American Bar he told the story to accompany the drinks he created in honour of men landing on the moon, politicians and royalty.
One of the attributes of the Savoy's great Peter Dorelli is the way he tells a story. The passion, gusto and the modest charm make him a true disciple of bartending legends Craddock and Gilmour.
At the invitational we will be using the following recipe and adding a dash of pasteurised egg white, giving the drink that smoothness and balance perfect for that mid-morning start on the golf course.
While the recipes stay more or less the same, the stories change from time to time. The White Lady as it is made today was created by Craddock in 1930. Harry MacElhone also made a drink of the same name with different ingredients back in 1919. Guests want a great drink, but what makes them come back time and time again is great stories and storytellers.
INGREDIENTS
- 40ml gin
- 20ml Cointreau
- 20ml fresh lemon juice
- Pasteurised egg white
METHOD
Shake vigorously with plenty of ice. Strain into a martini glass.
Robbie Bargh, director, Gorgeous Group
020 7091 7492