5 Minute Mav: Salvatore Calabrese
Salvatore Calabrese, known as The Maestro, has earned that well-deserved title because he is a master at understanding how to combine flavours to create fabulous cocktails. Raised in Maiori in the Amalfi, Italy, Salvatore began his career in a small Italian bar later re-locating to London where he turned his considerable talent to developing “a niche market for special cognacs”. Salvatore has won awards for his cocktail creations almost every year since 1992. He has produced his very own liqueur, Liquore Di Limone, designed barware, and written ten books. That alone would be impressive, except that The Maestro hasn’t stopped there. He has created numerous cocktails that have become popular, including his Breakfast Martini. Looking for more on Salvatore? Check him out at Salvatore Calabrese.
What quality do you like best in yourself?
My attention to detail
If you could only make one cocktail for the rest of your life, which would it be?
Negroni as I like to drink it, Martini as I am known for making the best dry martini in the world.
Favourite song?
Vincerò as it reminds me of Italy’s [soccer] successes in the World Cup, particularly when I drove from London to Berlin with my sons, daughter and best friend to see them win against France in 2006. We played it all the way there and all the way back.
If you couldn’t be yourself, who would you like to be?
007 James Bond. Suave sophisticated and tall!
Favourite fictional hero?
Rocky Balboa, Sylvester Stallone’s character.