An industry titan since its inception in 1930, the Savoy Cocktail book compiled by Harry Craddock remains as potently essential to the mixology, bartender, and cocktail industry as it did when it was first released some 90+ years ago.
Considered an almost biblical text by respected cocktail aficionados, The Savoy Cocktail book has no less than 750 of the world’s most popular cocktails, while original book curator Harry Craddock is said to be responsible for birthing many of the all-time cocktail greats. Some of the cocktails created by Savoy Cocktail author and world-famous bartender Harry Craddock include the White Lady and Corpse Reviver No. 2. He’s also widely credited with perfecting the Dry Martini recipe used in bars across the world today.
The Influence and History of The Savoy
Rather than being recognised solely as a cocktail glossary, the Savoy Cocktail Book is a tome of historical knowledge, effectively charting the acceptance, explosion, rise, and continuing popularity of cocktails. It also provides a timeline of society’s ever-changing and evolving relationship with flavour and the variation of ingredients added and shaken within the iconic Boston Shaker.
The Savoy Cocktail Book is to the cocktail industry what Mesopotamia is to the cradle of civilisation. Its continuing relevance is in no small part thanks to its keen ability to reinvent itself through various new editions whilst expanding the depth of cocktails inside, helping mixologists adapt to ever-evolving modern taste buds. Republished no less than six times, the influential and essential cocktail book was expanded most recently in 2014.
Cocktails and glamour have always been intrinsically linked, and there’s no more glamorous setting than the Art Deco interior designed American Bar in London’s Savoy Hotel, considered by many the most famous bar and hotel in the world. As recently as 2018, The American Bar was recognised for excellence, winning World’s Best Bar at the influential Spirited Awards, further adding to its reputation after placing first on the World’s 50 Best Bars list in 2017.
As the oldest surviving cocktail bar in Britain, The American Bar served its first cocktail in 1893. Even to this day it continues to respect traditions while effortlessly reinventing itself, adding to its almost mythical reputation in the process.
Looking Forward with Modern Takes
In August last year, The American Bar announced the appointment of a female head bartender, Shannon Tebay, who became the first woman to hold the revered position in 95 years. Tebay also earned the historical title of becoming the first American Head Bartender of The American Bar.The previous female Head Bartender, Ada ‘Coley’ Coleman, is considered one of the most influential bartenders of all time.
Her cocktail creation, the Hanky Panky, is forever immortalised in the Savoy Cocktail Book. The Hanky Panky remains one of the most popular and famous in The American Bar’s 128-year history and is still widely served in cocktail bars around the world. ‘Coley’ reigned as Head Bartender for more than two decades, between 1903 and 1925. In an era where women working in bars was far less common than today, Ada Coleman was Head Bartender in one of the most famous cocktail bars in the world.
Harry Craddock took up the mantle of Head Barman after Ada Coleman, which led him to pen The Savoy Cocktail Book.
Proud of its legacy while also embracing a modern future, The American Bar continues to shape its narrative across the cocktail and bartender industry. A feat made more impressive when you consider that Alexander Graham Bell only invented the telephone in 1876, 17 years prior to The American Bar serving its first customer in 1893.
