In case you’ve never given it a second thought, every day, somewhere it’s 5 o’clock. Sure, we know you’d rather be enjoying Happy Hour relaxing poolside with a cocktail in hand. Or maybe at a rooftop bar in New York City with friends. Sadly, we know that’s not possible right now. But there’s nothing stopping you from recreating fabulous cocktails at home. And when you do, invite your friends to your “Virtual” Happy Hour. The experience may be simulated, but the drinks will be real. Cheers to that!
The TravelSquire’s own Virtual Happy Hour Series nods to an assortment of select hotel bars around the world. We’ve rounded up of some the finest wanderlust-inducing cocktails from these luxury properties to transport your taste buds to their far flung destinations – the fragrant gardens of a Parisian Palace, the glamorous 1920s in the Scottish Highlands, and the powder-soft sands of Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
With Virtual Happy Hour on apps such as FaceTime, Zoom and House Party trending more than ever, our suggested cocktails aim to keep friends entertained virtually while in self-isolation.
So, grab your shaker, pound some ice and get ready to have a little fun creating … then sipping!
THE DESTINATION: SAO PAULO
While it’s true that São Paulo’s size is daunting to a first time visitor, have you ever considered the size of a Brazil nut? Everything in this fascinating country looms large you see, and its enigmatic capital, often called “Sampa” is no exception. Wander the streets of uber-luxe Jardims, the Beverly Hills of this cosmopolitan metropolis, out of the snarl of the critical traffic congestion, of course, then linger over a Caipirinha at Figueira under the massive Bengal fig tree growing (literally) inside the restaurant. It’s magical!
THE HOTEL: PALÁCIO TANGARÁ
THE COCKTAIL: SAVE ME! SAVE ME!
By The Burle Bar
A Golden Nectar Paying Homage to the Humble Bee
Masterminded by award-winning bartender, Ana Paula Ulrich, the Save Me! Save Me! cocktail served at Palácio Tangará’s Burle Bar is composed of Fino Sherry, Dry Vermouth, Jataí Honey and Orange Bitters. The concoction was conceived by Ana to raise awareness for the importance of bees to the environment. While the recipe calls for any honey when recreating at home, the original served at the São Paulo masterpiece hotel uses “magical” jataí honey, which is sought after for its medicinal properties and immunological, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antibacterial effects. Offering cutting-edge service, style and design, the Burle Bar’s chic and opulent ambience makes it a perfect choice both as an intimate dining venue and a late-night lounge. Designed by Brazilian architect Patricia Anastassiadis, the Bar draws inspiration from Brazilian art and natural landscapes, with photographs of the Amazon rainforest adorning the walls.
THE RECIPE:
- 40ml Tío Pepe Fino Sherry
- 40ml Noilly Prat Vermouth
- 10ml St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
- 10ml Honey
- Two dashes Angostura Orange Bitters
THE PREPARATION:
- Mix ingredients in a shaker tin, adding honey last
- Stir well with a bar spoon to dissolve
- Add ice and stir again till frost appears on the exterior
- Strain and serve in a Martini glass
HOW: oetkercollection.com/hotels/palacio-tangara/restaurants-bars/bars/burle-bar
*When virtual happy hours are a thing of the past, consider a stay at the PALÁCIO TANGARÁ.
FOR VENTURING AFAR…
Head to São Paulo’s charming Old Town. Anchoring its center, the Catedral Metropolitana da Sé provides ample eye-candy for architecture buffs. The interior of this neo-Gothic masterpiece capped by a Renaissance-style dome features stained-glass windows, a 10,000-pipe organ and columns topped with capitals depicting branches of coffee, pineapples, fauna, and armadillos.
A must-see for art enthusiasts, the São Paulo Museum of Art known locally as MASP, exhibits an outstanding collection of works by Impressionists and modern masters including Van Gogh, Picasso and Matisse.
Think about indulging in an evening of cultural entertainment at the stunning Teatro Municipal de São Paulo. Modeled after the Paris Opera, this opulent building’s history spans 100 years. Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Baryshnikov and Enrico Caruso are among the many great performers who have taken this grand stage.
End a culturally rich day in South America’s most international city with a nightcap at Palácio Tangará’s Burle Bar. Felicidades!