Cuzco, the former capital of the Inka empire and one of the food capitals of Peru, it is not the best Martini spot of the country, meaning that it took me a few attempts to identify a proper Martini bar (I will not mention the deceiving cocktail bars I visited but the very good restaurant Cicciolina that serves good classic Martinis). Still, after some attempts (never give up!) I found the Garibaldi cocktail bar, where owners Luis and Sheryl are true Martini lovers and top conosseurs. The place, just a few blocks away from Plaza Mayor but out of the super touristic zone of the city, is a small and cosy bar named after the classic Garibaldi cocktail, with good music, a few attractive signature drinks, its own Martini menu, and more…
As one should do in such a Martini shrine, I tried all possible house Martinis. First, the “Martini my way”, a very brave twist of our drink served in a sort of highball fashion (but still tasting like a Martini) with three local olives on the side (one simple, one with anchovis and one with cheese) that should guide your five “tiempos” (sips) . Second, the “El sucio Luis” (Luis the dirty), that is the one Luis prepares for himself at home: a mediterranean but still dry Martini with capers-infused vermouth and local capers on the side, just perfect. And finally, the “Martini del huerto” ideated by Sheryl, full of herbal flavours matching the gin botanicals, superb.
Apart from the creativity, the quality of the drinks, the use of local products (without exaggerating), the magic of Garibaldi is the passion that permeates every discussion and the openness of the crew in telling you all about the Peru cocktail scene, in proudly making you try local products like a Peruvian vermouth and some more surprises, and especially the “bartenders community approach”, meaning the drive to gather the best bartending energy of the city in a open and sharing fashion. Classic Martini rate: 9.
The Martini Hour 