Baccarat Bar is launching its first new menu since opening its doors in July 2020, Metamorphosis. Inspired by the unique know-how of Baccarat’s craftsmen and the transformation of modest ingredients into masterpieces, the London bar’s new menu celebrates metamorphosis.
Taking innovative techniques from the world of food, drink and perfume, the Baccarat Bar Metamorphoses menu transforms ingredients from humble beginnings into accomplished cocktails. It explores 12 different methods, including fermentation, caramelization, and oxidation, to create a unique selection of 16 refined drinks, including four non-alcoholic options, all served in luxurious Baccarat crystal glassware. As a result, each cocktail’s core component undergoes a transition, which allows them to evolve beyond their core ingredient and transform into a multi-layered experience for the palate. To complement the drinks offering, the Baccarat Menus will be adorned with original illustrations from five new multidisciplinary artists who are also known for their experimental style and use of different creative techniques.
The mixology team behind Baccarat Bar, led by internationally Bar Manager Michal Janusz Maziarz, pride themselves on experimentation, innovation, and unique storytelling behind each handcrafted cocktail. Each drink is tried and tested in the Baccarat drinks lab. Cocktails that feature on the new menu have dimensions of flavour and hidden layers and textures, resulting in a well-rounded, innovative menu designed to ignite one’s senses; an offering of fruity, floral, savoury, sweet and sour serves, all tastes have been considered and feature on the menu.
‘For an elegantly crafted cocktail, it doesn’t get better than the Baccarat Bar where we continue to push the boundaries of what a world-class bar experience is all about.’ says Ashley Saxton, Director of Restaurants and Bars at Harrods. ‘To celebrate the long-standing partnership between our two iconic brands, our passionate and talented bartending team has created a new menu of 16 unique and extremely technical cocktails, all served in luxurious Baccarat crystal glassware, that perfectly complement the Harrods experience. It is open until late for guests to enjoy the luxuries of the beautiful bar’s surroundings and our exclusive new ”Metamorphosis” menu.’
Highlights from the new Baccarat Bar Metamorphosis menu include:
Mini Reality
A fruity multi-layered drink made using the ultrasonic extraction method, a subtle technical process where ultrasound is used to disrupt the cells on a molecular level allowing for otherwise unattainable flavours to come through. Iberico bones undergo this transformation to extract an otherwise inaccessible minerality and complexity. Made from a refreshing balance of Tanqueray TEN, olive kernel, the flesh and the leaf of an apple and served in a Baccarat Diamant flute glass, it is the perfect combination of brightness and depth.
Full Circle
For a more vibrant flavour this cocktail uses an unconventional method most commonly used in cooking to turn Mezcal into a non-alcoholic acidic vinegar foundation. Taking flavours from the familiar classic margarita and elevating them through use of acetic fermentation. The result is a refined, complex drink that incorporates the seed and stem of the coriander plant and Tequila Mezcal vinegar to create a sophisticated, savoury cocktail, served in a Baccarat Massena Coupe glass.
Alter Life
Halfway between a Mojito and a Last Word, this drink has undergone maceration for a sharp and sweet hit; a classic method of extracting flavour by simply submerging ingredients into liquids to create a drink with hidden depths. Ingredients combine a bold mix of delicate flavours – Clairin, Sajoux, artichoke heart, tarragon, almond, smoked lime and mint served in a Baccarat Harmonie Highball glass.
Grounded
For fans of the savoury go for the silky smooth Grounded, which uses the casein milk clarification technique to separate milk into curds and whey to create a multi-layered, crystal-clear drink. A balanced, indulgent mix of Macallan 12, porcini mushrooms, capers, Pinot Noir and milk whey perfectly blend together to deliver a very established drink, served in a Baccarat Rohan flute.
Coalescent
A more refined twist on a Pornstar Martini, this is a fluffy, pleasing drink that uses the emulsification process to combine non-mixing substances to create the right balance of acidic and sweet. A medley of flavours we all know and love; vodka and mastik, with the tang of passion fruit and sweet vanilla, all served in an elegant Baccarat Narciss flute.
Other alcoholic creations include the savoury Sweet Potato Wine, the Dorage for a more fruity flavour, the dry Roasted Barley Martini, sweet Das is Kvass, the rich and smooth Pan-fried Old Fashioned, a textured Cushioned Fall and the silky Plum B.
As much thought and effort has gone into the making of the four non-alcoholic drinks offerings. First up is the Ascent, a grown-up citrusy affair that has undergone acetic fermentation, changing the alcohol to vinegar to create a multidimensional, robust serve, made up of Mezcal vinegar and clarified grapefruit juice, served in a stylish Baccarat Mille Nuit Flute. Keep it classic with a dark and mysterious V&T, a non-alcoholic take on a Sherry and tonic with complex layers and a rich minerality that runs through the liquid; a crisp refreshing mix of buffered Sherry vinegar, pineapple, Ice Verjus and tonic served in a Baccarat Nancy Highball for a very distinguished end drink. Be bold with the effervescent Bareskin or opt for the more fruity in flavour Bois.
Accessible through a private entrance on Hans Crescent, Baccarat Bar fuses the prestige and glamour associated with Harrods to the brand’s world-class French craftsmanship which has led the name of the rural French town to become a symbol of joie de vivre and celebration. Baccarat glassware is created to embody the craft of artisans who transform the four elements of nature – earth, air, fire and water – into crystal of unparalleled purity, and by crafting these true masterpieces, Baccarat has extended the invite to an enchanting and captivating universe. Expect Baccarat crystalware throughout the bar; handcrafted chandeliers and glasses individually designed to elevate guest experiences.
The Baccarat Bar is open from 1pm to 11.30pm, Monday to Friday, 12pm to 11.30pm on Saturday and 12pm to 10pm on Sunday. Reservations are available to book over the phone, on the Harrods website as well as at reservations@harrods.com and, the bar also accepts walk-ins. The Baccarat Bar additionally has an entrance from the Lower Ground Floor of Harrods opposite the cigar concept lounge in collaboration with JJ Fox and La Casa del Habanos that is open each evening until close and allows guests to sample a selection of the world’s finest cigars.