At the St Regis, it’s two, two bars in one. Our guest is well aware of that fact - preparing a perfectly executed Negroni at noon on a sun-drenched terrace… and then later that evening a Warhol-worthy cocktail set in a bespoke glass.

Today I’m sitting down with Ludwig Negri, Manager of The St. Regis Bar and the Arts Bars at the St Regis Venice.

He’s been there since it was reopened in 2019, after honing his craft in London. We’ll talk Lake Garda beginnings, Venetian lagoon botanicals, and what it really takes to build two distinct bar identities in one of the most visited hotels in the city

You can also read about the St Regis Venice in my new book — yes, it’s finally happening. A Guide to Drinking in Venice lands in April 2026. I’ve been hinting at it for years, and it’s now available for pre-sale. Go to alushlifemanual.com/book for more details.

Our cocktail of the week is the Doge’s Tipple.

INGREDIENTS

1. 45ml artichoke-infused Mancino Amaranto
2. 45ml Venetian bitter (we are using select, but we are gonna change soon with Bitter dei Sospiri)
3. 10ml Amaro Cadello
4. Lemon Essence spray from Essentia
5. 1 globe artichoke

METHOD

You will need to infuse your vermouth with artichoke first. To do that, you need to remove the outer leaves and trim the stem of one globe artichoke, keeping only the tender, light-green leaves and heart. Then slice the artichoke into very thin pieces. Add these to the jug and then add 750ml of Mancino Amaranto, which is what the St Regis Venice uses, or any vermouth. Then let it rest 24-48 hours.

1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice.
2. Stir until well chilled
3. Strain into a rocks glass with ice
4. Mist with a spritz of Lemon Essence spray

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/st-regis-venice-with-ludwig-negri/

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New episodes every other Tuesday, usually!!

Paris has taken Venice by storm but this time round, unlike Napoleon in 1797, they’ve arrived with shakers not soldiers. Our guest today is leading the charge!

I’m sitting down with Pietro Lorefice, Bar Manager of Experimental Cocktail Club Venice, one of the bars that changed the cocktail conversation in this city.

Experimental Cocktail Club conquered Paris in 2007 with its innovative ideas, sparking Europe’s modern cocktail revival and growing into an influential group of bars and hotels around the world.

In Venice, Pietro is at the helm and we’re talking craft, culture, and what it really takes to run one of Venice’s most exciting bars.

You can also read about Pietro in my new book - well almost. I HAVE A NEW BOOK COMING OUT in April 2026 - A Guide to Drinking in Venice! I've been talking about it for what... three years now? I can't wait for you to see it at last for pre-sale!

Go to alushlifemanual.com/book for more details.

Now let’s join Pietro!

Our cocktail of the week is the Isola Di Pino

INGREDIENTS

1. 40 ml Vodka
2. 20 ml Coffee liqueur
3. 10 ml Amaro
4. Salted Sugar Syrup* to taste

METHOD

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake until well chilled and frosted.
3. Fine strain into a coupette glass
4. Add 3 coffee beans for good luck and enjoy.

*Salted Sugar Syrup: Combine equal parts (by weight) of sugar and water. Add 5% salt based on the total weight. Stir until completely dissolved.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/experimental-cocktail-club-venice-with-pietro-lorefice/

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to https://substack.com/@alushlifemanual.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every other Tuesday, usually!!

In music, most of us are attracted to a song’s continually repeated musical rhythm, "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple, "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones, or "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes, but once those were new to us. Our guest today is here to remind us of the pleasure we get when discovering a new riff.

Sponsored by Visit Cincy, I am thrilled to introduce you to Mollie Lewis, the President of New Riff Distilling, which took Kentucky’s leitmotif of bourbon and sprinkled in a few eighth-note surprises to create a liquid that is winning awards not only at home but around the world. Her story proves there’s always room for a new tune in town.

Not only am I excited to introduce Mollie to you, but also the whole Cincy Region — where North meets South and Ohio meets Kentucky. Just a bridge apart, Cincinnati’s German heritage and urban energy connect with Northern Kentucky’s Southern charm.

While you are there, you can sip bourbon, sample craft beer, and savor award-winning cuisine. There are tons of vibrant street art, historic landmarks, and stunning architecture to explore — all along a riverfront that’s buzzing with festivals year-round.

You can plan your trip at visitcincy.com.

Our cocktail of the week is the New Fashioned:

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz. New Riff Bottled in Bond Bourbon
• 3 dashes Angostura Bitters
• 3 dashes Orange Bitters
• 1/4 oz. Rich Demerara Syrup*

METHOD

• Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass
• Add ice and then stir until chilled
• Strain over a large rock in a rocks glass or coupe
• Garnish with an orange peel

*Rich Demerara Syrup - In a large pot, mix 12 oz of water and 24 oz of demerara sugar together on low heat. Use a spoon to slowly stir as the mixture heats up. Heat through until sugar dissolves, never allowing the mixture to come to a boil. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/new-riff-with-mollie-lewis-president/

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to https://substack.com/@alushlifemanual.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!