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The Dark Side of Italy
Italy has a darker side.
Beyond the spritzes and sunny aperitivos lies another drinking tradition, one built around bitter herbs, secret recipes, aged spirits, and the ritual of the digestivo.
In this edition of Behind Bars, Michael Jensen takes you deeper into the world of amari and dark Italian spirits, exploring the bottles traditionally poured after dinner, the centuries-old ingredients behind them, and how bartenders use bitterness to build complex, beautifully balanced cocktails.
From alpine herbs and Sicilian citrus to artichoke, rhubarb, coffee, spices, and barrel-aged spirits, this is Italy after dark.
Expect three cocktails, Italian bites, a little history, and plenty of hands-on mixing along the way. The evening also offers another glimpse into the flavors and drinking culture that will inspire Caffè Galatea, our upcoming Italian café and cocktail bar.
What to Expect
An intimate, guided cocktail experience led by Michael Jensen at 430 PKWY.
Three cocktails featuring amari, bitter liqueurs, and dark spirits
Italian charcuterie and after-dinner bites
Hands-on instruction and cocktail techniques
A guided introduction to Italy’s amaro and digestivo traditions
Stories behind iconic Italian bottles, botanicals, and regional drinking rituals
Recipes to recreate the cocktails at home
Details
This is a seated, small-group experience designed for conversation, discovery, and hands-on interaction.
Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: 430 PKWY
$120 per person
Limited seats available. Advance reservations are required.
All sales are final.