There are moments when a well-made drink becomes more than refreshment. A cocktail can mark a pause in the day, spark conversation, or quietly elevate a simple gathering. Whether enjoyed at a favorite bar or recreated at home, great cocktails share one essential quality: balance.
At Barreldier, a long-standing cocktail bar in central Athens, balance has been the guiding principle for over a decade. Behind the bar is Mario Basso, award-winning bartender and co-owner, responsible for both the cocktail list and the sense of ease that defines the space.
Why Classics Still Matter
Mario Basso has never been drawn to cocktails that rely on visual excess or overly complicated formulas. Instead, his approach centers on iconic drinks—cocktails with history, restraint, and lasting appeal.
“If a cocktail has endured for decades,” he explains, “there’s no reason to alter it so much that it loses its identity.”
While experimental, culinary-style cocktails have shaped recent trends, Basso notes a renewed appreciation for clarity and simplicity. Clean flavors, precise technique, and minimal presentation are increasingly valued. Simplicity, however, is not a shortcut—it demands control, attention to detail, and respect for the ingredients.
The three cocktails he shares reflect this philosophy: familiar at first glance, yet quietly distinctive in execution.
The Cocktails
Glühwein – A Warm, Aromatic Classic
Traditionally associated with Northern Europe, mulled wine has traveled south and found a natural place in Mediterranean drinking culture. This version is rich with citrus, spices, Madagascar vanilla, brandy, and honey—comforting without being heavy.
Punch à la Romaine (Twisted Version)
A modern interpretation of a historic recipe. Built on a Southside cocktail base—gin, lemon, mint, and sugar—and finished with Prosecco, it gains freshness and contrast from a scoop of homemade lemon-orange granita.
Negroni Sour
A lighter, more textural take on the classic Negroni. The familiar bittersweet profile becomes brighter and more aromatic, with a velvety mouthfeel and a clean, refreshing finish.
Cocktail Recipes
Negroni Sour
Ingredients (1 cocktail):
- 40 ml grapefruit-infused gin
- 20 ml blended bitter aperitif
- 20 ml sweet red vermouth
- 20 ml aquafaba (chickpea water)
- 25 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 15 ml simple syrup
Method:
Add all ingredients to a shaker and shake well until emulsified. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a light dusting of dried bitter aperitif.
Punch à la Romaine (Twisted)
Ingredients (1 cocktail):
- 50 ml mandarin-infused gin
- 20 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 15 ml honey syrup
- 3 mint leaves
- 45 ml Prosecco
For serving:
- 1 scoop lemon-orange sorbet
- Fresh mint leaves
Method:
Shake all ingredients except the Prosecco. Strain into a coupe glass, gently top with Prosecco, garnish with sorbet and mint, and serve immediately.
Glühwein
Ingredients (serves approx. 5 liters):
- 5 bottles Merlot red wine
- 400 ml brandy
- 200 ml orange liqueur
- Mixed spices (cinnamon, clove, vanilla, tonka bean, cardamom)
- 250 ml fresh orange juice
- 200 ml fresh lemon juice
- 200–300 g honey (adjust to taste)
Method:
Combine all ingredients in a large pot and gently simmer for 15–20 minutes without boiling. Strain and serve warm in heatproof glasses, garnished with cinnamon and dried orange.
Cocktails as Shared Experience
Cocktails are rarely just about what’s in the glass. They are about the space, the pace, and the people around you. Bars that become familiar places—where preferences are remembered and conversations unfold naturally—turn drinks into experiences.
In that sense, a good cocktail is timeless. It doesn’t depend on a season or a celebration. It simply invites you to slow down and enjoy the moment.
