Luxury footwear brand Aquazzura debuts its first bar at Rome’s iconic Hotel de Russie, bringing a vibrant new tequila and tapas concept to the Eternal City. Through November in the hotel’s Secret Garden, this open-air bar draws inspiration from the Secret Garden tableware collection by Aquazzura Casa, the company’s lifestyle brand.

© Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel

Guests will experience the spirit of Dolce Vita with striped umbrellas, citrus trees and a hand-painted tiled bar adorned with lemon motifs. The bar, curated by Aquazzura founder Edgardo Osorio, serves cocktails spotlighting his love of tequila, which guests can indulge in while lounging in tufted chairs and comfortable sofas.

Drinks include a rotating frozen margarita and the Agave Mero (Osorio’s tequila twist on an espresso martini). Other signature cocktails like Kiss of Fire (Don Julio Blanco, Bruxo mezcal, tamarind, grapefruit and red-eye chili); Secret Garden (Altos Plata, Cocchi Americano, Cointreau, absinthe and lime); and Roman Aurora (Casamigos Reposado, blood orange, timur pepper and Champagne) also celebrate tequila. Those who prefer other liquors can enjoy Acqua Brillante, a concoction of Bulldog gin, Acqua Bianca, cacao, banana and tonic water.

© Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel

An exciting and flavorful tapas menu created by Chef Fulvio Pierangelini celebrates Mediterranean and Italian flavors. Choose from a selection of mini tacos like lobster, mango, chili and mayo; spicy beef tartare, ajo blanco and oyster; tomato and basil; or tuna crudo, avocado and coriander. Other dishes include crispy potatoes with yogurt and Oscietre caviar; fried plantains with guacamole; and red snapper ceviche with cherries and peppers.

Even dessert is set to wow with churros and marinated pineapple with pink pepper ice cream.