Mandarin Oriental, Prague introduces unique cocktail to commemorate one of Malá Strana’s favorite sons
The life of Jan Werich, the actor and playwright who ranks among the Czech Republic’s most celebrated artistic figures, is being commemorated by the Mandarin Oriental, Prague hotel. On the occasion of the 43rd anniversary of Werich’s death on October 31, the hotel’s Spices bar will offer a special Werich Cocktail, with a recipe inspired by favorite foods and drinks enjoyed by the great actor and famous food lover at his Malá Strana residence.
Located just a stone’s throw away from Werich’s Villa in Kampa Park, the Mandarin Oriental’s Spices bar has created a unique cocktail influenced by Werich’s favourite recipes. Werich’s culinary tastes are described in “Jan Werich – My Favourite Recipes”, a special cookbook created by Werich’s Villa containing 20 of the actor’s most beloved dishes.
To reflect Werich’s love of entertaining Prague society at the villa, the cocktail will be served hot in a teapot and cup, making it the perfect warming beverage as cold weather heralds the coming winter. The recipe will meanwhile encapsulate the combination of Czech and American gastronomic influences that characterized food and drink enjoyed at the villa during Werich’s lifetime – the actor retained a fondness for the dishes that he came to know and love during exile in the United States during the Second World War.
Werich’s favorite Jameson whisky will be combined with caramel syrup and dashes of bitter chocolate. After a classic stir and the steaming of the teapot, a special “milk” will be added, consisting of beer foam and caramel syrup. Combining beer and whisky in line with Werich’s transatlantic tastes results in a smooth drink that the man himself would have been eager to try. If preferred, the cocktail can be served with berries for an added note of acidity.
Visitors to the Mandarin Oriental’s Spices bar will be able to leaf through a copy of “Jan Werich – My Favourite Recipes” in order to find out more about Werich’s unique culinary tastes. Guests who order the Werich Cocktail receive a card with information about the actor and playwright’s life, as well as a schedule of upcoming performances of his ground-breaking plays in Prague.
“The Werich Cocktail is our way of paying tribute to one of Malá Strana’s most famous sons – a cocktail as uniquely individual as the man himself” says Duarte Correia, General Manager of the Mandarin Oriental, Prague. “Werich’s plays are a vital part of Czech cultural heritage and retain their relevance to this day. His famous vivacity and hospitality reflects our own desire to help guests feel at home in this truly special part of Prague. On the anniversary of Werich’s death, we invite visitors to raise a glass – or a teacup! – in tribute to his talents and achievements.”
Werich became famous for his plays created together with Jiří Voskovec and composer Jaroslav Ježek in Czechoslovakia’s “First Republic” period between WWI and WWII. Their “Liberated Theater” was at the forefront of the Czech avant-garde movement until the trio were forced into exile in the USA in 1938. After the war, Werich became one of the most prominent and beloved figures in the Czech artistic world.
The Werich Villa, located in Kampa Park just a short stroll away from the Mandarin Oriental, presents exhibitions and programs dedicated to Werich and Vladimír Holan, the poet with whom Werich shared the grand building. The villa’s proximity makes it the perfect place for Mandarin Oriental guests to learn more about the Czech artistic world and the rich cultural history of Malá Strana.