Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon Participates in the First Lisbon Cocktail Week, April 22 - May 1, 2016

For those who like to mix drinks with other drinks, then take note, as for the very first time Lisbon will have an event dedicated to the art of the cocktail. From April 22 to May 1, 2016, Lisbon Cocktail Week (LCW) will celebrate and promote the world of cocktails, in what is the first edition of an event of this kind in Lisbon, and that promises to energise the city every year.

For 10 days, LCW will present an itinerary through the city’s best restaurants and bars and, of course, Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon had to participate. Three LCW cocktails - Oystini, Grizzly Spice and Hasta La Vista, Basil - will be priced at EUR 17 each, and a two-for-one promotion will be in place daily at Ritz Bar from 6:00 to 11:00 pm.

LCW also challenged the barmen at each of the participating bars to create a signature cocktail that would compete for “Best Cocktail in Lisbon,” and which will be judged on flavour, aroma and presentation. Hasta La Vista, Basil was the entry chosen by the Ritz Bar, and Bar Manager Ricardo Felgueiras has total confidence in its success: “It’s a very well-balanced cocktail, and fresh for spring,”he says. The fun name was chosen by the team at the Ritz Bar and highlights the use of basil – one of the stars of this cocktail, with its intense aroma and flavour.

The refreshing Hasta La Vista, Basil will be available at the Ritz Bar during LCW. Ricardo also shares the recipe, below, for those who want to make it at home:

Hasta La Vista, Basil

• 4 measures Don Julio tequila
• 2 measures St-Germain
• 2 measures lime juice
• 10 basil leaves
• Pink salt

About Lisbon Cocktail Week

From April 22 to May 1, 2016, Lisbon hosts the first edition of Lisbon Cocktail Week. It will be a week dedicated to celebrating and promoting the world of cocktails that promises to keep the city buzzing. During the event, an exclusive itinerary through Lisbon’s top restaurants and bars will be presented, among other locations, where tastings, pairings, workshops and parties will take place. The selection of “Lisbon’s Best Cocktail” promises to be one of the highlights of the week and the public is invited to participate in the voting. To Mário Batista, one of the organisers of the event, “This is the ideal moment for Lisbon to host such an event, that is already a reference in other cities such as Paris and London. It’s a unique opportunity to discover the best cocktails and celebrate the city in all its splendour.”

About Bar Manager Ricardo Felgueiras

Ricardo Felgueiras is the charismatic Bar Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon. He is beloved by locals and international guests alike, and he is always smiling.  Before arriving at Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, he started out at Pestana Palace as bartender, and was soon promoted to assistant bar manager. A few years later, he did the opening of the ocean-front Cascais Miragem as bar and restaurant manager, before finding his true home at the Ritz Bar. Since joining Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, he’s also travelled to other Four Seasons hotels and resorts sharing his experience, training new staff at Four Seasons Resort Marrakech as well as Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg.

About the Ritz Bar

The Ritz Bar has Portuguese artist Pedro Leitão to thank for its cosy, artistic ambience and inspirational additions, such as his piano – autographed by world-acclaimed artists such as couturier Pierre Cardin, Fado singer Amália Rodrigues, ballerina Margot Fonteyn oand actress Zsa Zsa Gábor – and a large wine-inspired tapestry.  With an extensive wine list, a unique selection of ports and the best premium gin menu in Lisbon, the Ritz Bar is an ideal spot to meet for drinks or a light bite, both inside, and on the terrace overlooking Eduardo VII Park. The Bar menu includes a choice of traditional Portuguese dishes and tapas, burgers, bagels, salads, pasta and risotto, among others, as well as freshly prepared sushi Wednesday through Friday.