When Milan slows down and seeks a drink crafted with precision, the entrance to The Carlton Bar — an elegant venue within the namesake luxury hotel by Rocco Forte Hotels — is on Via Senato 5.
At its center, a bar counter designed to dominate the room, drawing the eye toward the gestures of the bartenders. Marble surfaces catch and reflect the light falling from historic Murano glass chandeliers, recovered during the building’s restoration. Black and bronze columns define the space, while velvet seating surrounds it like small islands for conversation. Every element contributes to a setting that moves seamlessly from the first aperitivo to a late-night drink.
Hotel and Signature Mixology
The Carlton Milan, with its separate entrance on Via della Spiga 8, orchestrates the experience. Following an extensive restoration, this new address in Milan’s fashion district brings together notable names. The project, by Philip Vergeylen and Paolo Moschino under the creative direction of Olga Polizzi, features 71 rooms and suites conceived as private residences.
The kitchen is entrusted to chef Fulvio Pierangelini, while the bar — imagined as a refined Milanese living room — relies on the guidance of one of the most influential figures in international mixology, Salvatore Calabrese, alongside Luca Ardito, Director of Bars.
The Carlton Bar Cocktail Menu Through Milan’s ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s
A defining element of The Carlton Bar is its cocktail menu, conceived as a layered narrative of Milan across the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s. “For each section, I studied the city,” explains Ardito. “The 1960s speak of industry and technology: Senato Spritz, Vespa Bianca, Linea Rossa and the non-alcoholic Tower translate underground lines, towers and a drive toward growth — embodied by the construction of Torre Velasca. The 1970s move through fashion and design with Mina, Boutique and Seta & Velluto.”
The 1980s celebrate the era of “Milano da bere” with cocktails such as Milanese Nobile with whisky, bitter, red vermouth and fig leaf, Plastic, with vodka, cordial, vermouth and sparkling water, and Riflettori, with whisky, tea, amaro, milk curd and CO₂. “It was a golden decade for Milan, and I wanted to pay tribute to the people who shape it.”
The Great Mixology Classics by Salvatore Calabrese
Alongside this Milan-focused journey are Calabrese’s signatures, from the celebrated Salvatore’s Martini to the Spicy Fifty, from the Breakfast Martini to the Negroni Svegliato. “I have always been drawn to classics — they are our memory and continue to inspire what comes next,” concludes the Director of Bars.
The article first appeared on Coqtail – for fine drinkers. Order your copy here
Photo by Emanuel Florentin – all rights reserved
In partnership with The Carlton Bar
