It was only supposed to be an ephemeral experience for two months, but victim of its success, the “Bombay Bahia” cocktail is definitely on the bar menu of one of the most prestigious palaces in Paris.
“Bombay Bahia” was created by four hands, born from the meeting between Thierry Hernandez, director of the Plaza Athénée bar, and Céline Ellena, young perfume designer, a meeting proposed by Bombay Sapphire.
Based on a London Dry Gin and a lagoon blue color, the cocktail alternates sweet and spicy notes in the right proportion, allowing it to be enjoyed by both men and women. Bombay Sapphire, an exceptional gin with ten spices, reserved for a select group of initiates, reveals with each sip the extent of its aromas; the ten spices bring more flavour for less bitterness: Java berry, juniper, coriander, angelica, almond, lemon peel, blackcurrant wood, liqueur, iris root and especially the seed of paradise for a little peppery note.
This cocktail is not a perfume although it was really conceived as such. However, one is surprised to first breathe it in order to bring to oneself a possible top note, before tasting it. Each sip reveals the explosive character of this cocktail, until the orgeat syrup persists like a haunting background note. And in the middle the heart note explodes sublimated by the spices. The Tonka bean mixed with elderflower is revealed thanks to the lavender.
Thierry Hernandez agreed to share his creation with us and talks about it as only he can: “I have the satisfaction of a unique creation. This collaboration has opened up new avenues for me for future cocktails. The cocktail is no longer thought only on the gustatory mode but also on the olfactory mode. The work was completely different, we wanted to bring the flavors from the inside to the nose. I’m still working on a Bombay Sapphire base for my next design because it’s interesting to develop, complex…”
And the lover that I am appreciated the invitation to travel and recommends you to do the same at the Bar du Plaza Athénée.
Marie-Odile Radom
Bombay Bahia, at the Plaza Athénée bar, 25 avenue Montaigne 75008 Paris
Creation by Thierry Hernandez and Céline Ellena for Bombay Sapphire
Cette publication est également disponible en : Français (French)
