Afternoon Tea in Esplanade

In the year that Esplanade celebrates its 100th anniversary, this Zagreb symbol of sophistication and style revives the spirit of the golden age of travel with a limited edition Afternoon Tea inspired by the Orient Express.

For a hundred years, the Esplanade has been the center of Zagreb's social life. It is a meeting place for artists, businessmen, travelers and lovers of timeless charm. It is where big decisions were made, life moments were celebrated, and iconic Hollywood scenes were filmed. Today, it exudes the same cosmopolitan spirit with the legendary Oleander Terrace, in the shade of olive trees, among pink flowers with a view of the park and fountain, inviting you to enjoy the elegant ritual of drinking afternoon tea, in which every carefully crafted bite by chef Ana Grgić Tomić takes you on a culinary journey through the stations of the legendary Orient Express, from Paris to Venice and through Zagreb to Istanbul.

Afternoon tea, a tribute to the elegance of a bygone era, is served slowly and with respect for every bite and sip on an étagère for two. This limited edition offers selected snacks that reinterpret the classics with a touch of modern luxury. Experience Paris with a mini brioche featuring foie gras and pear marmalade, and walk through Venice with the flavours of burrata, dried tomatoes, sardines, raisins, and pine nuts. Stop briefly in Zagreb with a baked, crispy, creamy, and delicious Esplanada mini štrukli. Continue the journey towards Istanbul with the flavours of zatar, hummus, yogurt, and mint. Round off your trip with a sweet touch of Italy, featuring a tiramisu cube with strawberries and Prosecco. Experience France with crispy macarons filled with lemon cream and choux filled with rum, chocolate, and candied orange.

And finally, savour a touch of the Orient with a dessert featuring kadaif, pistachios, and rose water, as well as a melt-in-your-mouth rahat lokum with dried rose and walnuts. Return to another era, a time of elegant gatherings with a selection of top-quality teas and snacks that evoke memories and awaken new senses. Complete the experience with a glass of Croatian sparkling wine, Italian prosecco, or top-quality French champagne and toast to friendship, history, travel, and gourmet experiences in the ambiance of the Esplanade 1925 Lounge & Cocktail Bar. With this limited edition Afternoon Tea, you will also receive a special souvenir of the 100th anniversary of the Esplanade Hotel – a stylized booklet about the hotel’s history and a postcard that the hotel staff will be happy to send to the address of your choice.

The mixes are by Esplanade’s cocktail master, Vjenceslav Madić - Master Kishoni. Each of the 10 signature cocktails in the collection is designed as a tribute to a decade of Esplanade’s glorious history. It is a selection of drinks that reflects the spirit of the times, the refinement of taste, and visual expression, which complements the ambiance of the Esplanade 1925 Bar. Each cocktail is crafted from top-quality, carefully selected ingredients, some of which are available exclusively at the Esplanade. The most modern mixological techniques are applied to create a synergy of taste, aroma, and impression. Ingredients such as Hennessy cognac, saffron, Green Chartreuse, XO rum, or Dom Pérignon are intricately combined in creations that range from smoky effects to bubbles dancing above the glass. The Paradise Garden cocktail carries notes of Brazilian coffee, sherry wine, and honey, while the Esplanade Royal brings a luxurious blend of noble drinks in one sip of history. The collection also includes intriguing mocktails, such as the Smoked Margarita and the Green Bloody Mary, as well as ACALA sparkling tea.

Photos: Esplanade