Discover Lake Como, one cocktail at a time

The participants hail from the most famous cocktail bars in an entire constellation of starred hotels and restaurants as well as the bars of historic downtown Como. Even in such a beautiful, delectable and inventive array of libations, the creativity of our amazing bartenders from the Grand Hotel Tremezzo was able to shine. Many of you, dear readers, have already had the pleasure of meeting them: Stefano, the star of Giacomo al Lago, Hatem, the soul of the T Bar, and Riccardo, the powerhouse behind L’Escale. Each of them put forward a spectacular creation, inspired by the fragrances and flavors of our beloved lake. A natural fit; after all, every ingredient – from the unexpected to the frivolous – plays an essential role in the inimitable atmosphere of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo.
Pull up a stool and join us at the Giacomo al Lago bar, with its breeze, blue sky and baking hot sun, and let the magnificent Neroli tantalize your tastebuds. Stefano’s concoction is a tribute to signature flower of the Lario region and its bitter orange aroma. The attack, mezcal and tequila, is quite masculine, followed by velvety asparagus juice and nettle syrup, and finishing with the high, pungent notes of bitter chili.

Change of scene, as we take our seats on the terrace of T Bar with Hatem and his beguiling Carlotta, a creation dedicated to the beautiful roses in our garden and at the celebrated Villa Carlotta next door. The chronology of flavors here is much more feminine, as rose water meets pineapple juice, enhanced by a hint of timo serpillo, the wild thyme that grows so prolifically on Lake Como.

Another garden, another talent. We make our way to L’Escale and turn our attention to Riccardo’s mixology magic, Il Giardino dell’Escale. A quick step around the bar and a stroll through the kitchen garden is all it takes to decode the surprise behind each flavor. We’re talking vodka infused with rosemary essential oils; we’re talking earthy thyme and marjoram mixed with Cointreau and fresh-squeezed lemon. A touch of purple, like night descending, in the chive blossom garnishes the glass and then the final surprise, lemon peel rubbed along the rim, allows its scent to linger on your fingertips.

Grand cocktails, much like grand hotels, always live on in your memory. And the pleasure of sipping a cocktail in Grand Hotel Tremezzo’s enchanting atmosphere is a memory best enjoyed straight up – no mixer.