The Lobby Bar at the Hotel Chelsea is home to one of the most coveted cocktails in the city: the Dukes martini. But what makes this drink so special, and who is the man behind it?
The Dukes martini is a London classic, created by Salvatore Calabrese in the 1980s at the Dukes Hotel in St. James’s. It is a very cold, very dry, and very strong martini, made with gin or vodka stored in the freezer and poured directly into a chilled glass. A dash of vermouth is added from a dasher bottle, and a lemon peel is misted over the drink and discarded. The result is a clear, potent, and elegant cocktail that has been praised by many celebrities and connoisseurs.
Calabrese invented the drink to please a demanding journalist named Stanton Delaplane, who wanted a very cold and very dry martini. Delaplane was so impressed by Calabrese’s creation that he wrote about it in his column for the San Francisco Chronicle, making Calabrese and his bar famous.
The Secret Martini Menu at the Lobby Bar
The Lobby Bar at the Hotel Chelsea is one of the few places in New York where you can order a Dukes martini, thanks to its head bartender Marcus McDonald. McDonald is a protégé of Calabrese, who taught him the art of making the perfect martini. McDonald has also created his own variations of the drink, inspired by different flavors and ingredients. He calls them his secret martini menu, and he only reveals them to customers who ask for them.
Some of his creations include:
- The Rosemary Martini: made with rosemary-infused gin, lemon bitters, and a sprig of rosemary.
- The Cucumber Martini: made with cucumber-infused vodka, lime juice, simple syrup, and a slice of cucumber.
- The Chocolate Martini: made with chocolate-infused vodka, white crème de cacao, and a chocolate-covered cherry.
McDonald says he likes to experiment with different infusions and garnishes, but he always follows Calabrese’s method of keeping the spirits in the freezer and pouring them directly into the glass. He says this ensures the drink is smooth, cold, and balanced.
The Legacy of Salvatore Calabrese
Salvatore Calabrese is widely regarded as one of the world’s best bartenders and cocktail experts. He has written several books on cocktails, opened several bars around the world, and created many signature drinks. He has also set several Guinness World Records for making the most expensive cocktails in history, using rare and vintage spirits.
Calabrese says he is proud of his Dukes martini and its popularity, but he also encourages bartenders to be creative and innovative. He says he likes to share his knowledge and passion with others, and he hopes his drinks will bring joy and happiness to people.
