Ten days ago, Rome’s cocktails scene got a whole lot more interesting. To be fair, it doesn’t take much. The city isn’t exactly known for its proper cocktails. Watered down spritzes and undrinkable mojitos, yes. Thoughtfully prepared drinks made with fine spirits and tailored to the customer’s specifications, not so much. So it’s a pretty big deal that Patrick Pistolesi and Federico Tomasselli (who you might recognize from behind the bar at Morrison’s in Prati) have taken over evening cocktail service at Barnum Cafè on Via Pellegrino.
From 6pm until 3am Tuesday to Saturday, the duo will be mixing and pouring drinks and serving spirit-based finger foods like the Rob Roy jam and grana padano pictured above. Each cocktail is customized to the drinker’s preferences. The official inauguration is Sunday March 10 after the Spirit of Scotland whisky festival, but stop by this week for a preview. And while you are in the ‘hood pop in at The Jerry Thomas Project for more top notch adult beverages.
Barnum Cafè is located at Via del Pellegrino 87. The Jerry Thomas Project is located just around the block at Vicolo Cellini 30. For the latter, be sure you have a booking, the password and a tolerance for cigarette smoke and poor ventilation. None of the above required for the former.
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