INTERNATIONAL guest bartender and the “world’s greatest tropical mixologist” Daniele Dalla Pola recently shook things up inside Shangri-La at the Fort during its Bartender Series, which featured his exotic tiki drinks, delectable libations and unique kind of showmanship.
Born in Italy, Pola once resided in Miami where he spent many years learning and training in some of the hippest bars in the US East Coast city. He is now the proud owner of the award-winning Nu Lounge Bar in Bologna that specializes in rum-based exotic cocktails. The watering hole has found itself among the world’s top 100 bars.
Pola himself has picked up international awards for his bartending expertise, including being crowned World Champion of the 42-Below Cocktail World Cup 2011 and Best Bartender in the rum category of the Madrid International Rum Fest 2015.
Members of the media were treated to a fantastic set of drinks: first served was Señorita Daiquiri—Pola’s version of the world’s famous banana daiquiri, which is a blend of Bacardi rum and banana infused with Asian ginger.
This was followed by Big Bamboo, described as a bit of Tahiti, an exotic drink made out of nectar of the Tahitian passion fruit.
Next to be served was Kama Aina, made with tropical juices and rum. Last to be enjoyed was Sexy Colada, with fresh Hawaiian pineapple filled with liquid sunshine and the fragrance of jasmine.
Director of Communications Sam Gallardo of Shangri-La at the Fort said, “Pola creates his masterpieces with expertise and intense passion for the Tiki culture. Fuelled by everything Tiki, he looks at the history of the Philippines—and relates his creations to it—[as he pays] homage to the greatest Filipino Tiki bartenders.”
Along with colleagues, it was great to have enjoyed the drinks by the poolside bar of Samba, while being served with delectable Peruvian cuisine.
Until the next Bartender Series!