Club Derrière "Doppelgänger" Experience

Nestled in the heart of Rome, between Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, lies a hidden gem, Club Derrière. 

Located at Vicolo delle Coppelle 59, this venue offers a unique experience for lovers of refined cocktails and exclusive atmospheres. 

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The club stands out not only for the quality of its drinks but also for its mysterious charm,  guests can enter through an unassuming door on the street or, for those seeking a more theatrical entrance, through a white wardrobe hidden inside Osteria delle Coppelle, a secret passage reminiscent of Narnia.

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The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between past and present, a rustic cellar that once belonged to a 19th-century Roman noble, now enhanced with modern details that make it both welcoming and sophisticated. 

But Club Derrière is more than just an enchanting venue, it aims to be a key player in Rome’s vibrant and competitive cocktail bar scene.

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At the helm is Michelangelo Bruno, a bartender whose passion for mixology traces back to his childhood in Gravina in Puglia. 

Fascinated by the world behind the bar, he turned that curiosity into a true calling, attending the hospitality school in Altamura and refining his skills through hands-on experience. 

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Determined to delve deeper into the art of mixology, he embarked on purpose-driven journeys, including a 14-hour trip just to taste an Old Fashioned at Jerry Thomas Speakeasy. 

That experience was more than just a sip of a cocktail, it was an encounter with destiny. From that moment on, Rome and the Old Fashioned became one in his mind, a guiding point in his journey.

Michelangelo eventually moved to the capital, working at Barber Shop Speakeasy, an experience that shaped him both professionally and personally. 

His bond with the venue remains strong, and one of his fondest memories is tied to the birth of his son, when the bar displayed a large blue ribbon on its door in his honor. 

A gesture that proves bartending is more than just mixing drinks, it can also be about family.

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Michelangelo is, in many ways, like the Old Fashioned that reminds him of Rome,  simplicity, technique, and balance. 

Like this timeless cocktail, he understands that perfection isn’t about the number of ingredients but the harmony between them. 

And with this philosophy, he leads Club Derrière, blending tradition and innovation, flavors and stories.

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The Menu

At Club Derrière, the menu is the result of a collective effort, where each bartender contributes ideas, inspirations, and new experiments. 

Michelangelo Bruno proudly emphasizes the importance of teamwork despite busy schedules, the team gathers once a week for creative brainstorming, testing recipes, refining techniques, and laying the groundwork for the following year’s menu. 

This shared process is key to maintaining high quality and offering something truly unique in Rome’s competitive cocktail scene.

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Currently, Club Derrière presents an ambitious drink list "Doppelgänger", a menu that plays with the concept of duality, illusion, and perception. 

In recent years, mixology has embraced the trend of exploring the many facets of a single ingredient within a drink. Michelangelo and his team decided to turn this idea upside down, creating cocktails that evoke the flavor of a key ingredient, without actually using it. 

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Thus, the Doppelgänger was born the "evil look-alike", a cocktail that triggers the same emotions as the missing ingredient through unexpected components and extensive research into raw materials.

Even the menu’s presentation reflects this philosophy: the cocktails are written in reverse, readable only through a mirror provided to guests. 

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This playful element adds a touch of mystery and engagement, inviting customers to gradually discover each creation.

The drink names are kept simple and intuitive, using recognizable flavors like "Tomato" or "Lemon Tart", making the selection process easy even for less experienced patrons. 

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At the same time, the unconventional ingredients and unique flavor pairings make the experience exciting for connoisseurs, transforming each tasting into a continuous discovery.

The Doppelgänger menu is the perfect example of how Club Derrière blends technique, creativity, and sensory engagement, offering guests not just a drink, but an experience to remember.

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Fallout (Lemon Tart) - The best-seller

Tanqueray N.Ten, Lemon Thyme, Sumac, Tonka, Cream Soufflé

An elegant gin sour that plays with textures and contrasts. The cocktail is topped with a light, spongy cream soufflé, reminiscent of the meringue on a lemon tart, overflowing from the glass while maintaining its structure. 

The tartness comes from lemon thyme and sumac, a Middle Eastern spice with a sweet-sour profile, present even in Sicily but now forgotten. 

The result is a drink as captivating to the eye as it is harmonious on the palate, where creamy notes elegantly balance the vibrancy of the spices.

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Pulp (Tomato) - An explosion of umami

‍Corralejo Blanco, Strawberry, Miso, Ancho Reyes, Bell Pepper, Basil

With a tequila base, this cocktail is a burst of salty, spicy, and fresh flavors. 

Bell pepper and Ancho Reyes add depth with their vegetal and spicy character, while strawberry and miso recreate the acidity and umami notes of tomato. 

Basil provides the final fresh aromatic touch that naturally pairs with tomato. A drink that starts with familiar ingredients but reinvents them through innovative combinations, perfect for those who love savory, unconventional cocktails.

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Honey Moon (Honey Mustard) - Sweet like a kiss, hot like a sin‍

Osborne Oloroso, Seleta, Horseradish, Vegan Honey, Raspberry Crème Fraîche

This cocktail is all about the balance between sweet and spicy. It starts with horseradish, bold, untamed, while the rest of the ingredients work in harmony to refine and enhance it. 

The velvety sweetness of sherry blends with the rough yet rounded warmth of cachaca, while vegan honey adds a smooth and natural touch. Sour cream and raspberry step in to balance the profile, creating a multi-layered and intriguing flavor experience. 

To complete the journey, a sparkling marshmallow intensifies the spicy notes of the drink. A cocktail that awakens the senses and leaves its mark.

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Gibson- The (not so) classic

‍Bareksten Vodka, Bobby’s Gin, Mancino Secco, House-Pickled Onions

A timeless classic, crafted with precision. The combination of Bareksten Vodka, Bobby’s Gin, and Mancino Secco creates an elegant and well-balanced structure, while house-pickled onions add depth and complexity to the sip. 

Perfectly seasoned, they slowly release their aromas, making each taste bold and enveloping. The result is a Gibson in its purest form, intense, sharp, and irresistibly satisfying.

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Circles (Red Currant) - A Reverie of Flavor

‍Casamigos Blanco, Ginger, Lemongrass, Beetroot, Flowers Ceviche

The smooth and clean agave notes of Casamigos Blanco serve as the foundation, while ginger and lemongrass add a spicy yet refreshing accent. 

Additionally, the earthy sweetness and rich color of beetroot enhance the fruity elements, bringing depth to the flavor profile.

What makes this cocktail truly unique is the flower ceviche, its floral nuances and subtle acidity create elegant layers, perfectly harmonizing the overall taste experience.

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Abstract (Green Apple) - The tree in the glass

Bruxo X, Riesling, Melon, Sichuan

The key to reconstructing the essence of "green apple" lies in Riesling. This white wine varietal naturally carries crisp acidity and aromas reminiscent of green apples, lending a bright fruitiness to the cocktail.

Melon adds a touch of sweetness and a smooth mouthfeel, while Sichuan peppercorn provides a sharp, spicy accent.

The smokiness of mezcal contrasts with the fruity elements, creating a distinctive interplay of flavors. This abstract approach reimagines the essence of green apple through a carefully curated blend of unexpected ingredients.

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A Cocktail Experience Like No Other

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At Club Derrière, cocktails are more than just drinks, they are illusions, stories, and experiences waiting to be unraveled. Michelangelo Bruno and his team have crafted a menu that challenges perception, transforming familiar flavors into something unexpected yet deeply familiar.

The Doppelgänger concept is a testament to the artistry of modern mixology, where ingredients are reimagined, and each sip invites curiosity. 

From the playful mirror-read menu to the carefully curated pairings, every detail enhances the sense of mystery and discovery.

Whether you're a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable night in Rome, Club Derrière offers an experience that lingers long after the last sip.

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