A Popular Venice Beachfront Bar Offers Cocktails Inspired by Movies
Nestled on the picturesque Lido island in Venice, the Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido offers a unique blend of cinematic history and timeless luxury. The iconic hotel, commissioned by entrepreneur Nicolò Spada in 1908, has hosted numerous celebrities, including Winston Churchill, Erroll Flynn, Greta Garbo, and Clark Gable.
One of the hotel's most alluring attractions is the Blue Bar, a haven for cocktail connoisseurs seeking an extraordinary drinking experience. The bar's cocktail menu transforms iconic films into liquid experiences, each drink meticulously developed through multiple creative sessions and tastings.
The Blue Bar's offerings pay homage to a variety of films, from the tragic romance of Romeo and Juliet to the darkly romantic noir of Hamlet. The Romeo and Juliet cocktail uses red wine from Valpolicella, reflecting the regional roots and cultural setting of the story. The Hamlet cocktail, on the other hand, features rose syrup for a noir-inspired experience.
Among the favourites at the Blue Bar, Le Rayon Vert stands out for its whimsical, elegant, and layered flavours. Meanwhile, Vive L'Amour is the summer favourite, with passion fruit notes that evoke the essence of summer flavours.
The Venice International Film Festival, one of the world's oldest film festivals, takes place at the Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido. Over the years, several iconic directors and actors have toasted at the Blue Bar after film premieres, making it a crossroads of cinematic history.
The hotel's banquet hall, Sala degli Stucchi, has also made its mark in cinematic history. It was featured in Sergio Leone's Once Upon a Time in America starring Robert De Niro. For those seeking a more private cinematic experience, the panoramic suite offers 360-degree views of the entire lagoon.
According to Shanti Medici, the Bar Manager at Blue Bar, cinema and cocktails are universal languages that tell stories, stir emotions, and leave lasting impressions. The Blue Bar's cocktail menu celebrates this idea, turning each drink into a sensory tribute to the world of cinema. Whether you're a film buff or a cocktail aficionado, the Blue Bar at Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido promises an unforgettable experience.
