Luxury footwear brand Aquazzura has opened its first bar at Rome’s iconic Hotel de Russie, introducing a lively tequila-and-tapas concept to the Eternal City. Located in the hotel’s famed Secret Garden through November, the open-air space is inspired by the Secret Garden tableware collection from Aquazzura Casa, the brand’s lifestyle line.
© Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel
The setting evokes the spirit of Dolce Vita with striped umbrellas, citrus trees and a hand-painted tiled bar decorated with lemon motifs. Curated by Aquazzura founder Edgardo Osorio, the bar emphasizes his passion for tequila while offering a relaxed lounge atmosphere with tufted chairs and cushioned sofas.
The cocktail menu highlights tequila in a range of inventive serves. Regular offerings include a rotating frozen margarita and the Agave Mero, Osorio’s tequila riff on an espresso martini. Other signature drinks celebrate bold, balanced flavors: the Kiss of Fire blends Don Julio Blanco, Bruxo mezcal, tamarind, grapefruit and red-eye chili; the Secret Garden pairs Altos Plata with Cocchi Americano, Cointreau, absinthe and lime; and the Roman Aurora combines Casamigos Reposado with blood orange, timur pepper and Champagne. For guests who prefer other spirits, the Acqua Brillante mixes Bulldog gin with Acqua Bianca, cacao, banana and tonic water.
© Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel
Complementing the drinks is a vibrant tapas menu from Chef Fulvio Pierangelini that draws on Mediterranean and Italian ingredients. The small plates list features mini tacos with combinations such as lobster with mango, chili and mayo; spicy beef tartare with ajo blanco and oyster; tomato and basil; and tuna crudo with avocado and coriander. Other selections include crispy potatoes topped with yogurt and Oscietre caviar, fried plantains served with guacamole, and a bright red snapper ceviche with cherries and peppers.
To finish, dessert offerings continue the bold flavor approach, with churros and marinated pineapple paired with pink pepper ice cream.