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Brisbane’s cocktail scene is getting a shake-up. In an Australian first, the expert mixologists at Barcelona bar Paradiso have partnered with W Brisbane to bring their epic cosmic-inspired Universo cocktail menu to Living Room Bar from 12 May. The award-winning bar, which came in as #3 on the World’s 50 Best Bars last year, is world-renowned for their theatrical cocktail creations that enchant in both taste and appearance.
Paradiso was born in the Catalan capital’s trendy El Born neighborhood of Barcelona – a speakeasy hidden behind a fridge door inside an unassuming pastrami shop. Led by famed mixologist Giacomo Giannotti, Paradiso was the culmination of all he had learned in his craft.
Having started the art of mixing flavours in his family-owned ice-cream parlour at a young age, Giacomo couldn’t resist but have a nod to Gelateria Paradiso, where it all started, in the name of his own personal project. His dedication to his craft over his 30-year career earned Giacomo accolades including Best Barman of Spain 2017, and Best Italian Bartender Abroad 2019, while Paradiso featured among the world heavy-hitters on in the Worlds Best Menu on Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards 2020, and Best Cocktail Menu in Spain in the International Cocktail Bar Fair 2021.
The collab with W Brisbane will see ten show-stopping cocktails from Paradiso’s signature classics and famed Universo menu brought to life at Living Room Bar. Fascinated by the unknown, in creating the Universo menu Giacomo drew on the vast cosmos as the inspiration for an intricate array of creations that surprise the senses – be it in taste, aroma or presentation. Unique and little-known ingredients from baobab to cola nut, pandan leaves and electric liqueur, all bring an element of discovering the unknown. Paired with elaborate theatrics like dry ice, smoke, light and innovative glassware, each drink is presented as an experience in itself.
Signature cocktail Mediterranean Treasure, which was awarded the best cocktail in Spain in 2014, blends sour and savoury flavours of land and sea – inspired by Giacomo’s adopted hometown of Barcelona. Flavours of elderflower, honey, citrus fruits, and coriander are balanced by the tang of oyster leaf infused in Fino sherry. For an all-time maritime experience, the cocktail comes served in a treasure chest, emitting a delicate smoke as the treasure box is opened.
Paradiso’s take on the Old-Fashioned, the Great Gatsby comes served in a glass dome emitting a chocolate and vanilla tobacco cloud as it is lifted, revealing a refined take on the classic featuring Glendronach Port Wood, Amaro, White Truffle Honey and Lavender Bitters.
From the Universo menu, The Cloud makes sense of the greatness of the sky through science, developed in a lab incorporating mixology trends of the future like non-gravital food and acoustic levitation. Experimenting with different shapes and textures, Paradiso set out to create a cocktail that comes served with an edible coffee cloud, a technique exclusive to Paradiso. The flavours of the drink are finessed with Amor de Maguey Mezcal, Herradura Añejo Tequila, Amaro Montenegro, Mandenii La Tonique Vermouth, Hibiscus and Birch Syrup.
Perfect to share, The Big Bang is made with an unusual blend of Milton spiced cane rum, guava liqueur, Earl Grey tea, pandan, beetroot, clarified lemon juice and almond milk, served on a platter of sweet delights that mimic the creation of the universe and the spreading of celestial matter.
“We are very excited to be coming to Australia for the very first time to team up with W Brisbane and bring our signature style to guests of Living Room Bar. Partnering with W Hotels is such a natural fit for Paradiso. Having worked at W Barcelona some years ago myself, I picked up so many new techniques that I implement today, and had an amazing time experiencing the W brand’s fresh and energetic take on what’s new and next in mixology”, said Giacomo Giannotti, owner of Paradiso.
A Paradiso cocktail is best enjoyed alongside a food menu of Spanish style tapas like Jamones Ibericos with Guindilla peppers and picos (Spanish breadsticks); Duck pate with Davidsons plum compote on rye; and Flatbread with Flatbread with hummus, fried chorizo and shrimp.
Amping things up even further, live beats from W Brisbane’s Music Curator every Friday and Saturday  evening at Living Room Bar will attract everyone from serious cocktail connoisseurs to late-night revellers who want to hit repeat and live it up.
Be the first to sip on Living Room Bar’s creations from May at the place to see and be seen.
For more information reach out to w.brisbane@whotels.com or +61 7 3556 8888
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