The Jerry Thomas Project – Rome

I wanted to come to this place for a long time because if you bare such a name you need to deliver on your promise. Not only that but Rome with its rich history, small enchanting alleys, magnificent buildings and buzzing squares there must be room for something a little secretive. A speakeasy fits well into this city. Whoever played Assassins Creed knows what I am talking about. Rome is not well known for a vibrant cocktail scene and many Romans I asked have never even heard of this place. Good I say, as otherwise it would be packed every day. Well it kind of is! What Italy is good for though is its vast variety of vermouths, bitters and liqueurs. A very good basis for cocktails indeed!

This rather small hole in a wall is not too far away from Piazza Navona in a little dark alley. Nothing from the outside points to the bar so you need to know it is there. On the homepage you find a question and if you know the answer you may gain access to this cocktail heaven. When I was there the answer to the question was Ada Coleman, which might give you just the right idea for one of the drinks you could order. The famous Hanky Panky, a drink that Ada Coleman as the bartender of the famous Savoy bar invented back in the 20’s. I reserved beforehand and was never asked for the password when the tiny spyhole opened upon arrival. Once inside we were showed to our table. There are only a few places at the bar and the rest are tiny low sitting tables. The room is divided with a big pillar in the middle, so the bar is not openly exposed. As a first time visitor you have to fill out a membership card. After completing the details you are officially admitted and you can keep a little leaflet. In my case I was the 14’346iest member. The water service comes swiftly to the table which is always something that I expect from a good cocktail bar. This should be standard as it’s vital to stay hydrated if you taste a few creations. Another pleasant surprise was when we asked if they can sell cigarettes, they declined politely but offered us one for free out of a silver dispenser box. A very nice gesture indeed!

The attractive cocktail menu offers something for every taste. The variety is carefully selected. Up to 6 cocktails in a category; from the usual spirits to Vermouth & bitter or absinthe cocktails but also a daily punch is offered or why not try an absinthe fountain for once. The password gave me a good starting point and I ordered a well executed Hanky Panky. Not on the menu though but from Jerry Thomas Project one can expect this classic to be in their repertoire. I continued on to taste a cocktail in their scotch – bourbon and rye section. The first on the list is also one of my most favourite drinks of all times, the Penicillin. They call it Penicillin No2 and it has a twist to it. They use ginger and agave syrup, ginger liqueur and smoked salt. It gives it a different touch than the original one but if you are open to try something new, you will not be disappointed with that choice. Their Old Fashioned also turned out to be a creative twist to the original with Rhum Arrangé (Fruit, leaves macerated in Rum, a speciality from Guadalupe) and bergamot & chocolate bitter. Last but not least I tried a mezcal cocktail which was a bit more refreshing that my previous choices. It was called La Malaeducation with mezcal, rhubarb liqueur, agave syrup, lime juice and grapefruit juice, Egg white and habanero bitters. A very refreshing but complex flavour composition but one that really works and makes you order another one. I will be back to taste more. What I especially liked was the homage to Javier Delgado Corona from the Cantina La Capilla in Mexico with his famous Batanga. Take a highball, use Tequila Blanco, lime juice and Coke and in the end add a salt rim. Finish! Yes I will be back!

© Photos: Martina Monopoli

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