Christie's representatives talk to the world's best barmen

KOLKATA: Any man of sophistication knows it takes more than the right ingredients to serve the perfect drink. Part art, part obsession it requires patience, attention to detail, and, of course, the proper gear - whether that's using the sleekest, most elegant shakers or selecting just the right drinking glass.

As a complement to Christie's exclusive sale of luxury vintage barware and other fine boys' club accessories, Christie's representatives talked to some of the world's best barmen about their favorite recipes - some classic, some with a modern twist.

Alessandro Palazzi, of the Dukes Hotel, in London, talked about the martini that inspired Ian Fleming, and why the best martinis are neither shaken nor stirred; Laurent Giraud, of the legendary Harry's Bar, in Paris, spoke about Hemingway, Gershwin, and the true story behind the Bloody Mary; Jeremy Oertel from New York's Soho Grand Hotel gave his contemporary twist on the Negroni; and Milk & Honey's Sasha Petraske explained why when a proper mojito is all about the ice.