Stompin’ in Savannah — The Savoy Society
Recorded for the first time in 1934, numerous artists have covered the song “Stompin’ at the Savoy” over the years (I prefer the version from Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong). The song’s subject was the Savoy Ballroom in New York City. Just as the Savoy Ballroom has a rich dance and music history, the similarly named Savoy Hotel in London has a rich cocktail history. For many years the legendary Ada Coleman, creator of the Hanky Panky, ruled the hotel’s famous American Bar. Combining Coleman’s sense of cocktail style with an easygoing, comfortable atmosphere and friendly, knowledgeable people, the Savoy Society in Savannah is a place where you want to have a round or two.
But let’s go back to the Savoy Society. Jane Fishel, the self-anointed Queen of Fernet (a bracing amaro used in cocktails such as the Newark), and Matt Garoppolo are the driving forces behind Savoy Society. Their brainchild has a wide range of creative and approachable cocktails.
For example, the Eyes Without A Face (pictured above; as I’m a Billy Idol fan, I had to try this) is a clever tequila based cocktail incorporating curaçao, carrot, ginger, and tamarind. No trip to the Savoy Society is complete without an Ada Coleman, a delicious sour cherry gin based twist on Coleman’s famous creation. If tantalizing your taste buds isn’t enough, just listen. The music? All vinyl. All the time. You gotta respect that.
So when are you going to go stompin’ at the Savoy Society in Savannah?