DISCOVER THE WORLD CLASS 50

The definitive guide to the finest drinking experiences

The World Class 50: The Definitive Drinking Guide features 50 of the most innovative and talented bartenders from across the globe. Each bartender showcases the perfect location, the most inventive cocktail and the finest of ingredients and spirits that define the 'must have' fine drinking experience in their city.

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Erik Lorincz’s One Night

Erik Lorincz, head bartender at the American Bar, was the winner of World Class Bartender of the Year 2010.

The American Bar at the Savoy Hotel opened in its current home in 1903. Since the heady glory days in the 1920s, and even more so after Harry Craddock published The Savoy Cocktail Book in 1930, the cocktail community has had a holy site and its scriptures.

The Savoy is the Art Deco doyenne of London’s premiere hotels, so chic and special it has the only right-hand street in the UK leading to its bronzed portal. The bar has a deco-style interior, smart, relaxed vibe with a pianist every evening, and a mixed crowd of local devotees and overseas travellers – on the right night it can almost transport you back to the glamour of a golden age.

The Bartender

Erik Lorincz is impeccably turned out with a gentlemanly manner, in short he is one suave Slav. His first role model in mixology was his grandmother in his native Slovakia, a great herbalist who would prepare tinctures, oils and teas. He continues to employ such alchemy behind the bar, frequently infusing spirits with botanicals. After moving to London he worked at Attica club in Soho and the Connaught Bar before moving to The Savoy for its reopening in 2010. Erik has become a prominent figure in the bar world demonstrating that style and substance can coexist happily in bartending.

The Drink

One Night has a depth of flavour and perfect balance from a first-rate, rich and rounded Speyside single malt, The Singleton. This is shaken with Pimento Dram, an allspice rum-based liqueur of the Caribbean and fresh lemon juice and served with a hint of aromatic bitters and violet.

‘It has a seductive and complex flavour with dominant warm spice notes, finished with a hint of vanilla and leather,’ explains Erik, ‘the flavour profile is taken from a fragrance created by Cartier called Declaration D’un Soir, which translates as “declaration of an evening”.’

The Technique

The Singleton • 40ml
Pimento Dram • 10ml
Fresh lemon juice • 10ml
Sugar syrup • 40ml
Dash of egg white
Aromatic bitters and violet spray to garnish
Contains 18 grams of alcohol per serve

Shake the first five ingredients and strain into a sour glass. Garnish with the aromatic bitters and violet spray.

Enjoy ‘One Night’ at the American Bar in the evening. ‘Basically the One Night means tonight is the night of all possibilities, when anything can happen,’ says Erik.

Erik is a first-rate bartender in one of the classiest and most historic cocktail venues in the world. To watch Erik in action head for one of the four barstools, although get there quickly, they tend to be taken early.

Erik’s Insider’s Guide to London

Place to eat
J Sheekey

Place to relax
The Delaunay

Place to lounge
Bar Américain at the Zedel

Place to dance
Whisky Mist

Place to shop
St James Street for clothes

Place to visit
Churchill War Rooms

Place to see
The Prime Meridian and Maritime Museum, Greenwich