GRAND HOTEL FASANO, ITALY INTRODUCES A GLOBETROTTING NEW BAR MENU
At the legendary Grand Hotel Fasano, perched gracefully on the sun-kissed shores of Lake Garda, Italy, wanderlust is being stirred, shaken, and poured. Thanks to a dazzling new international cocktail menu crafted by award-winning Bar Manager Rama Redzepi, guests can now embark on a flavor-fueled journey across the globe—without ever leaving the lakeside terrace.
At Grand Hotel Fasano, Rama Redzepi’s new high-season cocktail collection, launched for Summer/Autumn 2025, is no ordinary drinks list. It’s a celebration of cultural storytelling, where every sip is steeped in the essence of a nation, infused with history, and poured with purpose. Each of the seven signature creations is rooted in the spirit of a specific country, spotlighting native liquors and traditions with imaginative twists and historical nods.
A Passport to Seven Nations, One Cocktail at a Time
“Our new cocktail menu is a true passion project based on a love of travel and the celebration of diverse cultures, customs, and history,” says Rama Redzepi. And it shows. From revolutionary rum in the Philippines to aristocratic gin in the United Kingdom, the drinks are crafted not just for taste—but for meaning.
Whether guests choose to sip beneath the starry sky on La Terrazza, or retreat into the sultry, wood-panelled sanctuary of Rama’s Lounge Bar, each cocktail promises a distinct and immersive experience.
Independiente | Philippines
The journey begins in Southeast Asia with Independiente, a bold fusion of Don Papa Baroko rum, almond milk, lime, red fruit tea, black cherry liqueur, and tonka syrup. Inspired by the Philippine Revolution and freedom fighter Dionisio Magbuelas, this drink blends sweetness with subtle rebellion—perfect for those who savor complexity in both history and flavor.
Sunset on the Lake | Lake Garda, Italy
Returning home to the hotel’s breathtaking locale, Sunset on the Lake is a golden ode to the Italian lakeside. With chamomile-infused Campari, green apple, oleo saccharum, lime, and Cedrata Tassoni soda, it captures the warmth and serenity of dusk over Lake Garda. It’s sunshine in a glass—refreshing, romantic, and unmistakably Italian.
Duchess’ Decree | United Kingdom
Taking a turn toward British refinement, Duchess’ Decree is inspired by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, inventor of Afternoon Tea. A blend of Portobello Road butter gin, black tea, cookie syrup, Poire Williams cognac, and lemon juice, it’s a refined riot of dessert and decorum. This is high tea, reimagined—cheeky, elegant, and thoroughly delightful.
Zimowy Duch | Poland
Poland’s deep cultural soul takes liquid form in Zimowy Duch, Redzepi’s chilled reinvention of traditional Polish mulled wine. With Polugar vodka, a symbol of the country’s distilling rebirth, and a symphony of spices, juniper, red wine, and peach liqueur, it evokes the spirit of winter in every sip—subtle, smoky, and unforgettable.
Midori No Sakura | Japan
Next, guests are transported to a tranquil Japanese garden during cherry blossom season. Midori No Sakura pays homage to Hanami, the ancient tradition of admiring sakura blossoms. This delicate mix of Japanese whisky, matcha-infused milk, vanilla, lemon, and cherry soda is meditative and sublime—an invitation to slow down and appreciate beauty in its most fleeting form.
Swing Maison | USA by way of France
Bridging continents with rhythm and soul, Swing Maison draws inspiration from the jazz-swing cultures of New Orleans and Montmartre. A seductive mix of rye whiskey, caramel tea, vermouth, Grand Marnier, and bitters, it’s smooth, sultry, and packed with heritage. A true transatlantic groove in a glass.
Catrina’s Embrace | Mexico
Finally, we arrive in Mexico with the bold and beautiful Catrina’s Embrace. This tribute to Día de los Muertos features mezcal, tequila, vanilla syrup, lime, and pineapple soda, served in a festive skull glass. Like its namesake, it’s joyful, poignant, and brimming with vibrant celebration—a spirited toast to life and memory.
Where Mixology Meets Michelin
The unveiling of this globe-trotting menu comes amid a season of transformation for Grand Hotel Fasano. The property, a former royal hunting lodge and now a National Heritage Site, recently appointed Claudio Santini as Co-Executive Chef alongside Michelin-starred Maurizio Bufi, bringing new energy to its four on-site dining venues.
Among the culinary crown jewels is Il Fagiano, which was awarded its first Michelin star this year. Between world-class cuisine, luxurious new suites, and a fully renovated spa, 2025 marks a high point in the hotel’s 135-year legacy of elegance and innovation.
The Destination
With its opulent architecture, 86 refined rooms and suites, and location halfway between Venice and Milan, Grand Hotel Fasano offers a luxurious gateway to Lake Garda’s storied charm. Surrounded by palm and banana trees and framed by dramatic alpine scenery, the hotel stands as a beacon of exclusive Italian hospitality, where history, beauty, and indulgence converge.
Whether you’re sipping at sunset or unwinding in the lounge with jazz notes wafting through the air, Redzepi’s new cocktail collection turns every drink into a destination. So why not raise your glass to exploration this season? You may not be boarding a plane, but with each cocktail, the world is at your fingertips.
Nightly rates at Grand Hotel Fasano start from €600 (£523) for an Executive Room with lake view and balcony, including breakfast.*
For reservations and more information, visit www.ghf.it/en.
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