An iconic landmark in St. Petersburg, for over a century the Hotel Astoria has embodied the sophistication and opulence of Imperial Russia and its proud history. 24 hours a day, the softly-lit Lichfield Bar offers a range of delectable drinks featuring typically Russian ingredients, the newest of them our signature cocktail, the Birch Spritz.
An unofficial symbol of Russia the birch tree, or bereza, is heralded in song, art and literature and its sweet sap is the key ingredient in this brand-new cocktail. Created by Head Bartender Mr. Daniil Minchin to pay homage to a tree synonymous with purity and light, the Birch Spritz is both refreshing and uplifting.
Ingredients
20ml Beluga Noble vodka
20ml lemon juice
20ml sugar syrup
80ml Prosecco
100ml Birch juice
A redcurrant raceme
Method
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the Beluga Noble vodka, lemon juice, sugar syrup and birch juice and shake well.
Add ice cubes to a glass. Strain the shaken cocktail mixture over the ice.
Top up the glass with Prosecco, and garnish with a redcurrant raceme for effect.
To book a table in the Lichfield Bar at Hotel Astoria, please email reservations.astoria@roccofortehotels.com or call +7 812 494 5770.
Sometimes, the best ideas start in the most unexpected places. Often as a conversation between friends, perhaps over a drink. And so it was for Lydia Forte and Edgardo Osorio, Founder and Creative Director of Aquazzura whose shared vision led to the creation of Aquazzura Bar, a seasonal cocktail bar in the Secret Garden of Hotel de Russie. We sat down with them over a Margarita – what else? – to find out more…
Along the Mediterranean, food is intrinsic to daily life. Mornings begin with fishermen hauling in their catch, while market stalls brim with sun-ripened produce. Meals unfold slowly, often outdoors, with dishes meant to be shared. No rush, no excess - just ingredients at their peak, prepared simply and enjoyed in good company.
In the early 20th century, Munich was a hotbed of artistic innovation. Amid shifting social landscapes, a new school emerged from an intense exchange of ideas that would shape the trajectory of modern art: Der Blaue Reiter, or The Blue Rider. This avant-garde collective left an indelible mark on modern art with their radical departure from tradition and bold exploration of colour and spirituality.
