THE MAGIC OF VENICE

Ah, Venice, The Floating City. Renowned for its romantic waterways, astonishing architecture and exquisite Murano glass, there’s another attraction to add to the impressive list that everyone knows and loves – cocktails. Who knew? We didn’t, and neither do a lot of visitors who flock here. That’s why Paola Mencarelli launched Venice Cocktail Week.

Highlighting 32 of the city’s bars, the week-long activity took in an array of varied venues – each with its own distinct house styles and characterful cocktail menus. The following are five of our faves. venicecocktailweek.it

THE HISTORIC ONE

It ain’t one of the cheapest spots (an Americano or double espresso on the terrace will set you back €11.50; coffee with whipped cream €15), but that doesn’t stop Caffè Florian from being one of the busiest places in the city. Its location certainly helps – you can’t miss it, beckoning at you as you take in the attractions of St Mark’s Square. So does its decor: a series of interconnecting salons, each gilded and frescoed up to the max and taking in the Chinese Room, Oriental Room, Room of the Illustrious Men, Senate Room, Room of Seasons and Liberty Room.

But perhaps its biggest calling card is its history. Florian is the oldest surviving café in Venice with an impressive roster of movers and shakers having graced its halls – Charles Dickens, Casanova, Hemingway, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie among them.

No one will judge you if you’re spotted sipping a spritz or bubbly-based seasonal tipple in the morning. As evening progresses, it’s time to get involved with the cocktail list, featuring the likes of Gin & It, Martinis and Negronis. caffeflorian.com

THE ARTSY ONE

When was the last time that you rocked up to a bar in a boat? Seriously. We can’t tell you how fabulous we felt stepping out of a water taxi and straight into the glamour of the Arts Bar at the celebrated St Regis hotel. And we’re happy to report that our fandom of this place didn’t end there.

As its name suggests, the bar is inspired by art, but more specifically, the artists who have made a mark in Venice –we’re talking everyone from Canaletto to Banksy, Dalí to Monet and several more, all captured delightfully and deliciously in cocktail form.

Take the Canal-Art, for example, inspired by the Banksy artwork that appeared on one of the buildings in Venice during the 2019 Biennale. Among other ingredients, the drink takes in mezcal (to express the artist’s strong and mysterious personality), Sant’Erasmo artichoke cordial (to link to the local area) and a clever pink ‘air’ (to evoke the pink smoke featured in the image). It works like a charm, both visually and on the palate.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME THAT YOU ROCKED UP TO A BAR IN A BOAT?

Then there’s the Venetian Cobbler, an ode to Jacopo Tintoretto’s The Miracle of the Slave. Taking inspiration from the vivid colours, grape vines and smoke featured in the painting, the rich yet refreshing cocktail blends Valpolicella, homemade strawberry shrub, Abricot du Roussillon, fino sherry, Talisker whisky and Peychaud’s bitters and is finished with a dramatic green tea smoke.

The environment in which to enjoy your drinks is equally inspiring. Take your pick from the elegant art-filled room or head outside to the gorgeous terrace and watch the Venitian nightlife float by on the canal. You’ll think you’re in heaven. artsbarvenice.com

THE PLAYFUL ONE palazzoexperimental.com

If you’re a fan of the Experimental Group’s increasingly expanding portfolio, currently taking in hotels, bars, nightclubs and spas in locations like Paris, London, New York and Verbier amongst others, prepare for something a little different. This is the Experimental Group Venetianstyle, which means a magnificent palazzo setting with views over the Giudecca Canal and more stylish features than you can shake a stick at.

It works like a charm, we must say. We love the location, a vaporetto ride away from the touristy bustle of St Mark’s and on to the more artsy, authentic Dorsoduro district. And Il Palazzo Experimental fits in perfectly. Fresh and funky, bright and buoyant but not too outré to jar with the 16th-century bones of the place, it certainly adds some vibrancy to the area. The bar is designed by Cristina Celestino and spills out to a beautiful garden.

On the menu: staples such as Spritzes, Negronis and Americanos but also bespoke cocktails featuring seasonal ingredients made by Lorenzo Di Cola and the team.

THE SEXY ONE

Just when you think you’ve seen every magnificent building there is to see in Venice, you’re greeted with the vision that is the Aman. Prepare for some serious droppage of jaw as you work your way through the 16th-century palazzo, still privately owned by the Arrivabene Valenti Gonzaga family who have an apartment on the top floor.

Talk about decadence, there’s not an inch of the place that doesn’t make you feel like you’re in a movie – that goes for the spectacular views and classic art to the statement Murano chandeliers. But don’t mistake that for being blingy: somehow, the decor complete with

ornate fireplaces, gilded mirrors and delightful frescoes still retains an air of upscale minimalism. No wonder George and Amal Clooney chose to have their wedding reception and first night as marrieds here…

So what of the bar? The sweeping staircase from which you approach it is a clue – it’s blooming gorgeous. Inspired by the noble virtues of Lord Byron, the bar is located in the opulent Red Room where many a high society soiree was held throughout the centuries. And it remains a visual feast, complete with silk wall coverings, lofty ceiling adorned with an original fresco by Cesare Lotto, sink-into seating and a pretty darned impressive back bar.

Could there be a better name for the signature drinks menu than Masterpieces? We think not.

The Martini here is appropriately dressed up to the nines and called Lustful (Ki No Bi Gin, extra-dry vermouth and 24-carat gold leaf), while the classic menu features all of the cocktails you know and love, plus your pick of 34 gins as the base for your G&T. Enjoy it in the bar or in the spectacular garden beside the Grand Canal. aman.com

THE CLASSIC ONE

For something different and totally charming, we advise a visit to Osteria I Rusteghi.

Positioned in a courtyard between the Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Square, it’s one of those places that you need to know about otherwise a) you won’t find it, or b) if you do, you won’t realise how much of a gem it is.

Owned by Giovanni d’Este, a former sommelier, the bijoux hotspot has been in the family for five generations, but Giovanni has made it into something well worth seeking out. Wine and specialist spirit bottles line every available surface, while legs of ham hang from the ceiling. Grab a chair inside if you can, or relax outside in the courtyard and leave it to Giovanni to suggest a wine to go with a plate of charcuterie. Fancy a cocktail? No worries, Italian favourites such as Americanos and Negronis are served in simple tumblers. Perfection.

@irusteghivenezia