In The Last Kings of Shanghai, author Jonathan Kaufman brings to life the over-the-top character of Victor Sassoon and the cosmopolitan nightlife of 1930s Shanghai. In Sassoon's Cathay Hotel, there were several signature cocktails on the menu, including the San Remo. Jamey enjoys a San Remo while discussing the book with Tim Rice. Recipe below:
Ingredients:
1.5 ounces of Sweet Vermouth
1 ounce elderflower liquor (St. Germaine)
1 ounce orange juice
1 ounce Campari
½ ounce bourbon
½ a lime
Combine the vermouth, elderflower liqueur, orange juice, orange liqueur, bourbon and lime juice in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with the orange twist.
There were other Victor Sassoon cocktails that were considered, but abandoned for the episode because they sounded rather daunting! Including the Conte Verde.
Conte Verde: 2 parts gin, 2 parts Cointreau, 2 parts Vermouth Francaise, 2 parts creme de menthe, 1 part lemon