Bartending legend Dale DeGroff visited Australia this week to help Grey Goose put the finishing touches on its world-first standalone bar, Le Martini.

Created in partnership with Crown Melbourne, the intimate 33-seat venue will open next month, celebrating the world’s most iconic cocktail in a lavish setting designed to create a memorable and immersive experience.

DeGroff is one of the world’s most famous bartenders. He’s the author of two of the modern cocktail world’s most influential books – The Essential Cocktail and Craft of the Cocktail. 

He began his bartending career in Los Angeles, hoping to break into the movies. That didn’t happen, so instead he turned the bartending world on its head. From 1987 to 1999 he rose to prominence as the chief bartender in the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center in New York, where his emphasis on classic cocktail recipes and high-quality ingredients led to huge acclaim.

DeGroff is also the founding President of The Museum of the American Cocktail, plus he serves as a mixology consultant for Holland America Lines cruise ships and entertains audiences with lively presentations at spirits festivals worldwide.

The master mixologist said Le Martini would be an exceptional addition to the Melbourne bar scene.

“Melbourne is the perfect location to open Grey Goose’s first standalone bar given its discerning – and insatiable – appetite for cocktails and in particular, the Martini,” he said. “The city has no shortage of excellent drinking establishments, so it was meant to be.”

DeGroff has created three cocktails for the inaugural Le Martini cocktail menu, including Harry’s Original.

“It’s a variation of the 1888 Harry Johnson, which was the first recipe in print and a five-ingredient version by the way, and equal parts gin and vermouth,” he said. “I wanted to pay tribute to that and use vodka and vermouth in this case.”

As for Australia’s obsession with the Martini, DeGroff said it was a trend that was also sweeping the globe.

“In the US and Europe we’re seeing an uptick in both gin and vodka martinis in the luxury market,” he said.

“Hotels are leading the charge, for example The Connaught Bar in London, which has its own Martini trolley where the mixologist makes the cocktail in front of you at your table.

“Social media is also playing a part – pouring ribbons and throwing and adding theatre to the presentation of a Martini. This is also due to the impact of the expansion of vermouths, new bottlings and great quality, as well as more knowledge and education about wine-based products.”

As for DeGroff’s personal favourite way to sip a Martini, he likes his 50/50 – equal parts vodka and vermouth.

“I used to drink my martinis for the power now I find wetter is better,” he added.

3 top Martini tips from Dale DeGroff

DeGroff has three simple tips to ensure the perfect Martini serve.

• Using the finest quality ingredients, vermouths, garnishes and quality Vodka such as Grey Goose for a smooth, delicious finish
• Chilling glassware to ensure your martini stays super cold as long as possible
• Your martini should be 12 sips. 

Celebrating joie de vivre in Sydney

Grey Goose invited Sydney’s hospitality elite to Martinez rooftop terrace bar on Tuesday to celebrate joie de vivre with Dale DeGroff.

The bartending legend held court at Martinez as the Grey Goose classic and Espresso Martinis were flowing at Martinez, alongside Le Grand Fizz and a Martinez special, the Little Ray of Sunshine, which combines Grey Goose, passionfruit, ylang ylang, Dale DeGroff’s Pimento Bitters and Fever-Tree Ginger Ale.

The cocktails were served alongside delicious morsels such as fried zucchini flowers with ricotta, gruyere and honey and the Martinez petit wagyu burger.

National Grey Goose Brand Ambassador Corina Retter welcomed the crowd and conducted a quick interview with DeGroff on stage before he took over to showcase another of his skills by belting out some jazz numbers.

In addition to leading a good time at the party, DeGroff also took time to host a martini masterclass with Sydney bartenders.