The Best Drinks In The World? Find Out With Erik Lorincz At Champagne Bar

Iain Shaw | May 17, 2012 2:00 pm | Add a comment | 1713 reads

There are many people who might have a claim to being the "best bartender in the world," but with the 2010 Diageo Reserve World Class title (the World Cup of bartending) under his belt, Erik Lorincz of the American Bar at London's Savoy hotel, has to be in with a shout. So when you get the chance to make a drink with Lorincz, or simply sip one of his creations, you're hardly going to pass it up, are you?

Beijing cocktail drinkers, your chance has come - but act quickly or you'll miss out. Slovakian-born Lorincz began a three-day stint at the Fairmont's Champagne Bar last night, and is hosting two cocktail masterclasses on Thursday (May 17) and Friday (May 18).

Each session costs RMB 200, running from 7-9pm. Lorincz will walk participants through a number of drinks (you'll get to drink them too), introducing their history with anecdotes from legendary Savoy bartenders of bygone days. Reservations are essential and the Fairmont tell us places are filling up quickly, so call 8507 3617 or email thecut.beijing@fairmont.com to book your spot.

If you're into making drinks or curious about the history of cocktails, this is a rare chance to learn a little from someone at the very top of his game. Champagne Bar's regular cocktail-making classes, run by Fairmont Beijing's own Anthony Evangelista, have been highly rated by people I know who've joined them (they not only had fun making the drinks, they got well-oiled drinking them too), so Lorincz' classes ought to be equally good value.

While we're talking cocktails, don't forget that this Saturday (May 19), the Beijinger will be recognizing Beijing's best cocktail bar, best bartender and other drinks-related prizes at our 2012 Reader Bar & Club Awards Party. That's on Saturday from 2.30pm at Sanlitun Soho. RMB 100 to get in, and once you're in you can partake in all manner of drinks and a bit of food as well. As with Erik Lorincz at Champagne Bar, if you're serious about drinks, you have to get involved!

PHOTOS: Iain Shaw