Ready for an adventure with every glass? Grand Hotel Fasano, a historic five-star getaway on the shores of Lake Garda, has launched its “Seven Drinks for Seven Countries” specialty cocktail menu for the Summer/Autumn 2025 season. Orchestrated by the acclaimed Bar Manager Rama Redzepi, this new program is a masterclass in hospitality storytelling—blending unique flavors and global traditions to put an unforgettable spin on the classic cocktail odyssey.
A Global Cocktail Experience Like No Other
In a world where cocktails are more than just drinks, Grand Hotel Fasano’s latest bar menu ushers in a new chapter for destination mixology. Redzepi’s vision for the menu was rooted in his own love for travel and passion for celebrating the tapestry of world cultures. “Each drink is dedicated to a different territory, starring a ‘native’ distillate, and unearthing historical treasures and cultural anecdotes from across the globe,” says Redzepi (Grand Hotel Fasano).
This isn’t just a lineup of drinks. It’s a curated trip around the world, experienced one glass at a time on the iconic lakeside terrace or within the vibrant embrace of Rama’s Lounge Bar. Let’s taste our way through each of these seven masterpieces.
Seven Cocktails, Seven Stories
1. Independiente | The Philippines
Paying homage to the resolve and hope of the Philippine Revolution, “Independiente” is a complex, sweet, and spirited creation featuring Don Papa Baroko rum, almond milk, red fruit tea, lime, black cherry liqueur, and fava tonka syrup. Inspired by patriot Dionisio Magbuelas, each ingredient captures the essence of struggle, resilience, and the bittersweet journey to independence.
Pro Insight: Using indigenous spirits as the focal point tells a nation’s story through taste—a tactic more bars are embracing to foster connection and spark conversation over signature cocktails.
2. Sunset on the Lake | Lake Garda, Italy
An ode to Grand Hotel Fasano’s home, this sunset-hued cocktail is a love letter to the local terroir. Chamomile-infused Campari, green apple, orange peel, oleo saccharum, fresh lime juice, and Cedrata Tassoni soda combine in a glass that truly evokes the essence of Lake Garda at twilight. Every sip is evocative—balancing the floral, citrusy, and gently herbal notes that define the region.
3. Duchess’ Decree | United Kingdom
This royal twist on the gin cocktail plays tribute to Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, inventor of the English tradition of Afternoon Tea. Redzepi infuses Portobello Road butter gin with red fruit black tea, cookie syrup, Poire Williams cognac, and lemon juice—serving it all in a whimsical teacup. It’s an homage to English hospitality and reinvention, reinventing the afternoon ritual for a new era.
Industry Note: This playful nod to tradition is a smart move for food and beverage businesses seeking to amp up their afternoon sales and attract guests with creative, share-worthy presentations.
4. Zimowy Duch | Poland
Traditionally a hot mulled wine, Redzepi’s “Zimowy Duch” offers a chilled, sophisticated take on Poland’s classic Grzaniec. The cocktail blends red wine, Polugar vodka, juniper, cinnamon, clove, star anise, citrus, peach liqueur, nutmeg, and sugar. With Polugar—a spirit steeped in Polish history—leading the charge, this drink is a celebration of cultural revival and reinvention, especially fitting for autumnal sipping.
5. Midori No Sakura | Japan
Evocative of cherry blossom season, “Midori No Sakura” is inspired by the Japanese Hanami tradition. Japanese whisky, milk-infused matcha tea, vanilla, lemon, and cherry soda are combined with precision, reflecting the fleeting beauty of spring and the fragile wonder of life. This cocktail is a practice in restraint, balance, and appreciating the present moment.
6. Swing Maison | USA by way of France
A sonic journey across the Atlantic, this drink honors the jazz scenes of New Orleans and the artistic boulevards of Montmartre. Rye whiskey infused with caramel tea, grappa Evo Fumo, vermouth, Grand Marnier, old fashioned bitters, Peychaud’s bitters, orange, and cinnamon narrate an intercontinental tale of rhythm, flavor, and improvisation.
7. Catrina’s Embrace | Mexico
Named for the legendary figure of Día de los Muertos, “Catrina’s Embrace” fuses mezcal and tequila with vanilla syrup, fresh lime, and pineapple soda—and is dramatically served in a custom skull-shaped glass. It’s not just a cocktail, but a vibrant, smiling emblem of memory, joy, and Mexico’s unique celebration of life and death.
Industry Takeaways: What Can Professionals Learn?
1. Culture-Driven Menus Stand Out
Fasano’s new menu is a textbook example of how unique, culturally immersive themes aren’t mere “fluff”—they deliver a memorable guest experience and command higher price points. “Storytelling through cocktails” is now an operational advantage, not just a marketing buzzword.
Tip for Operators: Look to your team’s heritage, local history, or even guest feedback to inspire your next specialty drink program.
2. Signature Ingredients and Global Spirits
Each cocktail’s focus on a native spirit isn’t just educational—it’s a low-key masterclass in world distillation trends, helping guests and staff alike grow their palate and product knowledge. Leveraging less-common spirits like Polugar vodka or grappa Evo Fumo broadens the beverage conversation and can be a gateway for up-selling premium pours.
3. Photogenic Presentation Matters
From whimsical teacups to skull-shaped glasses, unique glassware and theatrical garnishes are social media bait. Cocktails like “Catrina’s Embrace” offer built-in buzz for guests to share, capturing eyeballs (and bookings) far beyond Lake Garda.
About Grand Hotel Fasano: A Destination for Culinary Innovation
A member of Leading Hotels of the World, Grand Hotel Fasano is perched elegantly on Lake Garda and boasts views framed by banana and palm trees—an exclusive Italian getaway that’s steeped in more than 135 years of history. Once a royal hunting lodge for the Habsburgs, today the property blends its old-world charm with modern luxury, new culinary leadership from Michelin-starred chef Maurizio Bufi and Claudio Santini, and acclaimed gastronomic experiences across its four restaurants.
Fasano’s dedication to culinary leadership was further ignited by the recent Michelin star for Il Fagiano and a bold approach to keeping dining and beverage programming fresh and relevant (see our spotlight on top industry trends).
What’s Next? The Future of Immersive Cocktail Experiences
Globally inspired, story-driven bar programs are here to stay. From Paris to LA, creative beverage directors are leaning into themed menus, signature vessels, and narrative-driven guest engagement as key points of differentiation. As guests seek deeper connections to place, history, and flavor, the future belongs to those who embrace both artistry and authenticity—much like Grand Hotel Fasano’s latest “liquid passport.”
To learn more about international beverage trends, check out our latest coverage on global menu innovation.
Ready to Take a Sip—Or Seven?
Whether you’re a beverage director seeking inspiration, a professional bartender looking to innovate, or simply a globetrotter with a taste for the extraordinary, Grand Hotel Fasano’s new signature menu sets a new bar for immersive cocktail experiences in the luxury hospitality market.
Plan your tasting, take notes on the storytelling elements, and toast to the world—one glass at a time.
What cocktail region would you showcase in your own signature drink? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to share your most memorable bar menu experiences with us!
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
