The Legendary Salvatore Calabrese and His Iconic Breakfast Martini

Salvatore Calabrese, widely recognized as "The Maestro," stands as a foundational pillar in the evolution of modern mixology. With a career spanning over five decades, he has redefined the standards of hospitality, transforming the role of a bartender from a service provider to a high-level artisan. From his roots on the Amalfi Coast to the prestigious bars of London, his journey is a testament to the power of precision, historical knowledge, and creative intuition.

From the Amalfi Coast to London: The Making of a Legend

Born in 1955 in Maiori, Italy, Calabrese began his journey at the age of 11, working in a local bar. It was here, amidst the vibrant scents of the Mediterranean, that he developed an early appreciation for the nuances of flavor and the importance of guest interaction. By age 21, he had already become the youngest maître d’ on the Amalfi Coast, but his true calling lay within the craft of the cocktail.

In 1980, he moved to London, a city that would become the stage for his global rise. His tenure at Dukes Hotel in St. James’s is legendary. It was here that he perfected the "Direct Martini," a technique involving frozen gin or vodka poured into a frozen glass with a mere rinse of vermouth—no stirring, no shaking, just pure, temperature-controlled excellence. This innovation helped cement London’s reputation as a world-leading cocktail destination.

The Breakfast Martini: A Modern Classic

In 1996, while working at the Library Bar at the Lanesborough Hotel, Calabrese created what is arguably his most famous contribution to the cocktail canon: the Breakfast Martini.

The inspiration came from a simple morning interaction with his wife, Susan, who insisted he try orange marmalade on toast. Intrigued by the balance of sweetness and bitter citrus, Calabrese took a jar of marmalade to the bar that evening. He refined the concept into a sophisticated, bright, and tangy drink that proved marmalade was not just for toast, but a versatile tool for texture and flavor in high-end mixology.

Breakfast Martini Recipe

Tools:

• Boston Shaker

• Jigger

• Hawthorne Strainer

• Fine Mesh Double Strainer

Ingredients:

• 50ml (1.75 oz) London Dry Gin

• 15ml (0.5 oz) Orange Liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec)

• 15ml (0.5 oz) Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

• 1 Heaping teaspoon of Fine-cut Orange Marmalade

• Ice cubes

Glass: Chilled Martini or Coupe glass

Technique: Shake & Double Strain

Procedure:

1. Add the orange marmalade into the bottom of the shaker.

2. Pour in the lemon juice and stir briefly to help dissolve the marmalade.

3. Add the gin and orange liqueur.

4. Fill the shaker with plenty of ice and shake vigorously for about 10–12 seconds to ensure proper dilution and a frothy texture.

5. Double strain (using both a Hawthorne and a fine mesh strainer) into the chilled glass to remove any undissolved marmalade solids or ice shards.

6. Garnish with a thin twist of orange peel.

Liquid History and "The Legacy"

One of Calabrese’s most unique contributions is the concept of "Liquid History." He pioneered the use of rare, vintage spirits—some dating back to the late 18th century—allowing guests to literally taste history.

In 2012, at his bar at the Playboy Club London, he set a Guinness World Record by creating "Salvatore’s Legacy." This cocktail was composed of:

• 1788 Clos de Griffier Vieux Cognac

• 1770 Kummel Liqueur

• Circa 1860 Dubb Orange Curacao

• Circa 1900 Angostura Bitters

At the time, the drink was priced at £5,500, making it the most expensive cocktail in the world. For Calabrese, however, the value was not just in the price, but in the 700+ years of liquid history contained within a single glass.

Education, Awards, and Global Impact

Beyond the bar, Salvatore Calabrese has shared his expertise through several authoritative books, including Classic Cocktails and The Complete Home Bartender’s Guide. He has been a mentor to countless industry professionals, teaching that hospitality is an art form where the guest is always the protagonist.

His accolades include:

• Lifetime Achievement Award at Tales of the Cocktail.

• International Bartender of the Year.

• Former President of the United Kingdom Bartenders’ Guild (UKBG).

Today, "The Maestro" continues to influence the industry through high-level consultancy and his work at The Donovan Bar in Mayfair’s Brown’s Hotel, where he remains a guiding light for the next generation of mixologists.

Explore More

If you are interested in the techniques used by legends like Salvatore Calabrese, explore our dedicated sections:

• Learn the art of the perfect pour in our Techniques section.

• Discover more classic and modern drink builds in our Classic Cocktails library.

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Written by: Riccardo Grechi | Head Mixologist, Bar Consultant & Trainer