Cocktail – Triumph at L´Arc: Mixologist Danilo presents his cocktail & food pairings
The belief that cocktails should be enjoyed either before or after a meal has persisted for a very long time and is very persistent.
The unique cocktail pairings of the Brasserie & Bar L'Arc , near the eponymous triumphal arch in Innsbruck, prove us wrong.
For several years now, the restaurant has been serving a fusion of the finest flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with a touch of French cuisine.
The menu changes every two months depending on the seasonal ingredients available.
Therefore, the menu is not so extensive and consists of 6 signature cocktails and about 10 other drinks, such as special gin and tonics, spritzers, highballs and non-alcoholic cocktails.
The vision of L'Arc is to offer Mediterranean-inspired hospitality in the heart of Innsbruck, creating a place for cozy gatherings in a relaxed atmosphere.
It is precisely this relaxed atmosphere that provides the backdrop for enjoying the six different cocktail creations that mixologist Danilo has put together for his guests.
The menu reads like a novel, full of life and protagonists who experience culinary adventures together.
For example, you'll find "Guadeloupe," a refreshing herb and melon combination served with char tartare. There's also a real pairing surprise, consisting of "Red Velvet," a bitters-based cocktail with vermouth, cranberry, grapefruit, Thai basil, and italicus, and a bowl of cheese soup.
One ingredient that is unfortunately used far too little in the region's cuisine is sea buckthorn. It's all the more pleasing that a special "Sea Buckthorn Margarita" has made it onto the menu, served with a delicious octopus.
We spoke with Danilo Milicevic, L'Arc's head mixologist, about his favorite cocktail topic in our "5 Questions for" section.
How would you describe L'Arc to people who have never been there?
Hedonistic, Unique, Gourmet
How did you get into mixology?
My journey as a mixologist began about 14 years ago.
It all started when I finished high school and had the chance to attend the Bar Academy in Belgrade for six months. It was, so to speak, my last opportunity to apprentice with renowned bar tenders before they all left for the USA.
From then on, a path emerged that I have followed to this day and on which I continue to learn as much as I can.
Do you have a role model in the bar scene?
One of the inspirations, but hardly a role model since everyone has their own style, is Danilo Bozovic .
He is one of the best bar professionals in the USA and has already written two books.
He also runs the speakeasy bar “Swizzle Rumbar & Drinkery” in Miami.
What is your favorite drink?
As with everyone, it depends on the occasion, but my favorites are always Manhattans, Margaritas, and Bee's Knees.
Which ingredient fascinates you the most right now?
Unfortunately, I can't give a clear answer to that.
All ingredients are fascinating in their own way when they are well mixed and harmonize well with each other.
For what kind of occasions did you create your cocktail and food pairings?
They are suitable for all kinds of occasions, as an aperitif, as an intermediate course in multi-course meals, as a dessert combination or simply as a casual drink and snack.
So it can be the perfect little culinary finishing touch for various occasions. In our restaurant, we primarily use them as aperitifs, as that's precisely why people come to L'Arc.
l'Arc - brasserie and bar mediterrannée
Leopoldstrasse 7, 6020 Innsbruck
Tue-Thu 17:00 - 24:00
Fri 5:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Sat 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM
