Stilla Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Milano has appointed Alejandro Pellejero—longtime member of the hotel’s team—as Head Mixologist, with the aim of delighting an international crowd while staying true to the property’s Milanese spirit.
Alejandro Pellejero Takes the Helm at Stilla Bar
Born in Uruguay in 1989, Pellejero has a touch of Italy—and a great deal of mixology—in his veins. His maternal grandparents are Italian, while a grandfather and an uncle both worked in the drinks world: one as a Bartender, the other as a Bar Manager. In other words, his path into hospitality seemed almost inevitable from the start. He was behind the bar very early on. As soon as he came of age, he had already built notable experience, and awards quickly followed: at 18 and 19 he won the Pan-American bartender championship. Flair bartending took him around the world, brought more prizes, and raised his profile—while he kept working at ever higher levels.
In 2015 he moved to Milan and put down roots. After a series of roles in the city, he joined Four Seasons Hotel. “In Milan the audience is curious, discerning and informed,” Pellejero says. “Guests who come to Stilla Bar know what they want to drink and look for quality, identity and authenticity. Our job is to create cocktails that tell a story—surprising without losing balance and elegance.”
Pellejero’s Drinks
Under his direction, Stilla Bar launches a new menu. It is divided into four sections: Almost Classics (six twists on mixology’s great standards), Italian Aperitivo (four tributes to one of Italy’s—and Milan’s—defining rituals), Gin Anthology (three gin-based cocktails), and No Alcoholic Cocktails (six signatures for those seeking an alcohol-free option).
Among the most requested drinks are Jasmine Spritz with rhubarb, pisco, jasmine and prosecco; Citrus Paloma, which swaps the classic grapefruit soda for fresh grapefruit and adds mezcal, tequila and cardamom salt; and Secret Garden, an alcohol-free serve made with dealcoholised gin, fruit infusion, passion fruit, lime, vanilla and sparkling citrus water.
Also notable is the cocktail of the month, a recipe tied to seasonality and the creativity of Pellejero’s team. It changes every thirty days—twelve times a year.
Images courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Milano
