Victor Uceda-Vereau

Huaca di Rosolio

1.5oz Italicus
0.5ozl dry vermouth
3oz pomegranate clay sherry soda
2 dashes orange bitters

Inspiration:
Huaca, a term in the Quechuan language, denotes a place or object imbued with spiritual or sacred significance. During my travels to South America, I had the opportunity to explore La Huaca de la Luna, an ancient Moche pyramid located in modern-day Trujillo, Peru—my parents' hometown. The walls of this ceremonial site are covered with distinctive patterns- rendered to a limited 5 colors - which hold profound cultural meaning contributing to the Moche's unique artistic identity. This experience reminded me of the thoughtful design elements of Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto. Its distinctive aquamarine hue evokes the Mediterranean Sea and elegance of the Italian coast. The color choice not only appeals aesthetically but also connects the product to its geographical and cultural roots. Inspired by the Moche's use of natural materials like clay in their artisanal creations, I introduced it into my cocktail. Furthermore, I included pomegranate—grown on my grandparents' farm just miles from the archaeological site—into the cocktail, infusing it with personal and regional significance. Beyond its flavor, Italicus is crafted to be an elegant experience; its presentation and taste are designed to evoke a sense of ceremony and appreciation for Italian art, culture, and ritualistic acts, such as the aperitivo. Similarly, the art within these ancient Pre-Columbian pyramids was not merely decorative, playing a crucial role in rituals and ceremonies, holding deeper cultural significance than mere wall paintings. To honor this tradition, I chose to serve the cocktail in a bowl consisted of concentric patterns to replicate those drawn by the Moche people. Commonly used in Moche ceremonial practices—transforming the act of drinking into a ritualistic experience that pays homage to both cultures. Lastly the stone ice is used in this cocktail to pay homage to the foundation of these pyramids made of stone, forever imbedded in time.