Ever since it first opened in the 1920s, Harry's Bar has stood as a symbol of sophistication and creativity in cocktail making.
The renowned Harry's Bar initially welcomed guests on November 26, 1911. Thanksgiving Day (very fitting for an American bar). Later, in 1924, it was actually taken apart from its initial spot in Manhattan at 7th Street. th Avenue, after undergoing meticulous reconstruction on rue Daunou in Paris. Ever since, Harry's Bar has become a prominent influencer in the world of Parisian cocktail culture, known for its distinctive ambiance. Ernest Hemingway received a metallic nameplate affixed to his preferred seat—he frequently visited accompanied by Francis Scott Fitzgerald and his spouse Zelda.
Located in the 2 nd In the arrondissement of Paris, this iconic establishment stands out as not just the oldest bar. cocktail bar In Europe, it stands as an establishment where the bartender could recount tales surpassing those shared by many of your acquaintances combined. Some say it’s "the bar that boldly blended liquors." When combining different alcoholic beverages was as rare as spotting a feline dressed in formal attire, Harry's Bar emerged onto the scene acting much like a daring pioneer.
Envisioned by the captivating Harry MacElhone, this establishment has distinguished itself through its skillfully crafted cocktails, set against a backdrop that captivates any visitor. speakeasy Envious as green. Sheltered under the banner of tradition upheld by his great-grandson Franz-Arthur, the venue has adapted without losing its essence: "The main task upon taking charge at Harry's Bar was maintaining fidelity to those elements which have ensured its success across 113 eventful years, even as we explore fresh avenues. Our identity remains rooted firmly within mixology, embracing a timeless elegance—now enjoying resurgence—that attracts a youthful, predominantly female crowd." This describes an ambiance reminiscent of refined classics; think sophisticated scenes from vintage monochrome cinema.
" straw poll:" a custom with considerable clout
Moreover, Harry's Bar boasts its distinct electoral custom: every five years, coinciding with the U.S. presidential elections, the establishment conducts a symbolic ballot referred to as the "straw vote." This event engages both expatriates and visiting Americans Are welcome to cast their vote for their preferred candidate after presenting their passport or driver’s license. Think of it as an electoral gathering, but with unrestricted access to cocktails—remember to drink responsibly though.
This custom, initiated in the 1920s by none other than Harry MacElhone, allowed American expatriates residing in Paris to have their say before absentee ballots became standard practice. Though these votes were simulated, they often matched—or even surpassed—the accuracy of certain official surveys. The outcome was then proudly showcased on the tavern’s back-bar mirror for all patrons to see!
It’s essential for us," states Franz-Arthur MacElhone. "Despite being related to politics, it remains lighthearted. This voting event is a tradition for Americans in Paris; however, I’m uncertain about its actual impact. To commemorate a hundred years of this festive political gathering, the bar will host events up until November 4th, featuring special cocktails like the Trumpet and Kamala.
The origin place of iconic cocktails
Let’s dive into this: as a hub for fictional political intrigue, Harry's Bar is renowned not only for its atmosphere but also because numerous iconic cocktails originated here. Historically, it holds another distinction—it was the first establishment in Paris to offer Coca-Cola and hot dogs back in 1933 when Harry imported a hot dog machine from the Chicago International Exposition.
Did you know that this is where the Bloody Mary originated? In 1920, bartender Fernand Petiot came up with the concept of combining canned tomato juice with vodka. He refined the recipe in the U.S., where he started incorporating various spices into it. Moreover, the bar played host to the creation of iconic drinks like the Blue Lagoon and the French 75. It’s almost like a cocktail-themed Disneyland, offering an extensive selection of over 400 choices, which includes the James Bond, crafted in 1962 by Andy MacElhone coinciding with the debut of the James Bond movie. Dr No - A mixture of sugar, Angostura bitters, vodka, and champagne.
Franz-Arthur MacElhone’s favorite cocktail? "Absolutely the Sidecar — cognac VS, triple sec, and lemon juice." According to him, the latest trend in mixology is "guest shifts," where a visiting bartender takes charge for an evening, allowing patrons to relive one of the golden eras of cocktails as he sees it. This not only injects vibrant energy but also generates significant media attention that extends far beyond the realm of bartending. When asked about how they maintain their identity while honoring Harry's Bar heritage, his response is clear-cut: “We innovate primarily through introducing new liqueurs into our recipes. However, classicism remains essential—it provides us with guidelines and principles to adhere to.”
The slogan at Harry’s Bar could be "Innovatively classic." Mixing drinks here comes naturally, yet innovation remains central. Bartenders act as modern-day alchemists, constantly reinventing traditional recipes with each shake. Each experience feels akin to opening a box of chocolates—full of unexpected delights and new finds, enhanced perhaps by elements such as olives and citrus peel. If exploring authentic cocktail heritage appeals to you, then Harry’s Bar should definitely top your list. This establishment thrives on the art of mixing spirits, eagerly awaiting those who wish to revel in this craft!
Harry’s Bar Paris
75002 Paris
https://www.harrysbar.com/
Excessive alcohol consumption can be detrimental to your well-being; practice restraint.
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