HotelChatter

Seven cocktails in total were created based on rare spirits found in the Ritz cellars and sourced through specialist suppliers: the Brooklyn, the El Presidente, the Negroni, the Old Fashioned, the Rob Roy, the Rusty Nail and the Sazerac.

Why so expensive you ask? At £250 ($400), the El Presidente incorporates Bacardi’s 150th Anniversary Rum, of which only a thousand decanters were made worldwide. The Rivoli Bar is one of only two in the UK to stock it. Mixed with Martini & Rossi Red Vermouth from the 1960s and Angostura Bitters from the 1950s, we certainly hope it is savored by those who decide to go ahead and splurge on it.

The six others read equally exclusive: the Negroni (£90/$130) uses extinct Campari Cordial from the 1960s, together with 1950s Gordon’s Gin and 1960s Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth. The Rusty Nail has 40 year old Dalmore Single Malt whiskey, 1940s Drambuie liqueur, and orange bitters (£240/$380). Lovers of tequila can opt for the Old Fashioned (£95 - $150), the Rob Roy (£140 - $220) has 30-year old Hibiki whiskey, while the Sazerac (£220 - $350) gives you a choice of cognac or whiskey.

The Rivoli Bar, with its 1920s Art Deco décor just off of the hotel’s central Long Gallery, is seating only, so reserving a table may be worthwhile to ensure you're not disappointed. Dress code is smart casual – no jeans, no sneakers – but a jacket and tie are no longer required (they are in the Ritz Restaurant and the Palm Court).

[Photos: The Ritz London]