There are stories to be read and others to be savoured. Between the nooks and crannies of the pages, the aroma of a well-written sentence mingles with the essence of an unforgettable character.
But, what does a freshly read novel taste like? Mr Porter Barcelona answers this question with a unique sensory journey, where literature becomes flavour and each drink is a chapter to explore. As we approach Women’s Day, the city’s most iconic steakhouse presents an exclusive menu of cocktails inspired by great women writers of all eras.
Cocktails inspired by great women authors
The new cocktail menu is a tribute to the women who have left their mark on literature. From 19th century England to the magical landscapes of Latin America, each creation is crafted with the same attention to detail with which a female writer builds her fantasy world. Mr Porter has chosen a dozen novels to recreate, including Jane Austen’s iconic classic, Pride & Prejudice. The cocktail captures the essence of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy in a refined and vibrant blend. It is composed of citrus and herbal notes that convey freshness and acidity, just as the couple lived their relationship in tension.
The Isabel cocktail. Editorial credit: MR PORTER Steakhouse, Bar & Lounge.
For those who prefer a darker, more passionate tale, Frankenstein transforms Mary Shelley’s genius into a bold fusion of light and fruity ingredients. Rum mingles with the flavours of passion fruit, banana, chai and coconut. For something more delicate, The language of flowers may be the best choice. Vanessa Diffenbaugh’s work concentrates on the combination of vodka, elderflower, yuzu, basil and pineapple.
Mr Porter is proud to be able to link the words of the works in each cocktail. Editorial credit: MR PORTER Steakhouse, Bar & Lounge.
Agatha Christie mysteries are also on the menu of literary drinks. Orient Express takes us on a journey with detective Poirot through black tea and flavours of pear and cinnamon. On the other hand, Isabel Allende’s magic is translated into a fresh and intense cocktail made with pisco, nixta, palo santo cordial and banana oleo saccharum.
A Cheers to the voices that left their mark
This new literary experience neither begins nor ends with these cocktails. Mr Porter Barcelona is located in the Sir Victor Hotel, a space whose history is also a tribute to literature. Its name pays tribute to Victor Català, the pseudonym of Caterina Albert i Paradís, one of the great Catalan novelists who had to hide her identity in 1898 in order to be published. Like a living library, the façade of the hotel emulates the open pages of a book, and the shelves inside are filled with novels written by women, reinforcing its commitment to women’s literature.
The 71 Night cocktail is made from gin, gardeum, grapefruit cordial, nettle and salicornia. A fresh and intense flavour. Editorial credit: MR PORTER Steakhouse, Bar & Lounge.
With this new proposal, Mr Porter Barcelona not only reinterprets mixology with a literary touch, but also invites you to celebrate the voices that have narrated unforgettable stories. This new menu pays tribute to the richness, courage and passion of those women who have passed on their stories under male pseudonyms, but who have revealed themselves to take their names to the top. In this way, while savouring the cocktails, we immerse ourselves in the stories behind them, literary tales that have left their mark, and continue to do so, throughout time.
