Borgo La Chiaracia Resort & SPA

Where Nature and Luxury Come Together

Tucked away in the rolling hills where Tuscany, Lazio, and Umbria meet, right between Rome and Florence, lies Borgo La Chiaracia Resort & SPA. And here, I found a bar that’s truly worth the journey.

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This five-star resort, beautifully rebuilt in the style of traditional Umbrian farmhouses, blends old-world charm with modern elegance.

 The moment you step onto the property, time seems to slow down, inviting you to unwind and soak in the peaceful surroundings.

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Surrounded by lush greenery and sweeping countryside views, the resort seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern, sustainable design. 

While touches of stone add character, crisp white walls create an atmosphere of refined elegance in perfect harmony with nature.

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Borgo La Chiaracia isn’t just a place to stay, it’s an experience. 

Whether you’re floating in the indoor or outdoor pools, unwinding in the steam room, detoxing in the sauna, or letting the hydro-massage melt your stress away, every moment here is designed for pure relaxation.

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And when you’re ready to indulge, Etrusco Bar and the Radici restaurant are waiting. The wines, crafted from the resort’s own vineyards, are as smooth and inviting as the setting itself. 

In that moment, you’re no longer just visiting, you’re part of the magic.

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The Bar That’s a Destination in Itself

There are plenty of reasons to visit this incredible resort, but one stands out: the experience of a drink at Etrusco Bar.

The cocktails here aren’t just drinks, they’re moments, crafted with care and bursting with flavor. Some places are worth visiting for the views, the relaxation, or the food. But at Borgo La Chiaracia, the bar alone makes it worth the trip.

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Alessio Ciucci - A Bartender Who Champions Sustainability and Hospitality

One of the key figures that makes Etrusco Bar so special is bartender Alessio Ciucci. His cocktails reflect a unique balance, calm yet bold, refined yet full of warmth, all infused with a deep respect for nature.

Alessio’s philosophy is simple: every guest deserves a drink that’s perfectly suited to them. Whether it’s a flawlessly executed classic or an innovative signature creation, he pays attention to every detail to make each experience unforgettable.

It’s not just about mixing drinks, it’s about crafting moments. His skill, combined with his genuine hospitality, transforms each cocktail into more than just a beverage. It becomes a story, a memory, and a feeling of pure bliss in a glass.

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Passion, Growth and His Journey as a Bartender

Alessio Ciucci has been shaking things up at Borgo La Chiaracia Resort & SPA for six years now. But believe it or not, his career didn’t start behind the bar, it started in his family’s fruit and vegetable market. 

While studying economics in high school, he helped his parents with their business and quickly discovered the joy of connecting with people. In 2012, he landed a job as a breakfast server at a hotel in Viterbo. That role gave him his first real taste of the hospitality industry. Day after day, he poured cappuccinos and pulled espressos, and somewhere along the way, he had a realization, "This was where I truly belonged."

A few months later, his curiosity led him to cocktails, and his journey as a bartender began.

“At first, it was just a job,” Alessio says. “But one night, I made a Negroni for a guest, and their reaction was incredible. That moment flipped a switch inside me.” The night changed everything. 

In 2016, he decided to take bartending seriously and enrolled in the New World Academy, where he honed his mixology skills. From there, he gained hands-on experience at local bars, jumped into cocktail competitions, and built friendships that became the foundation of his career. He credits these connections and experiences as some of the most valuable parts of his journey.

By 2019, he had landed a spot at Etrusco Bar inside Borgo La Chiaracia, leveling up his skills even further. His talent didn’t go unnoticed, he was nominated for Bartender of the Year at the BarAwards 2020, and the resort itself earned top recognition in categories like Best Bar Team, Best Hotel Bar, and Best Hotel Revelation.

His creative cocktail recipes have been featured in multiple media outlets, drawing in guests and industry pros alike. Alessio isn’t just a bartender, he’s a storyteller, an artist, and someone who truly understands what makes a drink unforgettable.

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The Secret to the Perfect Cocktail? Hospitality.

Alessio puts it simply,

“The most important thing is to listen to the guest in front of you. I ask about their favorite flavors, sweet, bitter, dry, and their go-to cocktails or liqueurs. From there, I create something that’s just right for them. Sometimes, I put a twist on a classic, and other times, I craft something completely unique. My goal is always to give each guest the best possible experience.”

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For Alessio, storytelling and exceptional ingredients are key.

“I love using Italian ingredients, especially those from the region where I live and work. For example, I add locally made blueberry jam to a Cosmopolitan. In winter, I might recommend a Penicillin with honey and fresh ginger, or a cocktail featuring Sicilian blood oranges.”

It’s this kind of attention to detail that transforms a simple cocktail into something truly special.

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Signature Cocktails - A Taste of Place and Story

Etrusco Bar’s signature cocktail menu features five carefully crafted drinks, each with its own story. The menu evolves slightly with the seasons, ensuring guests can always enjoy their favorites while discovering something new with each visit.

The concept behind the menu is to capture the essence of Borgo La Chiaracia. In fact, the names of the cocktails are inspired by the most frequently used words on TripAdvisor to describe the hotel.

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Territorio - Negroni from Italy Green Heart

Gin, Vermouth, Amaro: choosing  between a product from Umbria, Tuscany or Lazio, spruce aroma

The bar’s most popular Negroni, Territorio, is a tribute to the flavors of Lazio, Umbria, and Tuscany. A sip of this cocktail feels like a journey through Italy’s heartland. More than just a single drink, Territorio allows guests to choose the origin of their Negroni’s ingredients, selecting gin, vermouth, and bitter from one of these three regions.

A special mention goes to the house-made vermouth, a true expression of local craftsmanship. 

The finishing touch is a seasonal edible perfume, making this a sustainable yet innovative take on a classic. It’s still a Negroni, but one that can only be experienced here.

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Natura - Italian Old Fashioned

Honeydew honey from Rohrwacher farm, white grappa, tonic water, tabasco, Peychaud Bitter

A unique Italian twist on the Old Fashioned, featuring grappa. While its delicate pink hue may suggest subtlety, its aroma is deep and complex. 

Once again, the surrounding land influences the bar’s creations, depending on the season, the house-made honey changes, adapting the cocktail’s flavor to nature’s rhythm. The combination of grappa and honey results in a drink that is both grounded and robust, solid and stable, just like the land it represents.

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Relax - Enjoy the Silence 

Amarea, Americano Cocchi, Chamomile and Saffron Cordial, White Cocoa Liqueur, Saline Solution

Alessio found inspiration for this cocktail in the iconic Depeche Mode song. Like the music, Relax is an introspective drink. 

The sweet and salty interplay of Amarea and vermouth offers a rich, lingering pleasure, transporting you to the seaside. Meanwhile, the delicate aromas of chamomile and saffron evoke the tranquility of the mountains. A complex cocktail, it invites you into a melancholic dream.

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Persone - A tribute to the Coffee

Amaro Montenegro, Barolo Chinato, Sambuca, 100% Arabica coffee,  Sheep-milk Yogurt from Alfina farm

If there’s one drink you shouldn’t miss at Etrusco Bar, it’s the Persone Cocktail. An homage to espresso time, Persona celebrates not just the coffee itself, but the people you share it with. 

Served inside a moka pot, this cocktail evokes the warmth of a familiar coffee break in any Italian home. A refined take on the classic Espresso Martini, Persona offers an elevated depth of flavor.

The drink undergoes a yogurt wash using the natural acidity of coffee to gently curdle the yogurt, creating a smooth, velvety texture and refined depth of flavor. The rich bitterness of Amaro Montenegro, the delicate notes of vermouth, the spicy hint of anise, and the bold intensity of coffee come together in perfect harmony, each sip revealing something new.

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What makes this cocktail even more special? The perfect pairing with Radici restaurant’s dessert, Hazelnut & Coffee. The rich chocolate, paired with the bittersweet amaro-based cocktail, creates an unforgettable tasting experience

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A Bar Experience Worth the Journey

At Etrusco Bar, the drink menu is as diverse as the landscape that surrounds it. From organic cocktails and house-made resort wines to premium spirits, there's something for every palate. 

If you're looking for a lighter option, the bar also offers an impressive selection of low-alcohol and non-alcoholic cocktails, along with herbal teas and expertly curated coffee.

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Feeling a bit hungry? Don’t miss out on Torta al Testo, a local Umbrian specialty. Think of it as a rustic flatbread, served with melted cheese, fresh greens, and house-cured ham, comfort food at its finest.

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Whether you're stopping by for a pre-lunch aperitivo, an afternoon tea, a pre-dinner cocktail, or a late-night drink, Etrusco Bar fits seamlessly into any part of your day. But what truly sets it apart is the setting. 

From the garden’s cozy tables and sofas, you’re treated to breathtaking 360-degree views of the Tuscan countryside. In late spring and summer, unwind with a romantic aperitivo as the sun sets, while in winter, the candlelit ambiance creates the perfect backdrop for a relaxed and intimate evening.

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Must-Visit Spots Nearby

We asked Alessio for his top sightseeing recommendations.

"Orvieto’s historic center, the towns near Lake Bolsena, Civita di Bagnoregio, the wineries in the region, and of course, my hometown, Viterbo."

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Viterbo -  A Journey Through Medieval Italy

Located about 80 km northwest of Rome, Viterbo is a town steeped in history. With its well-preserved medieval charm, it’s often referred to as “The City of the Popes”. Walking through the old town, you’ll find stone-built houses, narrow alleys, and a sense of having stepped back in time.

One of the highlights is the Palazzo dei Papi (Papal Palace), built in the 13th century. This fortress-like structure once served as a refuge for popes during times of unrest in Rome. If you’re fascinated by history, Viterbo offers an immersive experience into Italy’s past.

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Orvieto - The City in the Sky

Perched on a volcanic plateau in Umbria, Orvieto is a breathtaking hilltop town with a rich heritage. It boasts striking architecture, charming piazzas, and towering bell towers.

The town’s crown jewel is the Duomo di Orvieto, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Known for its intricate façade and stunning frescoes, it is considered one of Italy’s three greatest Gothic cathedrals.

Beneath the city lies an ancient Etruscan underground network of tunnels and caves, which you can explore on a guided tour—an experience that reveals a hidden world beneath Orvieto’s picturesque streets.

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Civita di Bagnoregio - The Vanishing Village

Nicknamed “The Dying Town”, Civita di Bagnoregio is a magical village perched on a crumbling cliffside. It's only connection to the outside world is a long, pedestrian bridge that adds to its dramatic appeal.

Inside, stone-paved streets lead to ancient Roman ruins and well-preserved medieval buildings. The town’s dreamlike atmosphere makes it one of Italy’s most unique destinations, a true bucket-list location for any traveler.

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Alessio Ciucci’s Philosophy - Creating Moments Through Cocktails

Looking ahead, Alessio is preparing for an exciting personal milestone, becoming a father this May.

"I’m really looking forward to it, though I have to admit, I’m a little nervous. But I know it’s going to be an incredible journey!"

As a bartender, his goal remains simple yet profound to keep making cocktails with a smile. He’s also keen on collaborating with brands and working on long-term projects that go beyond the bar counter.

For him, bartending isn’t just about mixing drinks, it’s an art form that brings people together, sparks conversation, and creates unforgettable experiences.

"The true magic of this resort comes from the people who work here. The dedication and passion of the staff are what make this place special."

And with every drink he serves, Alessio continues to craft moments that stay with guests long after they leave.

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