Rama Redzepi, Bar Manager-Grand Hotel Fasano

Born in Pristina, Kosovo, Rama Redzepi, the Bar Manager of Grand Hotel Fasano, moved to Italy at the age of 13. Coming from a multicultural family, he quickly fell in love with and embraced his new country. His career journey began at a seaside
kiosk in Veneto, where he discovered his passion for bartending. This passion led him on a distinguished career path across Europe. After an early role at a hotel bar in Frankfurt, he moved to Spain and developed a deep appreciation for the Gin & Tonic.

Fasanin

Returning to Italy, he honed his craft under the mentorship of Remo Pizzolitto and Samuele Ambrosi, becoming a professional bartender. Following experiences in Stockholm and Ischia, he joined the Grand Hotel Fasano, where he was appointed Bar Manager at just 29. Under his leadership, the bar's commitment to research and innovation has led to significant accolades. He has won the regional A.I.B.E.S. competition for Friuli-Venezia Giulia two years in a row.

Zanardelli 190

He also led Rama's Lounge Bar (formerly the Gin Lounge) to be named one of the "Best Hotel Cocktail Bars" in the Gambero Rosso Bar d'Italia 2021 Guide, and two years later, the bar was featured in the prestigious BlueBlazer guide. Rama's personal achievements include winning the Lavazza Coffeetail Master in 2023 and the Italian edition of the Graham's Port Blend Series Cocktail Competition in 2024.

Mr Carpano

Name three cocktails which are a must have while at your bar.

– Mr. Carpano: Our signature cocktail at the Grand Hotel Fasano. It’s a blend of 12 different vermouths, combined with our homemade Campari infused with chamomile. We complete it with orange and lemon peels from Lake Garda and a touch of spices such as cinnamon and cloves. This drink is a tribute to the classic Milano-Torino style: elegant, balanced, and deeply
Italian.

– Fasanin: Our most iconic and fashion-forward cocktail and our hotel’s namesake – with ‘Fasano’ meaning ‘Pheasant’, being an ode to our history as an 18 th century royal hunting lodge. The Fasanin is served in a bird-shaped glass – complete with orange rind ‘tail’ – that no one can resist. Fresh and aromatic, it is made with gin, passion fruit, and bergamot and is our instagrammable signature.

– Zanardelli 190: This is a cocktail that truly tells our story. Made with smoked grappa, it takes its name from the hotel’s address, number 190. It’s refined, bold, and contemporary.

Zanardelli 190

Which is your signature cocktail?
My signature cocktail has to be the Mr. Carpano, mentioned above. This drink represents our philosophy here at Grand Hotel Fasano: research, respect for Italian tradition, and a desire to create memorable sensory experiences.

What is your advice to aspiring bartenders and bar managers?
My number one piece of advice – and something I practice every day – is to never stop learning. Every ingredient, every guest, and every evening teaches you something new, whether you’re perfecting your first cocktail or have decades of
experience. Humility and consistency are the foundation of true success behind the bar.

Fasanin

What is the USP of your bar/bars?
Experience, creativity, and Italian identity. Each cocktail tells a story, crafted with obsessive attention to detail, aroma, and hospitality. And, of course, location. There’s no better spot on Lake Garda to unwind with loved ones, aperitivo in hand and watch the sun set on Italy’s most beautiful lake.

At work, which is your most challenging activity and why?
The most challenging part of my work is ensuring the highest level of quality even during our busiest moments. We must balance precision, rhythm, and genuine guest care, to provide a five-star service for each and every guest.

Zanardelli 190

When are you happiest?
When a guest smiles after the first sip. There’s no better feeling as a mixologist – as that’s when I know I’ve created something truly meaningful, and memorable.

Which is your favourite city for food, travel and fashion?
For food, definitely the Lake Garda and Brescia area, where you can find an extraordinary variety of cuisine — from traditional Italian dishes to modern interpretations, crafted by both Michelin-starred and talented local chefs. For fashion, Milan, a city that perfectly embodies taste, style, and timeless elegance.

Zanardelli 190

How many people are part of your team and how do you plan to make a guest’s experience special while they are a guest in your bar?

We are a team of 12 passionate people, all sharing the same vision. Every cocktail is a journey — crafted with care, storytelling, and attention to the little details that make each guest feel special.

Signature cocktail recipe of Mr. Carpano

Mr Carpano

Ingredients:

– Our house blend of 12 Italian vermouths
– Campari infused with chamomile
– Orange and lemon peels from Lake Garda
– Cinnamon, cloves, and selected spices
– Dehydrated orange twist (for garnish)

Method:

– Combine all ingredients over ice.
– Stir and strain into an Old Fashioned-style glass.
– Garnish with a dehydrated orange twist.

Tasting notes: Intense, aromatic, and perfectly balanced between sweetness, bitterness, and spice.