Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Belmond Hotel Cipriani, and Ritz Paris Team Up

Ritz Paris' Head Bartender, Colin Field, will join Walter Nisi and Walter Bolzonella, Head Barmen of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Belmond Hotel Cipriani respectively, from 9th – 15th April to serve a range of cocktails from Ritz Paris including Serendipity, a refreshing blend of fresh mint, champagne, Calvados apple brandy and apple juice; and French 75, a heady mix of champagne, gin and lemon juice. The three expert mixologists are also offering cocktail-making classes to guests wishing to recreate the beverages at home.

Venice is the home of the famous Bellini cocktail, making it the perfect setting for this exciting partnership. Colin and Walter Nisi are to prepare cocktails for passengers in the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express' Bar Car as the train journeys from Paris to Venice on 9th April. The pop-up bar then relocates to Gabbiano Bar at Belmond Hotel Cipriani, where Colin partners with Walter Bolzonella for five days before rejoining Walter Nisi aboard the train on 15th April for its return trip to Paris.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Belmond Hotel Cipriani and Ritz Paris offer world-renowned travel experiences to discerning guests. Each is a historic icon in its own right and all three boast a longstanding reputation for producing outstanding cocktails.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express' lovingly restored 1920s carriages take passengers on one of the world's most celebrated and romantic journeys. Set at the heart of the fabled train, the elegant Art Nouveau-style Bar Car offers a glamorous setting for pre-dinner drinks and nightcaps. Head Barman Walter Nisi has been mixing cocktails on the world's most famous train since 2008. His signature cocktails include the Guilty 12, a favourite of David Suchet, which is inspired by the 12 characters in Agatha Christie's famous novel and the countries the train travels through during the season.

Located on the tip of Giudecca Island, the iconic Belmond Hotel Cipriani commands unrivalled views of the Venetian lagoon and is famous for its exquisite interiors and outstanding cuisine. Facing the hotel's magnificent Olympic-sized pool, Gabbiano Bar is a popular spot to watch the sun fade while sipping a cocktail. Walter Bolzonella has headed-up the bar for 37 years and is renowned for his Bellini, which he prepares using fresh white peaches on the advice of Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of Harry's Bar where the cocktail was invented. Walter's own exclusive creations include the Buona Notte, which he invented with Hollywood star George Clooney in honour of the actor's 2005 film Good Night, and Good Luck; and Nina's Passion, named after Clooney's mother. Walter will present his newest cocktail at the pop-up bar: Lucky Spritz, a classic Aperol spritz with Recioto wine and orange bitters.

A grand palatial hotel in the heart of the French capital, Ritz Paris was founded by the Swiss hotelier César Ritz in 1898. Twice voted the world's best barman by Forbes magazine and the inventor of several drinks including the Picasso Martini, British-born Colin Field has overseen the hotel's legendary Hemingway Bar – whose 90-year history of high-profile patrons includes Coco Chanel, Truman Capote, and Kate Moss – since 1994. Colin is currently hosting pop-up bars around the world while Ritz Paris is closed for renovation, and is to welcome Walter Nisi and Walter Bolzonella to his own bar for a similar collaboration when the hotel has reopened.

Visit website: www.ritzparis.com