Como Lake Cocktail Week: What is it?
A few days ago, we have been able to attend one of the most waited-for events of the year in Lake Como.
Como Lake Cocktail Week during which the art of mixology is in the spotlight and which celebrates several days of tasting the most exquisite cocktails.
This yearly event in Lake Como presents a fine selection of revisited classic cocktails as well as craft cocktails together with highly elaborated food pairing. Along with the cocktail, tastings, and mixology masterclasses are organized in more than 30 cocktail bars in the ancient town, restaurants, and luxury hotels in the region of Lake Como. Many exclusive venues participate in the event, Mandarin Oriental Lake Como, Hilton Lake Como, and VISTA Palazzo Lago di Como to name a few.
For this special event, each bartender has to create a unique signature cocktail celebrating the history and territory of Lake Como through its scents and local ingredients. These limited edition cocktails are then only served during this period and are exclusively paired with a portion of high-end snacks realized by a chef. At the end of the Como Lake Cocktail event, the cocktail that receives the most votes wins the title of “Best Cocktail on Lake Como”.
Mixology event: The start
The mixology week starts with an exclusive inauguration night in the luxury resort Villa Lario. After arriving in Italian wooden classic boats, the guests can start to wander around the villa and enjoy the amazing lake views.
As soon as we arrived, we were delighted by the event’s founder, Annalisa Testa, who with her radiant smile warmly welcomed us on the premises. We then began the festivities with a champagne tasting accompanied by bossa nova and lounge music background.
As the guests arrived, the atmosphere began to liven up in front of the breathtaking view of the sunset behind the lake’s mountains.
On the side of the Italian garden, we were able to taste several of the signature cocktails participating in the mixology event.
After a night of mingling and cocktail delight, it was time to head back home and get ready for a week high in taste.
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Speakeasy bar, you said?
The next day we visited the 5* hotel in Como city, VISTA Palazzo’s terrace. The hotel opened its hidden bar located on the top floor inside the Sottovoce restaurant for the occasion. Amazing views of the lake can be enjoyed from the strategic point of the city.
Starting the evening on an elegant note, we couldn’t wait but continue our cocktail tasting in an ephemeral speakeasy bar in the historical center of Como. “Follow the green door,” Annalisa said, “then don’t forget to give the password to be able to enter the bar”. The entire experience of a speakeasy bar is a certain thing, and enjoying a signature cocktail brings it to a whole new level!
During the series of next mixology events, we’ve decided to enjoy the signature cocktail at the bar of the prestigious Villa D’Este. With the live piano in the air, enchanting lake serenity, and elaborated food paring, the venue didn’t lack an ounce of its grace.
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Mixology closing night and starry sky
As every good thing has to come to an end, the Como Lake Cocktail Week celebrated its closing night at the stunning Terraza 241, the rooftop bar of the Hilton Lake Como hotel.
We couldn’t help but notice some similarities with the inauguration night, this time in front of the sparkling lights of the city of Como. This last mixology private event was the perfect closing to an intense week thanks to its subtle subdued atmosphere and eclectic music.
Infinity pool, dancing beats, velvet colors, and outstanding cocktails were the watchwords for the night.
At the end of this sophisticated closing night, we could finally discover the signature cocktail that won the “Best Cocktail in Lake Como” title, which went to the CO.MO, Bar & Bistrot of the Mandarin Oriental hotel.
These event days of making acquaintances, enjoying exquisite cocktails, and discovering a new aspect of Lake Como only made us look forward to the next edition. We cannot wait!