On the evening preceding her dazzling appearance at the Golden Globes in a stunning green sequined outfit, Taylor Swift enjoyed a discreet dinner with two friends at Spago Beverly Hills on Saturday, January 6th.
Entering through the back entrance and seated in a secluded area, the trio, already immersed in their first course, later opted to relocate to a more bustling section. From their new vantage point overlooking the recently renovated bar, they observed the various drink orders being served.
Intrigued by a particularly striking cocktail resembling a single rose, Swift inquired about it. The server identified it as the Lychee Rosé, providing a detailed description that instantly captivated Swift. This marked the Swift seal of approval for Spago’s exciting new bar program.
Swift’s every move is meticulously documented, but, having been at Spago shortly after her visit, I uncovered a crucial detail of the night: the cocktail she savored.
In January, Spago, the iconic Los Angeles establishment credited with popularizing California cuisine and elevating Wolfgang Puck to international culinary fame, celebrated its 42nd anniversary. While always a sought-after celebrity destination, it has now gained recognition as one of the hottest cocktail spots in Los Angeles, thanks in part to Adam George Fournier, the 2021 Diageo World Class U.S. Bartender of the Year.
During my visit to Spago, I explored the recent bar overhaul, including both the new program and the extensive renovation of the bar area. The ambiance was still buzzing with excitement from Swift’s recent visit.
Sitting at the bar near the service well provided a front-row seat to the entire restaurant’s drink orders. One drink, in particular, caught my eye and, echoing Swift’s inquiry, I asked Fournier about it. It was the Lychee Rosé, a golden, frothy concoction poured into a delicate rose-shaped glass.
The Lychee Rosé, part of the Rare & Extravagant section of the cocktail menu, features Tequila Komos Reposado Rosa, aged in French oak ex-red wine barrels. Fournier, the mastermind behind the cocktail, explained that it’s their take on a Lychee Martini, blending the rose-colored tequila with house-made salted lychee cordial, manzanilla sherry, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, and fresh lime juice. Served in a rose-shaped glass and adorned with flower petals, it’s a visually stunning and delicious drink that earned Swift’s admiration.
Following Swift’s visit, there was a notable increase in orders for the Lychee Rosé. Reservations were made by patrons eager to sit where Swift had sat and indulge in the same beverage. Fournier acknowledged the impact of Swift’s visit on Spago, describing it as reinvigorating for the restaurant and introducing it to a new generation or demographic.
To capitalize on the moment, Spago’s social media team reposted images and videos of the Lychee Rosé on their Instagram account, with plans for an upcoming photo shoot. While the initial allure of sipping the same drink as Swift may draw some visitors, it’s clear that Spago’s revamped cocktail program is poised to make a lasting impression and entice patrons to return. Spago, look what you made me do!