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 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: The French Riviera
There’s more than one reason why visitors flock to this coastal paradise in the south of France. From the grandeur of Monaco to the jet-set fueled beaches of Saint-Tropez, all the intricacies of French culture are alive and in your face on the Côte d’Azur. Café society was practically born here and the spirit of Brigitte Bardot’s outspoken lifestyle is never far away when you’re on the sands facing the Mediterranean. Not surprisingly, food and drink in this lengthy coastal strip of famous towns and villages are legendary from the famous Bouillabaisse fish stew of Marseille to Pissaladière, a type of thin-crust onion pizza that is France’s nod to neighboring Italy.
THE HOTEL: Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc
THE COCKTAIL: THE BELLINI – the sparkling Venetian specialty that has withstood the test of time
The Bellini, a completely captivating cocktail, was created in 1934 by Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of Harry’s Bar in Venice. He named it so because its unique pink color reminded him of the toga of a saint in a painting by 15th century Venetian artist, Giovani Bellini.
What began as a seasonal specialty at Harry’s Bar is today the emblematic drink of the city of Venice, continuing the old Italian tradition of marinating fresh peaches in champagne.
This Bellini recipe has been perfected by Christophe Lencioni, Head Bartender at the French Riviera’s most glamorous hotel, the 150-year-old Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. The hotel has even named one of its much-loved bars the Bar Bellini – the Côte d’Azur’s cocktail bar of choice for Hollywood stars. With a beautiful outdoor terrace and spectacular views over Hotel du Cap’s enchanting gardens and the famous Grande Allée down to the sea, it’s hard to imagine anything more elegant than sipping a Bellini here.
THE RECIPE:
- 140 ml of Champagne
- 15 ml Drillaud Crème de Peach Liqueur
- 100 ml Fresh Peach Purée
THE PREPARATION:
- Spoon peach puree into the bottom of a tall, chilled Champagne flute. Add Champagne and top up with the Peach Liqueur. Stir lightly and serve
HOW: oetkercollection.com/hotels/hotel-du-cap-eden-roc/restaurants-bars/bars/bar-bellini
*And soon, when virtual happy hours are a thing of the past, consider a stay at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc.
For Venturing Afar
The Côte d’Azur is bursting at the seams with charming towns and villages ripe for discovering and exploring. For venturing afar and seeing more of it, perfume, art and wine await.
Consider a visit to Grasse, the birthplace of perfume, where exhibits in the museum delve into the history of fragrance. Displays include 18th-century Venetian inspired glass vessels alongside exquisite Grecian bottles.
In Cagnes-sur-Mer, visit the former home and atelier of Renoir, the master of Impressionism. On display are furniture, paintings and sculptures which offer a glimpse into the artist’s life and work.
From Cannes, a 20-minute boat ride leads to the Lérins Islands where the Cistercian monks of St. Honorat have produced wine since the Middle Ages. Enjoy a tasting from the seven cuvées produced from the island’s fertile terroir.
When you return, continue the indulgence at Happy Hour with a Bellini on the terrace of the Bellini Bar. Santé!