From Milan to Champoluc without missing a beat—Nicola Romiti brings his metropolitan expertise to Monte Rosa with a new outpost of The Doping, the cocktail bar concept tied to Aethos Hotels. We caught up with Romiti to talk about his increasingly packed schedule, exclusive locations, and a drink list with a Japanese twist.
Nicola Romiti, Over to the Bar Manager of The Doping
Born in Marche in 1993, Nicola Romiti honed his craft in bars across his home region before making his way to Carlo e Camilla in Segheria in Milan. After a few more experiences, he became the bar manager of The Doping. At Aethos Milan, The Doping is set inside a spacious venue with a mix of elegance and eccentricity. “It’s something truly one of a kind,” says Romiti. And it’s not something that can be replicated—partly because it reflects the personal taste of the hotel’s original owner, who handpicked the vintage furnishings, and partly because Champoluc has its own unique character that deserves to be honored. Located at over 1,500 meters above sea level, this Aosta Valley town is surrounded by forests and mountains. The interiors of The Doping Champoluc reflect this alpine setting, incorporating wood, stone, and leather to evoke the feel of a high-altitude lodge.
More The Doping Locations Are on the Way
The name The Doping remains the same in both Milan and Champoluc, as Aethos Milan and Aethos Monterosa belong to the same group. Romiti oversees both bars: “I’ve doubled my commitment with The Doping Champoluc, and more locations are likely on the way.” Reading between the lines, it’s easy to imagine a future where five more The Doping bars open, each inside a new Aethos Hotel. At some point, though, Romiti might need a well-earned vacation.
The Doping Champoluc Drink List
Different locations, distinct décor, same brand. But while the drink lists are unique to each venue and change two to three times a year, the underlying philosophy stays the same: “The mood, the quality, and the idea of offering top-tier cocktails in a truly stunning setting remain constant.” A core concept at The Doping Champoluc is liquid cuisine, a defining feature of its signature drinks. “Creating cocktails using kitchen techniques and unexpected ingredients is always a challenge, but it’s incredibly rewarding when you see guests engaged and satisfied. Of course, every location has different habits and clientele.”
Expect classic mixology with subtle twists, along with a menu tailored to Aethos Monterosa’s culinary offering. “The new restaurant at Champoluc, called 1568, is a full-fledged Japanese Steakhouse. So for this first drink list, we drew inspiration from Japanese ingredients to create a seamless fusion between the restaurant and the bar. This often results in dedicated food & cocktail pairings.”
Japanese and Asian influences take center stage, with ingredients like yuzu liqueur, matcha cordial, Satō, and sake. And if the recipe calls for whiskey, gin, or vodka, you can bet it’s sourced straight from Japan.
Images courtesy Aethos Hotel
