Olivia.co

Classics and beyond

In the center of Catania, in May 2019, business partners Carmelo Buda, Alexa Vaiasicca, and Vanessa Vecchio gave life to a cocktail bar unlike any other. The mood in the two rooms – one with sofas and the counter, one with tables and an alfresco area – is reminiscent of a speakeasy, with the soft light creating an old-fashioned ambiance. Like in a secret Prohibition-era bar, the cocktails are the classics – revised in a minimal and refined key by bartenders Carmelo and Vanessa. The idea is to add a twist to the icons that have made the history of cocktail mixing via seasonal, local, and high-quality fruits, spices, and fermentations. The fruit itself becomes a base for homemade extracts and syrups, enriching the liquid creations. Even though there is every possible spirit – even Norwegian aquavit – the bottle rack specializes in agave spirits, especially tequila and mezcal. These two spirits are used to mix both classic South-American drinks and international cocktails tailored to the occasion. You can also order cocktails on tap.

Favorite cocktail? Martini