Some of the Cocktails Alex Kratena currently offers at The Artesian at the Langham, London. From Top Clockwise: Above and Beyond, Aqui Estoy, Unfinished Business and Super Panda VI. Photo by The Langham Pasadena

The Langham Hospitality Group, owner of Pasadena’s Langham Huntington Hotel, has scored a record number of awards in the cocktail and spirits categories, all achieved by its Artesian Bar at The Langham, London.

At the helm of this award-winning establishment is Alex Kratena, a mixology talent recognized the world over as a rising star and an established expert.

Alex will embark on a mini-tour of The Langham, London’s sister hotels in the United States, and will visit Pasadena , stopping by from March 24 through 26 to introduce a specially-curated menu of four specialty cocktails that will only be available at Langham hotels in the U.S.

“Much of my acclaim during my career has come through events and publications in the U.S., such as Tales of the Cocktail,” said  Kratena. “It made sense to me to pay tribute not only to my success in that part of the world but to create something special for these hotels, especially since America has seen such tremendous growth for our company. Knowing that Artesian has such fantastic sister venues in these amazing cities – Boston, Chicago, New York and Pasadena – inspired me to create something especially for them.”

The special menu will feature a drink inspired by each of the cities in the U.S. in which Langham Hospitality Group has a hotel, namely Boston, Chicago, New York and Pasadena.

Alex’s US tour will include stops in three of those cities – Pasadena (March 24-26 at The Tap Room); Chicago (March 27-28 at Travelle at The Langham, Chicago); Boston (March 31-April 1 at Bond at The Langham, Boston); and New York (April 2-4 at Measure at Langham Place, Fifth Avenue).

Special events to launch the menu will be planned in each city. This is the ideal kick-off for Alex in advance of the 2014 edition of Tales of the Cocktail in July, in which Alex will once again be participating and competing. The cocktail menu will be available at each participating hotel through the end of 2014.

The drinks on the menu with Alex’s own tasting notes are:

Social Club [ Pasadena ]
Vodka | Lillet |Vetiver | Rose Water | Citrus
Celebrating the blooming roses of Pasadena and its hot summery climate

Back to the Future [ Chicago ]
Talisker | Port | Sherry | Citrus | Cacao |Raspberry
Inspired by the great Chicago fire & the spirit of this amazing city, always looking to future

Skylines [ Boston ]
Aquavit | Fino | Citrus | Cedarwood | Bitters
Inspired by London’s sister city Boston & the flavors associated with it, which are as eclectic as Boston’s magnificent skyline

Lady Pink [ NYC ]
Fino | Rhubarb | Citrus | Agave | Bitter Orange
Inspired by famous NYC street artist known for her distinct murals featuring funny imagery

Alex is known as one of the leading mixologists in Europe, having emerged from the London cocktail scene as the head bartender at Artesian Bar at The Langham, London. Originally from Czechoslovakia, Alex has worked all over the world, from New York to Tokyo, in a wide variety of establishments. His hallmark is a luxurious attention to detail, which, combined with his warmth and flair, have made him a celebrity in the cocktail world. In addition to his work behind the bar, Alex writes for drinks and lifestyle magazines on the topic of cocktails, and trains bartenders around the world. Past appearances include a guest bartending gig on board Virgin Atlantic flights.

In 2011 he won “The World’s Best Cocktail Menu” at Tales of the Cocktail; and in 2012 he won “World’s Best Hotel Bar” and “International Bartender of the Year” at the same event. Also in 2012 he helped Artesian win “Best European Bar” at the Cocktails & Spirits Awards in Paris; and “The World’s Best Bar”, an award sponsored by Drinks International Magazine that was awarded at The World’s 50 Best Bars Awards in London.

The Langham Huntington Hotel is located at 1401 South Oak Knoll Ave. in Pasadena. For more information, call  (626) 568-3900 or visit www.pasadena.langhamhotels.com .