Bar & Beats #01:
Fake Paloma
mixed by Morris Mau
Welcome to the very first edition of Bar & Beats, where we shake things up (literally) and pair a cocktail with a record. No fluff, no fancy bartender jargon, just good drinks, good tunes, and a bit of storytelling to keep things interesting. For our debut, let’s talk about the Fake Paloma. Yeah, I know, why fake it? Well, let’s set the scene: imagine a group of impeccably tanned, effortlessly chic Parioline* lounging on a Tuscan beach in Punta Ala. They want a Paloma… but not too much of a Paloma. Tequila? Too exotic. A pink, tailor-made gin creation that perfectly matches their curated aesthetic? Now we’re talking. So, I present to you their dream drink: the Fake Paloma. It’s evasive but exclusive. It's casual but calculated, it tastes like grapefruit, and most importantly it tastes so good.

The Recipe:
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30ml fresh lime juice
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10ml sugar syrup
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45ml Gin Mare (or another Mediterranean-style gin if you’re feeling rebellious)
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22.5ml Beaujolais (yes, red wine, trust me on this)
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Stir it all in a Collins glass
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Top with soda
It’s citrusy, refreshing, and slightly unexpected, kind of like when you realize the Parioline’s summer playlist isn’t just mainstream house but also a bit of tasteful deep-cut disco. Speaking of which, let’s get to the music.
The Pairing:
To sip on your Fake Paloma, you need something deep, introspective, and effortlessly refined. Enter Reminiscent Era by Fred P, a record that moves with fluidity, blending hypnotic grooves, soulful textures, and a meditative energy that mirrors the layered complexity of your drink. The album was initially released on April 2, 2021, and re-released on December 25, 2024, through Fred P’s label, Private Society. It’s music that invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and embrace the depth beneath the surface. Just like the Fake Paloma, just like the Parioline (or at least the version of them they want you to see).
*Parioline (masculine form: Pariolini), is a distinctive social archetype originating from Rome’s Parioli district. Known for their sought-after style, an affinity for exclusivity, and a penchant for refined yet understated indulgence, they embody a certain effortless elegance which, however, can often verge on bad taste. Whether at a beach club or a private gathering, their choices, be it in fashion, drinks, or music, reflect a carefully curated balance between sophistication and restraint.
Mixologist
Morris Mau, a ten-year successful bartender based in Milan. His career be began at the Dude Club in Milan and then forward to places such as the Bulgari Hotel, the Apophis Club and the Portal Club of the Deus Ex Machina brand.
Morris is a mixology's philanthropist, a romantic visionary, a refined tailor with an alcholic soul, he is the result of a blood cocktail mixed with the Caribbean's sea, Cameroon and the Naples' coast.
Today he's a bar consultant trying to rewrite the definition of hospitality by creating bespoke concepts and unique experiences for his clients.
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