{"id":156495,"date":"2025-07-30T16:55:07","date_gmt":"2025-07-30T14:55:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/?p=156495"},"modified":"2025-08-28T11:31:07","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T09:31:07","slug":"the-atrium-bar-with-edoardo-sandri","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/en\/interviews\/the-atrium-bar-with-edoardo-sandri\/","title":{"rendered":"Behind the Atrium Bar: An Interview with Edoardo Sandri"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row row_height_percent=”100″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”5″ bottom_padding=”5″ back_color=”color-nhtu” back_image=”156508″ back_image_auto=”yes” kburns=”zoom” overlay_color=”color-jevc” overlay_alpha=”20″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ enable_bottom_divider=”default” bottom_divider=”gradient” shape_bottom_h_use_pixel=”true” shape_bottom_height_percent=”100″ shape_bottom_color=”color-jevc” shape_bottom_opacity=”30″ shape_bottom_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”983792″ back_color_type=”uncode-palette” overlay_color_type=”uncode-palette” shape_bottom_color_type=”uncode-palette”][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”2″ style=”dark” overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”762827″][uncode_info_box items=”Categories,Date” text_size=”h4″ separator=”bullet”][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”753178″ el_class=”new-class-00″]<\/p>\n

Behind the Atrium Bar<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”113802″ row_height_pixel=”400px”][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”123829″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”577498″ el_class=”new-class-01″]<\/p>\n

An Interview with Edoardo Sandri<\/h1>\n

Before he became the heart of the Atrium Bar<\/a><\/strong> at the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze<\/a><\/strong>, Edoardo Sandri dreamed of being a professional boxer. But a chance encounter with a tequila sunrise\u2014and a bar full of energy and possibility\u2014set him on a very different path. Today, with more than two decades of experience and a deep passion for his work, Edoardo has helped shape one of Italy\u2019s most iconic hotel bars into a destination for locals and world travelers alike. In this interview, Edoardo shares what sets the Atrium Bar apart, tells the story behind his Folies Berg\u00e8re cocktail<\/strong>, and offers advice about real life as an exceptional bartender.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row_content=”yes” row_height_percent=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”155783″ back_color_type=”uncode-solid” back_color_solid=”#f3eee7″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_horizontal=”left” position_vertical=”middle” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/2″ uncode_shortcode_id=”154791″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”164868″ el_class=”new-class-13″]<\/p>\n

What first drew you to bartending, and when did you know it would be a serious career?<\/h3>\n

I started bartending 22 years ago, after high school. I actually wanted to be a professional boxer, but that wasn\u2019t in the cards for me. Bartending caught my eye one night when I was at a club and I noticed a bartender making a tequila sunrise\u2014it\u2019s just tequila, orange juice and grenadine, but I liked the dramatic visual effect. The next day, I went to the library and checked out some books on drinks and bars to start my education.<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t really think about my career much, or the future in general, because it gives me anxiety. I just started out taking many courses, like flair and acrobatic bartending. I realized it was a job I would be sticking with around 2008, which was when I began working at the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze Atrium Bar. I started to think, \u201cYeah, this could be a good place for me, a good career.\u201d[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image media=”156501″ media_width_percent=”100″ alignment=”center” uncode_shortcode_id=”719606″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row_content=”yes” row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”3″ bottom_padding=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ mobile_visibility=”yes” auto_height_device=”yes” content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”177615″][vc_column column_width_percent=”95″ gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”100338″][vc_row_inner row_inner_height_percent=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ equal_height=”yes” gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”164554″][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”125974″ el_class=”new-class-07″]<\/p>\n

What sets the Atrium Bar apart from other bars that you’ve worked at?<\/h3>\n

For me, it’s the most beautiful bar in the world, but I might be biased (I also say my daughter is the most beautiful kid in the world!). I\u2019ve been here for 17 years, so it\u2019s an important part of my life and my career. I\u2019ve traveled a lot during these years\u2014for example, to many events with Altamura, where I showcase how we use Altamura vodka. Every time I represent the Atrium Bar, I\u2019m extremely proud to do so. At the beginning, around 2008 to 2010, we mostly served hotel guests. We would get calls from others in town asking, \u201cIs it possible to visit for an aperitivo?\u201d It wasn\u2019t common in Italy to just go enjoy a Negroni inside a hotel. We would respond\u2026
\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/2″ uncode_shortcode_id=”121568″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”160009″ el_class=”new-moduli-citazione”]<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, madam, of course\u201d or \u201cYes, sir, please do\u201d<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row_content=”yes” row_height_percent=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ desktop_visibility=”yes” medium_visibility=”yes” auto_height_device=”yes” content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”136280″][vc_column column_width_percent=”95″ gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”100338″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”125974″ el_class=”new-class-07″]<\/p>\n

What sets the Atrium Bar apart from other bars that you’ve worked at?<\/h3>\n

For me, it’s the most beautiful bar in the world, but I might be biased (I also say my daughter is the most beautiful kid in the world!). I\u2019ve been here for 17 years, so it\u2019s an important part of my life and my career. I\u2019ve traveled a lot during these years\u2014for example, to many events with Altamura, where I showcase how we use Altamura vodka. Every time I represent the Atrium Bar, I\u2019m extremely proud to do so. At the beginning, around 2008 to 2010, we mostly served hotel guests. We would get calls from others in town asking, \u201cIs it possible to visit for an aperitivo?\u201d It wasn\u2019t common in Italy to just go enjoy a Negroni inside a hotel. We would respond\u2026
\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”160009″ el_class=”new-moduli-citazione”]<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, madam, of course\u201d or \u201cYes, sir, please do\u201d<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row_content=”yes” row_height_percent=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ auto_height_device=”yes” content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”444164″][vc_column column_width_percent=”95″ gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”835466″][vc_row_inner row_inner_height_percent=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ equal_height=”yes” gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”175425″][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/2″ uncode_shortcode_id=”686556″][vc_single_image media=”156518″ media_width_percent=”100″ alignment=”center” uncode_shortcode_id=”134115″][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/2″ uncode_shortcode_id=”915233″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”599140″ el_class=”new-class-02″]Many people therefore credit us with opening the doors of our bar and others to the Florentine people. As a result, I may have one table with hotel guests who are spending 10,000 euros per night for their room, and the next table over there’s a Florentine guy like me that\u2019s just drinking a cocktail. We are inclusive for all people, and I like this mix.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image media=”156521″ media_width_percent=”35″ alignment=”center” uncode_shortcode_id=”155274″ el_class=”new-class-02″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”105156″ el_class=”new-moduli-citazione-small”]<\/p>\n

Your current menu features Sips of History.
\nCan you tell me about the inspiration behind these cocktails and how they came about?<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”119020″ el_class=”new-class-02″]Creating this menu was an exciting journey for us. It features eight iconic drinks from the 19th century, and each is designed to reflect a specific time, place, and the people who lived it. It\u2019s our way of bringing those moments to life with a modern twist\u2014every drink is an invitation to connect with history.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”113802″ row_height_pixel=”400px”][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”123829″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”657137″ el_class=”new-class-01″]<\/p>\n

The Folies Berg\u00e8re is one of those iconic cocktails on the menu. Which pieces of history does it represent?<\/h3>\n

The Folies Berg\u00e8re is our Sips of History take on the classic Rob Roy (which is the scotch brother of the Manhattan). We named the cocktail after the popular French theater where one of the dancers famously wore a banana skirt during her performances in the 1920s. Our Folies Berg\u00e8re cocktail therefore features banana juice, as well as Altamura Vodka, smoky almonds to replace the smoky taste of the scotch, and Americano Bianco. The creation is both elegant and fun, evoking the energy and glamour of late nights in theatres and caf\u00e9-concerts.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row_content=”yes” row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”2″ bottom_padding=”1″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”959023″][vc_column column_width_percent=”90″ gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”177286″][vc_single_image media=”156537″ media_width_percent=”100″ uncode_shortcode_id=”574846″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row_content=”yes” row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”4″ bottom_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”158914″][vc_column column_width_percent=”95″ gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”100338″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”727417″ el_class=”new-class-07″]<\/p>\n

When you\u2019re developing a new drink, where do you usually begin\u2014flavor, theme, ingredient, or something else?<\/h3>\n

I usually start with an overarching concept. The concept could be based on history, a flavor, an experience\u2014and once I choose the concept we all like best, then we will work on the drinks. For example, I\u2019m thinking about the menu for 2026 now, and I have several concepts in the running.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”486829″ el_class=”new-moduli-citazione”]<\/p>\n

\u201cFlorence and the whole of Italy are classic places, and the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is a classic hotel, so I use a lot of serious, classic concepts.\u201d<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row_content=”yes” row_height_percent=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”471108″][vc_column column_width_percent=”95″ gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”835466″][vc_row_inner row_inner_height_percent=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ equal_height=”yes” gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”167531″][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image media=”156540″ media_width_percent=”100″ alignment=”center” uncode_shortcode_id=”100523″][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/2″ uncode_shortcode_id=”915233″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”178312″ el_class=”new-class-02″]But I like to alternate years with more fun and creative ideas, too. About seven or eight years ago, we were making drinks with an old tool from the 17th and 18th centuries called a loggerhead, which was an iron rod used to heat the cocktails\u2014a bit like Jerry Thomas\u2019s Blue Blazer. I\u2019ve used nitro for many years as a technique, and also for chilling glasses.<\/p>\n

A decade or more ago, I think most hotel bars and other bars in Italy were a bit boring. We\u2019ve contributed a bit to elevating that experience, making the hotel bar more fun.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ auto_height_device=”yes” content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”661664″ row_height_pixel=”300px”][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”123829″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”910471″ el_class=”new-class-01″]<\/p>\n

What do you think makes a bartender memorable\u2026what makes Edoardo memorable? And what advice do you have for aspiring bartenders?<\/h3>\n

I’m just Edoardo. I’m not an actor, I’m not a superstar, I’m just the father of my daughter. I’m a good guy, and I\u2019m passionate about my job. I dedicate a lot of time to growing the bar, not my career. I\u2019m not too worried about being memorable. It\u2019s a great career with so many opportunities\u2014career opportunities, and also life opportunities, meeting people, making friends. But you have to try to find some balance between your work and the rest of your life.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”764216″ back_color_type=”uncode-solid” back_color_solid=”#f3eee7″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”274995″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”114927″ el_class=”new-moduli-citazione”]<\/p>\n

“When you master both mixology and hospitality together, you can call yourself a great bartender”<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”175329″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ align_medium=”align_center_tablet” medium_width=”0″ align_mobile=”align_center_mobile” mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”152948″][vc_single_image media=”156422″ media_width_use_pixel=”yes” media_ratio=”one-one” alignment=”center” shape=”img-circle” uncode_shortcode_id=”122179″ media_width_pixel=”100″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”994256″ el_class=”new-class-01″]<\/p>\n

Nicole Bump<\/h2>\n

Nicole is a seasoned content strategist and writer with 15+ years of experience turning complex ideas into compelling stories. As founder of Bump Inbound, she helps brands connect with audiences through thoughtful strategy, sharp planning, and standout writing.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/1″][uncode_block id=”103409″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In this interview, Edoardo shares what sets the Atrium Bar apart, tells the story behind his Folies Berg\u00e8re cocktail, and offers advice about real life as an exceptional bartender.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":34,"featured_media":156501,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[199,191],"tags":[198],"class_list":["post-156495","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-interviews","category-editorials","tag-interviews-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/156495","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/34"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=156495"}],"version-history":[{"count":35,"href":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/156495\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":157053,"href":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/156495\/revisions\/157053"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/156501"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=156495"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=156495"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=156495"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}