The Evolution of a Classic: The Langham Martini
The Langham Martini is one of many new signature serves to the Artesian bar, the award-winning bar at the prestigious Langham, London. Recently I caught up with internationally acclaimed bartender, Alex Kratena, who under his expertise has elevated the bar’s profile (Cocktail & Spirit Awards: Best Menu 2011 & 2012 and European Bar of 2012) to date.
The Langham Martini is crafted using the ultra-premium London dry gin, Tanqueray No. TEN©, said to have been created for the perfect martini. Tanqueray No. TEN is the only gin to be distilled using whole citrus fruit and botanicals with the resulting unique flavour earning it a place in the World Spirit Hall of Fame.
To create The Langham Martini, frozen Tanqueray No. TEN is poured over crystal clear ice and stirred with a choice of five dry vermouths created exclusively for Artesian by Martini Master Botanist Ivano Tonutti.Each of the vermouths is inspired by flavours of iconic destinations around the world. Transport yourself to the bright lights of Tokyo with the yuzu and green tea, tantalise your senses with New York’s green apples and canella, indulge yourself with Parisian lavender, Mediterranean herbs and anise, treat yourself with the Milan espresso, saffron and almonds and finally celebrate all that is British with the London rhubarb and elderflower.
The secret of this new age martini is the unique, bespoke made, detachable silver vessel allowing martini connoisseurs to appreciate the liquid at a perfect temperature throughout the whole experience. Each Langham Martini is perfumed with aromatic citrus oils and served with a side of Nocellara Del Belice DOC olives macerated with Tanqueray No. TEN botanicals.
