Beyond Aperitivo: Decadent After-Dinner Drinks to Try at the Bvlgari Bar

Bvlgari Hotel Beijing, part of the Italian hotel chain that opts for a “v” instead of a “u” in their logo, is one of the most luxurious places to find yourself in in the capital. The attention to sleek detail found throughout the hotel, situated by the Liangma River, doesn’t just stop at the rooms though, but goes for their bars and restaurants as well – especially The Bvlgari Bar.

Situated next to Il Ristorante - Niko Romito, the hotel’s signature bar features splendid interiors as well as a fantastic outdoor terrace perfect for aperitivo in the warmer months.

Every Bvlgari bar has an iconic design: they're oval-shaped and the material used changes with each location, in Beijing bronze was used and it was hand-hammered.

The bar’s signature oval shape was inspired by the Fontana della Barcaccia, a fountain not far from the Bvlgari headquarters in Rome, a reminder that no matter where you are in the world, if you find yourself in a Bvlgari hotel, you’ll feel like you’re in Rome!

While The Bvlgari Bar does have a great many aperitivi options – ranging from a classic Negroni and Aperol Spritz to their signature Bvlgari Cocktail (RMB 148), made with gin, Aperol, orange, pineapple, and lime juice – head bartender Ivan Wang turned my attention to the after dinner drinks, aka digestivi, as something to look forward to.

But before delving into said drinks, a little bit about Ivan:

How did you get into bartending and what’s kept you here?
I officially became a hotel bartender in the middle of 2017 and joined Bvlgari Hotel Beijing in the middle of 2018.

First of all, because this is a Bvlgari Hotel it gave me a good platform, identity, exposure and so on, but the culture also taught me a lot of things that I could not get access to in other hotels, I am very grateful to Bvlgari Hotel Beijing. Secondly, I don't like to change my job at will and create something with no meaning. I like to be perfomative in a place, or bring some good things and good changes to the place. And this can also prove that one's job stability, responsibility and attitude towards work are not the half-hearted kind, soon I will have been at The Bvlgari Beijing for five years, I will continue to work hard making the customers satisfied whilst also enjoying my work.

What’s your bartending philosophy?
In regard to bartending, I am not a legend, or a master yet; I am still the same school student who simply likes bartending and I am always learning something new. I am full of curiosity, diligence and interest, and never forget my original intention. What we as bartenders should do is to meet the needs and tastes of the guests. I will be very happy to see them leave the bar happy. I also hope to cultivate and attract people around me to bartending, and then make them love bartending, and finally love the work, and be proud of it.

What’s your favorite drink on the menu and why should people try it?
That’s a hard question… I can't just pick one drink, I actually like the whole list. We have Italian elements, seasonal elements, and then we have before and after dinner cocktails, which are very rich in flavor. They are like my surprise soldiers, each glass has a different skill and can impress a different crowd. 

Of all the after-dinner drinks on the menu, two are absolute standouts. There’s the Italian Tiramisu (RMB 148), which takes the basis of the classic dessert – mascarpone cheese, espresso, lady finger cookies – and transforms them into a drink featuring dark rum, lady finger cream, peanut butter, dark chocolate, plus the aforementioned components to make a truly tempting tipple.

Then there’s the unexpected in the form of the Alexander (RMB 148). This tall drink is made by taking a Brandy Alexander cocktail, clarifying it, and mixing it with tonic and soda water with ginger and chili added in for a truly “East meets West” concoction.

Head to the Bvlgari Bar to try these drinks for the ultimate digestivo experience. You can also stay a bit later for their special DJ Vibes sessions, starting at 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Bvlgari Bar
1F, Bvlgari Hotel Beijing, 8 Xinyuan South Road, Chaoyang District
朝阳区新源南路8号，北京宝格丽酒店1层

READ: Forno Combines Pizza With Pasta to Make the Amatriciana

Images courtesy of the Bvlgari Hotel Beijing