Salvatore Calabrese - The Maestro
Salvatore Calabrese("The Maestro") is one of the world’s leading bartenders whose performance arena was Salvatore at FIFTY in London’s St James's. If all the world is a stage, then his bar was one corner of it that guarantees entertainment and service of the highest level. The Maestro developed his talent for combining flavours at an early age while working in a bar in Maiori, a small village on Italy's Amalfi Coast. Salvatore then came to London and took a position at Duke's Hotel in St James's. While there he developed a niche market for special cognacs. This was the start of a concept he calls Liquid History. Salvatore then moved to the illustrious Lanesborough Hotel in Knightsbridge, where he further developed his unique style.
From the start, it was a passion for the great classic cocktails that led him to his career. The Maestro also experimented with new liqueurs, both new and old spirits and fresh juices, culminating in exotic cocktails that have themselves become classics. For a fee, he will create a bespoke cocktail for you or a friend as the ultimate gift.
In 1992 Salvatore Calabrese was awarded the Chevalier du Champagne, and in 1993 he was awarded the prestigious Chevalier du Cognac. His most recent awards include
Class Awards 2005 - Best New Bar, Class Awards 2006 - Bar of the Year, Class Awards 2006 Best Cocktail Offering. Theme magazine presented him with the Outstanding Achievement Award 2006, and the Italian Bartenders Association (AIBES) surprised him with an Outstanding Achievement Award 2006 for his contribution to the bar industry. 2007 - Keeper of the Quaich, 2008 - Master of the Craft ( Australian Bartender Magazine), 2009 - Number One (Theme Top 100 ), 2009 - International Cognac Personality of the Year (Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC), 2009- Spirits personality of the year (Drinking Out Excellence Awards).
Salvatore Calabrese recently stepped down from his role as President of the United Kingdom Bartenders’ Guild. Today, Salvatore is active on the global stage as a consultant for select brands, as well as appearing at competitions as a judge.
Master Classes
The Mastro runs Master Classes for people who want to know more about spirits, and is a popular guest at wine and spirits events. Salvatore has worked to establish himself as a leading personality in the beverage world, and promotes his ideals through various newspaper articles and television and radio appearances and through his books.
* If you are interested in Salvatore holding a Masterclass for your company, please contact Limelight Management on (+44 20) 7637 2529 or email limelight.management@virgin.net
Books »
Salvatore's first book, Classic Cocktails, in print since 1997, has sold over 900,000 copies, and The Complete Home Bartenders’ Guide (2002) has sold over 700,000 copies.
His other titles include After-Dinner Drinks, Summer Cocktails, Cognac: A Liquid History, Cocktails for Wimps, Sexy Cocktails, Virgin Cocktails, and Hangover Cures. His latest is Cocktails by Flavour.
Latest News
Salvatore At Fifty Now Closed
Salvatore at FIFTY is now closed. Despite the plethora of awards and its financial success until the last drop was poured from the silver shaker, the bar was caught up in a joint venture situation, wh...
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Maestro named Cognac personality of the year
The first International Cognac Personality of the Year award was given to Salvatore at the "La Part des Anges" Charity Auction and Dinner event, held on the banks in the Charente in Bourg-Charente, Fr...
Videos
'Drink Awareness' campaign, Salvatore with Michael Schumacher...shaken and stirred! - Nov 09
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Watch Salvatore making his famous Breakfast Martini.
Calabrese Cocktails »
A bartender lives on through his cocktails. In the Maestro's case, the legacy includes some unique combinations of flavours, such as his surprising Spicy Fifty and Breakfast Martini.
Cognac »
Salvatore Calabrese has a passion for Cognac. In particular, the vintage Cognacs in dust-covered bottles. What is so tantalizing about liquid history in a glass?