Floral Martini: A cocktail fit for royalty

With royal fever still burning in Los Angeles in the wake of Prince William and wife Catherine’s visit, it’s natural to ask, “What did the coveted couple drink?” It turns out that mixologist (and Neve Luxury Ice founder) Michel Dozois — who created the artsy cocktail scene for Stark Bar at LACMA — was asked to make cocktails for William and Catherine at the black-tie British Academy of Film and Television Arts gala that took place downtown at the Belasco Theater over the weekend. Dozois, whose team was charged with preparing three types of cocktails for nearly 300 guests, found his job suddenly very challenging when security wouldn’t let him bring in most of his bar tools. Still, he triumphed over the chaos and served an abundance of a summery cocktail called the Floral Martini. Made with gin (vodka martinis would be heresy in this situation), a hint of rose petal simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, sweet strawberries and soft lychee, Dozois’ crowning jewel is a sun-kissed celebration in a dainty glass.

The Floral Martini by Michel Dozois

2 ounces English gin

3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 ounce Lychee puree

1/8 ounce rose petal simple syrup

1/2 strawberry

Muddle all ingredients in cocktail shaker. Add ice. Shake vigorously. Strain. Served up, in a cocktail glass. Garnish with a pansy flower.

Taste Dozois’ creations at Stark Bar at LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. (323) 857-6180; https://www.lacma.org.

—Jessica Gelt