Blushing Monarch

The legendary inventor of the Blushing Monarch, who sadly passed away in June 2021, was a renowned barman and one of the longest serving bartenders at London’s illustrious Savoy Hotel.

Salim Khoury started his bartending career in 1960 at Beirut’s famed Le Bristol Hotel, at the tender age of just 15. Khoury later migrated to England and landed a job at the Savoy Grill on his very first attempt. After some time at the hotel, Khoury took on the role of Assistant Head Bartender under the inimitable Peter Dorelli, who then passed the coveted role of Head Bartender onto Khoury after his own retirement.

The Blushing Monarch cocktail is perhaps Khoury’s masterpiece. Created to mark Princess Diana’s wedding in 1981, the ruddy-cheeked coloured cocktail showcases Khoury’s knack for simple and elegant drinks that stand the test of time. Oh and yes, Diana was known to enjoy the drink created in her honour…