The Lido isn’t just Venice’s answer to la dolce vita beach lifel; it’s where old-world glamour meets Adriatic waves, a narrow island that American financier J.P. Morgan once claimed visitors discussed more than the Doge’s Palace itself. Here, every September, A-listers frolic during the Venice International Film Festival at the Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido, the event’s storied headquarters where directors and stars have toasted premieres for decades.
The Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido, a 1908 Moorish fantasy commissioned by entrepreneur Nicolò Spada, boasts Byzantine domes and an eclectic façade that have sheltered everyone from Winston Churchill to Erroll Flynn, from Greta Garbo to Clark Gable. The hotel’s famous Sala degli Stucchi (the hotel’s striking banquet hall)—featured in Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in America starring Robert De Niro—gives off nostalgic Belle Époque magic, while the panoramic suite offers 360-degree views of the entire lagoon, a recent addition for those seeking the ultimate film festival perch.
But it’s at Blue Bar where cinema truly comes to life, through a cocktail menu that transforms iconic films into liquid experiences.
“Cinema is a universal language, just like cocktails—both tell stories, stir emotions, and leave lasting impressions,” explains Shanti Medici, Bar Manager at Blue Bar. “We wanted to celebrate iconic films through our mixology at Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido, turning each drink into a sensory tribute.”
The concept emerged from the hotel’s deep cinematic roots. “Blue Bar stands at the crossroads of cinematic history and timeless luxury,” Medici notes. “It’s said that several iconic directors and actors have toasted here after film premieres over the years and we like to lean into this heritage as part of our storytelling.”
Each drink was carefully developed through multiple creative sessions and tastings. “We selected cult films with intriguing titles and designed cocktails inspired by their themes, characters, and atmospheres to really create a multisensory experience that blends storytelling and flavor,” says Medici. “Each drink was carefully developed through multiple creative sessions and tastings.”
Take Romeo and Juliet—more than just Shakespeare, it’s regional storytelling in a glass. “We use red wine from Valpolicella to reflect both the regional roots and the cultural setting of the story,” Medici explains. Meanwhile, Hamlet pushes boundaries with its “bold and futuristic” profile, featuring “rose syrup that creates a darkly romantic, noir-inspired experience.”
For Medici personally, “We personally love Le Rayon Vert. It’s whimsical, elegant, and layered with surprising flavors, much like the film itself.” But when Venice reaches peak summer heat, guests gravitate toward something entirely different. “Vive L’Amour is the summer favorite — fresh and enveloping, with passion fruit notes that evoke the essence of summer flavors.”