Cocktail recipe: At Dawn by The Rivoli Bar at The Ritz

needs no introduction. The opulent stalwart on 150 Piccadilly is one of the most prestigious hotels in the world, boasting a wealth of history dating back to 1906 – one that’s seen Hollywood stars and international royalty flock to experience its unrivalled gilded glamour.

So, when it came to creating a bar, it naturally needed to exude as much elegance as the rest of the hotel. And while there’s been a bar in residence since the hotel opened, it was overhauled in 2001 to reflect the original design inspired by a jewellery box – think camphor wood, gold leaf and Lalique glass, as well as an antique charm or two.

The cocktail list is roughly 80 strong, ranging from the César Ritz, paying homage to the hotel’s founder and featuring Absolut Elyx vodka, raspberry syrup, lemon juice and soda water, to the Rue de Rivoli, mixing Dalmore whisky, cherry wine, orange bitters and white chocolate. It also lists one of the : The Sazerac, fetching £500 a pop thanks to its blend of vintage Louis XIII Cognac, gold leaf sugar cube, Peychaud bitters and vintage absinthe.

However, to keep their creative juices flowing, the Rivoli Bar’s mixologists launch a new cocktail every month, allowing them to experiment with flavours and refine their techniques, but also reflect London’s atmosphere. From a warming, winter spice creation to enjoy after a stroll beneath Piccadilly’s Christmas lights, to a fresh and fruity serve come summertime post-Wimbledon, it’s meticulously designed to complement the zeitgeist.

For March, head mixologist Michele Saladino has created At Dawn – a fresh take on the classic Daiquiri and a celebration of the new spring season, featuring banana, lime, vanilla and ginger. He says: “This month’s creation is a Gingerbread Mount Gay Black Barrel cocktail, a sweet and sour drink with tropical notes from the rum and a warm spiciness from the gingerbread and vanilla. You could call it a black rum and banana riff on the classic Daiquiri, which is easy to drink and perfect for those who enjoy fruity and flavourful cocktails.”

If your diary won’t allow for a pit stop at The Rivoli Bar this month, here’s how to make this smooth, aromatic cocktail at home.

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