Gathering around Master Barista Fabrizio Aque one recent sultry evening, guests at The Ritz-Carlton Lounge & Bar were paying keen attention as the young Italian showed a different side to the modern barista. Using Illy coffee to make espresso after espresso, these strong, smooth coffees were carefully mixed to make a selection of exclusive coffee-based cocktails for today’s coffee lovers.
To the background of the sun setting over the resort and the Indian Ocean, Fabrizio lovingly crafted his innovative creations presenting them with pride to the eager guests. The Amore was probably the most popular that evening, a rich, sweet concoction of double espresso gently mixed with the delightfully almond-flavoured Amaretto Disaronno and topped with lightly whipped fresh cream.
Fabrizio surprised and inspired with his refreshing take on the classic Mojito made with espresso, vodka and mint, a perfect libation for a warm evening. For those who prefer stronger, more intensely flavoured cocktails, the piquant Ritorno, with espresso, dark rum and Benedictine shaken and served on the rocks, and the Vodka Espresso served simply shaken in a cold glass were highly popular.
Fabrizio also spent some time talking about what makes Illy coffee so good – the specially selected, perfectly balanced Arabica beans, expertly blended for consistent taste, carefully packaged to maintain its freshness – as well as the Illy coffee university, found worldwide with several branches in Indonesia, and its various courses ranging from those for coffee lovers, trainee baristas and coffee growers and traders.
