Ideal for a drink after a day’s work or for a get-together with friends, cocktail bars are a must for socialising, staying up late at the weekend, but above all for enjoying what the masters of mixology can offer to us.
Mixology is becoming an increasingly popular art that requires passion, professionalism and expertise.
Drinks are not just a simple mix of spirits, but a blend of history and creativity. A good bartender must know what makes up all the different products: the bartender is now an alchemist, always dealing with new flavours, spices, creations and essences. Like Milan and other major world capitals, Rome is also a protagonist of this trend, and among the hundreds of small and large venues that crowd the city, it is important to spot and dedicate a few words to help you choose.
We have put together a selection of 7 cocktail bars where you will enjoy some of the best drinks in the capital.
THE COURT (COLOSSEUM)
Facebook Photo © The Court
On the ground floor of the exclusive Palazzo Manfredi Hotel, The Court terrace enchants with its splendid view of the Colosseum, a symbol of the Eternal City. The eclectic drink list is signed by the expert bartender Matteo Zed, in a location where design and elegance come together to present the latest generation of mixes. Once again in 2021, The Court was confirmed one of the 100 best cocktail bars in the world, ranking 64th in The World’s 50 Best Bars.
Via Labicana, 125
DRINK KONG (MONTI)
Facebook Photo © Drink Kong
Drink Kong opened a few years ago in the historic Monti district, a few steps from the Colosseum. This is one of the most famous locations to have a real taste of Italian mixology. Patrick Pistolesi decided to open his cocktail bar in the capital and Drink Kong has also been included in the prestigious list of the World’s 50 Best Bars, hitting the 19th position, first name among Italians! An exclusive experience for those who want to drink superbly well in an elegant and international atmosphere.
Piazza di S. Martino ai Monti, 8
BACCANO (FONTANA DI TREVI)
Facebook Photo © Baccano
After months of closure, Baccano has finally reopened: this restaurant in the heart of Rome once again scores points for its high quality of service and offer. Elegant but, at the same time welcoming, it features a sommelier and director with enviable curricula: Valerio Capriotti; the chef is Marco Milani, a synonym of excellent technique and ideas.
Via delle Muratte, 23
baccanoroma.com
CO.SO COCKTAIL & SOCIAL (PIGNETO)
Facebook Photo © Co.So
In the heart of the Pigneto district, Co. So Cocktail & Social offers a formula of drinks and food that is very refined and innovative. The place is tiny and very cozy but it preserves a unique informal atmosphere. The queen of Co.So is Giulia Castellucci, bartender and face of the Gambero Rosso TV program “Spirits – I Maestri del Cocktail, with Benedettino Guarino and Chef Riccardo Bucci.
Via Braccio da Montone, 80
FRENI E FRIZIONI (TRASTEVERE)
Facebook Photo © Freni e Frizioni
This historic cocktail bar in Trastevere is proof that there once was an authentic workshop with a large counter in the center. Nowadays, on that same counter, Signature cocktails are mixed up, with lots of surprising suggestions. The place’s signature is definitely mixing. Open every day, from sunset until late at night.
Via del Politeama, 4
CHORUS CAFÈ (VATICANO)
Facebook Photo © Chorus Café
On the mezzanine floor of the Auditorium Conciliazione stands this refined cocktail bar led by Massimo d’Addezio who, after leaving his previous business (the Co.So), has launched this new challenge, just a few steps from St. Peter’s Square. The location is elegant and embellished by marble and high windows that overlook the beautiful Via della Conciliazione. A place to drink (and eat) very well in the name of beauty and quality.
Via della Conciliazione, 4
RUDE (CENTOCELLE)
Facebook Photo © Rude
It was 2015 when the New York Times recommended a restaurant in Centocelle, Mazzo, in an article about Rome. Since then, the suburban district of East Rome has experienced a real regeneration, becoming a gastronomic destination in the capital. Rude Centocelle is an excellent street bar open from mid-morning, full of bright pop light signs going from the bottom of the floor to the top of the ceiling. Not just drinks: the cocktail bar also offers gourmet cuisine by the young Filippo Benedetti, a Roman chef (from northern Rome) who had important experiences abroad, like the one in London and at the award-winning Noma, in Copenhagen.
Via dei Castani 228, Roma
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
MAURO ORRICO
Born in Salento and adopted by Rome, Mauro Orrico has a degree in Political Science from La Sapienza University and a Masters in International Human Rights Protection. He has collaborated with Rai3, Rai Educational and La7d. For 16 years he has also been organising electronic music and independent culture events. In 2014 he founded FaceMagazine.it, of which he is the editorial director.