In this video, get a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary King Cole Bar at the St. Regis in New York City, a Global Tastemaker winner, as we explore its rich history, stunning renovation, and iconic ties to the Bloody Mary. Plus, we sip some classic cocktails, including the Manhattan and variations of the Red Snapper, all while getting insider tips from their mixologists.
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00:00Want a behind-the-scenes look at some of the best culinary adventures around the world?
00:04As part of Food & Wine's Global Tastemakers Awards, we explore the best culinary experiences
00:09from cruises, airlines, airports, restaurants, bars, and many more.
00:13Today, we're at the legendary King Cole Bar at St. Regis in New York City.
00:17Let's go check it out!
00:19First opened at this location in 1932, the Midtown Manhattan spot has long been a favorite
00:23among socialites and celebrities for its posh offerings and legendary service.
00:28The hotel recently wrapped a multi-million-dollar renovation that includes updates and upgrades
00:32to the King Cole Bar, including restoration of the iconic mural behind the bar.
00:36It's a New York legend.
00:38It has been a very popular bar in New York culture since 1906 when it first opened.
00:45Of course, it was closed during Prohibition.
00:46As soon as Prohibition ended, it was opened here in the St. Regis, and it's been popular
00:51ever since.
00:52It's also got a very close tie to the Bloody Mary.
00:54Can you tell me about that?
00:56Yes.
00:57The bartender's name was Fernand Petiot.
00:59He was from Paris, and he worked here for 30 years.
01:02The owner of the hotel, Vincent Astor, was quite a drinker.
01:06One day, he said, I need something.
01:08I'm not feeling too well.
01:09He said, I'll make something for you perfect.
01:10You know how the French are.
01:11He concocted a tomato juice cocktail with vodka, and he added Worcestershire sauce,
01:17lemon juice.
01:18At first, it was called the Bloody Mary, but at the time, the hotel had a large English
01:23population.
01:24It's like, oh no, don't say bloody.
01:26They named it the Red Snapper.
01:28What we offer now is a selection from all the various hotels around the world.
01:33For instance, in Texas, it is made half tequila, half vodka.
01:36It has Cajun spice and lime.
01:39In Washington, there is clam juice added to the mix and Old Bay spice, and it's served
01:45with gin.
01:46So those are the variations.
01:47So let's try the New York version.
01:48Now, of course, it starts with a vodka base and classic tomato juice, just plain tomato
01:55juice.
01:56Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, a pinch of white pepper, pinch of black pepper, some
02:01celery salt, and a dash of cayenne.
02:04The drink originally did not have Tabasco or horseradish.
02:07The heat was cayenne, and you give that a toss.
02:11And the drink originally was served just with a lemon wedge, no celery stalk.
02:15That came later.
02:17And that is the original classic Red Snapper.
02:21That's the best.
02:23Yeah.
02:24Very simple.
02:26It's not heavy.
02:27So let's try the Rome version.
02:28The Rome version, we're using Grey Goose vodka, the same base spices, white pepper, black
02:33pepper, celery salt, cayenne, and in Rome, a little bit of oregano, a dash of olive oil.
02:40Shake that up.
02:41To finish it, I'm going to take some fresh basil, and you're just going to twist it once
02:47and drop it into the drink.
02:49And it's also served with just lemon wedge.
02:52And that is the Red Admiral from Rome.
02:56So the Red Admiral, that one definitely has more of a depth to it, and I think the basil
02:59gives it a nice, like, pop.
03:01It does, definitely.
03:02Okay, so we tried the Bloody Mary.
03:03What else is the most popular?
03:05The Manhattan has come back in a major, major way.
03:08Most people don't know the history of the Manhattan.
03:10It was invented for Winston Churchill's mother, and she didn't like the taste of whiskey.
03:15She said it's too harsh.
03:16So the bartender decided to add some sweet vermouth to it to soften it, and it was made
03:22with rye whiskey, not bourbon.
03:24Bourbon has a bold, bold finish.
03:27Rye has a more subtle finish.
03:29It's filtered.
03:30And added to it is some Angostura bitters.
03:33And it's stirred with a classic spoon.
03:37Most people don't know how to use these.
03:38They're spired, and there's a reason for that.
03:41You rub your fingers back and forth, and the spoon is like a propeller inside the ice.
03:48And into the chilled glass.
03:51And finish with some Luxado cherries.
03:54These are the French cherries, and they're fermented in brandy and simple syrup.
03:59And that is the classic Manhattan.
04:03That's wonderful.
04:04Great.
04:05It's a good way to end the day.
04:06So the next time you're in New York, come visit Bill at the King Cole Bar, and if you'd
04:08like to learn more about the other Global Tastemaker winners, head to foodandwine.com.
04:12Cheers.