“How beautiful you are Rome when it’s evening,” sings Antonello Venditti in Roma Capoccia. And how can you blame him? The illuminated monuments, the crowded and lively piazzas, the alleys teeming with people: when night envelops the Eternal City, magic comes alive. Between restaurants, venues and clubs, Rome’s magical nights offer a plethora of possibilities for those who want to enjoy the evening. If you love to relax while enjoying a good drink in a more particular atmosphere, find out what to do in Rome at night among speakeasies and secret bars.
Speakeasy in Rome: discover Argot in Campo dei Fiori
With their intimate atmosphere and retro charm, speakeasies pay homage to the tradition and art of mixing. Here, skilled bartenders experiment with high-quality spirits and unique ingredients, resulting in distinctive and exclusive cocktails.
Rome has become populated with secret bars in recent years: the capital’s charm, with its very active nightlife, is particularly attractive to these kinds of venues, which are increasingly sought after by visitors and locals alike. Among the various Roman speakeasies, Argot in Campo dei Fiori stands out for its convivial atmosphere and the live music nights that the managers like to organize. But what makes Argot unique is definitely the excellence of its alcoholic and non-alcoholic proposals. Let’s discover them together.
Speakeasy, mixology and 5 unique cocktails
During the years of U.S. Prohibition, when alcohol smuggling was the norm, bartenders were forced to invent new cocktails. Alcohol was often smuggled in from the Caribbean, with blends such as Rum and low-quality Tequila that could only be consumed when mixed with other ingredients such as sugar, fruit juices and carbonated drinks.
As speakeasies became more popular, we heard more and more about the role of the mixologist, a figure who combines the skills of the bartender with those of a “little chemist.” Indeed, speakeasies are veritable temples of creativity, elegance and innovation in the world of mixology.
Among the drinks that have come down to us from that era, here are five must-have cocktails that you will find on the drink list at Argot in Campo dei Fiori and if you are passionate about good drinking and refined taste you should definitely savor.
1. OLD FASHIONED
The signature drink of that period is the Old Fashioned. Born in the 1920s and still timeless today, it consists of Rye Whiskey, a sugar cube, two drops of Angostura, a little soda, and ice. Voila: a classic with New York origins.
2. FRENCH 75
Elegant and sparkling, French 75 is made with gin, champagne, lemon and sugar.
But why is it called “French 75”? A short and fascinating story: the intense flavor of the mixture of champagne, gin and lemon was so strong that it called to mind the famous and powerful French 75 mm cannons.
3. BOULEVARDIER
This cocktail is a mix of European sophistication and American impetus, made with sweet vermouth, Bourbon whiskey and bitters. Considered a variation of the Negroni, it only gained “Official IBA Cocktail” status in 2020.
4. STINGER
The name means “stinger,” which in early twentieth-century boxing jargon means a quick punch to the head-just as this drink will make you feel.
The Stinger consists of only two ingredients: Cognac and mint liqueur.
5. PINK LADY
The exact origin of the Pink Lady cocktail is uncertain. It may have been created by architect Elsie de Wolfe or inspired by the Broadway musical starring actress Hazel Dawn, also better known as “The Pink Lady.” What are the ingredients? Gin, triple sec, lemon juice and grenadine.
If you are a fan of refined tastes and the art of good drinking, experience an unforgettable evening at Argot in Campo dei Fiori. Contact the venue and find out how to get in.