Paradiso’s new menu “Mysteries of the Universe” puts the team’s colourful imagination on full display.
Unapologetically theatrical and visually mesmerising, the new cocktail menu at Barcelona’s Paradiso does not disappoint. Themed and named after the Mysteries of the Universe, the new menu explores the unknown and unsolved phenomena that surround us, from the human brain to the pyramids of Egypt and more.
A list of 15 drinks, each inspired by one such “mystery” is a nod to nature, science, and the unknown.
At the forefront of the menu stands the Revival Negroni, a captivating twist on the classic Negroni that delves into the enigmatic realm of mushrooms. With over three million species, mushrooms possess a kingdom of their own, yet much of their mystery remains uncharted. For this drink, the Paradiso team was inspired by the bioluminescence of certain mushrooms that absorb daylight to emit fluorescent light by night through a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase enzymes, akin to fireflies. The visually striking drink, served in a specially designed glass shaped like a mushroom, mesmerises with its changing fluorescent hues as it elegantly rests before the guest.
Revival Negroni recipe
Tequila reposado
Campari Mushroom Butter
Vermouth with dark chocolate
Dashi
Another fascinating drink is the Secret of Java – inspired by Indonesia’s Gunung Padang or Mountain of Light. This enigmatic archaeological site that some have called the oldest pyramid in the world, is said to have three levels from three different ancient eras, which ranks it among the world’s most fascinating unsolved mysteries. For this reason, the cocktail showcases three distinct layers, each offering diverse textures, foams, and colours. It is elegantly served in a glass vase resembling the Rafflesia Arnoldii, famously known as the “flower of death,” native to the island of Java. The vessel forms a striking three-layered pyramid and crowned atop the flower is a golden, banana-flavoured butterfly, a symbolic representation from the forest adding a signature touch of whimsy to the presentation.
Secret of Java recipe
Dried hazelnut
Banana Schochu
Salted caramel tea
Banana foam
The undeniable piece de resistance of this menu for us is The Enigma, which is intended to represent the mystery of the human brain – one that humans have tried to decode and understand since time immemorial.
Enigma is a sour, balsamic, fruity, and fresh cocktail served in (as the name suggests) an “enigmatic” glass – a genderless sculpture celebrating the mystery of the brain. The cocktail is accompanied by a raspberry and pine semifreddo in the shape of a brain, which is only revealed once the lid is opened. The semifreddo slowly melts, releasing its intoxicating aroma and completing the cocktail with a touch of sweetness.
Enigma recipe
Vodka infused with pine cones
Red fruit cordial
Pine mead
Lemon
Agave honey
Ranked #1 by the World’s 50 Best Bars in 2022, Paradiso is serious about delivering nothing but the best. In true Paradiso style, Giacomo, Margarita and the team have taken an R&D centric approach to the drinks, the ingredients, and the flavour combinations. In a dedicated lab next to the bar, this team tinkers away and burns the midnight oil to conceptualise each menu in great detail.
From trying to find ways to incorporate sustainable elements into their drinks to staying true to their flamboyant style, the drinks are designed with purpose and love.
Anyone who has walked through the doors of Paradiso is well aware of their hallmark hospitality style – cheerful greetings, high energy service, smiles all around. These feelings are mirrored in the reaction of each guest who is served a drink from their cocktail menu – surprise, fascination, happiness.
Visual virtuosity aside, this menu delivers excellence in the details. What is undeniable about Paradiso is their ability to capture imaginations and hearts with a kind of storytelling that is hard to match. While the more sophisticated drinker might find this kind of ostentatious display almost unnecessary, it is important to note that their style creates a curiosity and child-like excitement in guests and brings back a whimsical touch that is almost non-existent in cocktail bars today. There is room for this version of fantasy which provides an escape from reality, and we applaud those brave enough to explore it.
If you find yourself in Barcelona, we hope you’ll grab a seat at the bar and enjoy this fantastic display of creativity that aims to make your bar night the most fun it has ever been.
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