SPIRITS
SEASONAL SEASONAL COCKTAIL COCKTAIL byPaola Paola Mencarelli Mencarelli by
MELI pre SPRING Tommy Colonna - Gran Caffè Gambrinus, Gravina
in
Puglia (Bari)
3 cl Casta 2 cl mallow and marjoram extract 1/2 fresh squeezed tangerine Fill-up sparkling S. Pellegrino water 1 teaspoon Cynar 2 spritzes of Sweet fennel fragrance by Antonella Bondi
Glass: Tall tumbler Technique: Build Garnish: Rim with powdered beetroot and a sprig of lemon balm
M
arch is the month of change, which opens the doors to spring: the time of year dedicated to purification, in which bitter tastes play an important role. In nature it's the season for wild bitter greens such as the Cynara genus and, among the fragrant plants, marjoram and lemon balm. Marjoram stimulates digestive and bronchial activity, lemon balm extract has antiviral, antioxidant, soothing and relaxing properties and enhances cognitive abilities. In Greek mythology, the original name Melissa can be traced back to the nymph who purportedly generated the art of beekeeping and its flowering, which marks the beginning of spring. The extract from this field bouquet is combined with the aromatic power of Grappa Casta and a few drops of Cynar, half a mandarin squeezed into a glass filled with ice, all diluted with sparkling water. The drink is embellished with a rim of beetroot powder on the edge of the glass and a sprig of lemon balm; misting with two spritzes of sweet fennel fragrance as the final touch.
BARTENDER: Born in 1978, Tommy Colonna is the alcoholic soul of Gran Caffè Gambrinus in Gravina in Puglia, in the province of Bari. First bar in town and the cornerstone of Apulian hospitality, Gambrinus is a family business founded in 1920 and handed down to Tommy’s father, Michele. From an early age Tommy breathed in the scents of pastry, gelato, rotisserie and pizzeria, conquering a place behind the counter at age 20, after working as a delivery boy, waiter and glass washer. He was trained by travelling and participating in domestic and international competitions, almost always ending on the podium: from Aibes competitions to I.B.A. (in Singapore in 2010 and in Prague in 2013) and in contests for brands such as Nikka Perfect Serve, Beefeater, Cointreau-Hennessy, Campari, Martini and finally World Class, of which he is the Coach for the 2021 competition together with great professionals and friends of the trade. The experiences matured, even as a consultant and trainer, have not removed him from the counter of his beloved Gambrinus, flanked by his siblings Linda, Maria Giovanna and Innocenzo, and by his mother Rosa in the kitchen, with the common aim of preserving traditions, but always with an eye open to contemporaneity.
GAMBERO ROSSO
9
MARCH-APRIL 2021