Imagine the passion of Dubai’s nightlife blending with the timeless elegance and premium quality of Milan’s cocktail traditions. Amelia Lounge and Camparino in Galleria are set to redefine mixology under the Campari Academy banner with their Summer Tour. This isn’t just a tour; it’s a cultural cocktail exchange, a voyage into the heart of bartending, celebrating the Negroni in all its glorious forms, crafted by the finest mixologists in the business.
From the Dunes to the Duomo, Amelia and Camparino’s Summer Tour
It’s often said that those who live see much, but those who travel see more. This philosophy is at the heart of the Summer Tour curated by Amelia Lounge from Dubai and Camparino in Galleria from Milan, in collaboration with Campari Academy and in media partnership with Coqtail – for fine drinkers. At the forefront of this adventure are two luminaries of mixology: Alain Achkar, beverage manager at Amelia, and Tommaso Cecca, global head of Camparino licensing and mixology. Their synergy promises three unforgettable guest shifts across Italy in July and August, bringing a touch of Dubai to the peninsula and vice versa.
Guest Shifts: The Ultimate Cocktail Crossroads
Guest shifts have become a pillar of modern mixology, transforming ordinary nights into extraordinary experiences. These temporary bartender collaborations are not just a chance for patrons to indulge in one-of-a-kind concoctions but also a breeding ground for innovation and the cross-pollination of ideas. For mixologists, they’re a thrilling exchange of knowledge, a chance to master new techniques and dive into a world of diverse flavors, expanding their craft to new horizons.
The concept of the Summer Tour was born from the desire to provide unprecedented experiences, championed by the visionaries behind Amelia Lounge in Dubai and Camparino in Galleria in Milan. Leading the charge is Alain Achkar, a seasoned mixologist whose journey includes stints at the Mandaloun Club, Central Station Boutique Bar, and Sud RestoBar in Lebanon. Now, he brings to Italy the essence of Amelia Lounge, a gem in the heart of Dubai, ready to enchant and inspire with every shake and stir.
Amelia Lounge of Dubai and Alain Achkar
At the foot of the iconic Address Sky View, Amelia Lounge stands out with its stunning steampunk-inspiredinteriors, transporting guests into an almost dreamlike atmosphere. The venue, divided into three distinct areas, offers a multisensory experience where avant-garde mixology and music blend seamlessly with high cuisine that bridges the flavors of Japan and Peru.
Alain Achkar, a relentless perfectionist in pursuit of top-tier service and visionary cocktails, now brings his mastery to Italy, constantly pushing himself beyond his comfort zone to explore new and unusual territories in the world of hospitality.
Camparino in Galleria and Tommaso Cecca
On the other side of the Summer Tour’s creation is Tommaso Cecca, at the helm of the internationally acclaimed Camparino. This elegant Milanese salon, with its century-long history and prime location in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, embodies the essence of the Italian aperitivo.
The Summer Tour Program
The tour hits three of Italy’s top destinations for cocktail enthusiasts, particularly fans of the Negroni. It all begins in Milan at the iconic Camparino in Galleria. On July 30th, from 6:30 PM to 22:00 PM, the legendary Sala Spiritello will host an evening dedicated to the king of cocktails. Guests can enjoy the classic Negroni, inventive twists from Camparino and Amelia, and other surprise drinks crafted specially for the occasion by Achkar and Cecca.
Next, the tour heads to Florence, the birthplace of the Count’s cocktail, at the historic Caffè Gilli. On August 1st, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, attendees will explore the Negroni in all its variations, from the timeless original to the creative twists by Amelia and Camparino, along with Caffè Gilli’s own signature take.
The grand finale unfolds in Rome on August 2nd, from 10 PM to 1 AM, at the renowned Drink Kong. This temple of contemporary mixology will offer a feast of flavors with Amelia and Camparino’s creative takes, other unique creations by Achkar and Cecca, and the signature Negroni from Patrick Pistolesi‘s celebrated bar.
Leading Lights of the Summer Tour
The Summer Tour is more than just a chance to savor exceptional cocktails; it’s a bridge connecting cultures, traditions, and visions of mixology. From the classic Negroni to its boldest interpretations, each cocktail tells a tale of passion, innovation, and artistry.
This tour celebrates the stories of top mixologists and the vibrant cities that define cocktail culture, curated by the Campari Academy to highlight the crème de la crème of the industry. Like a rendezvous between East and West, the Summer Tour offers a unique experience that transcends borders and blends the finest elements of both traditions, all in the name of premium quality mixology.
Immagini courtesy Amelia Lounge and Camparino in Galleria
