The 2026 Symposia cocktail series returns to Bvlgari Hotel Beijing with a vibrant spring edition on Sunday night, bringing together world-class mixology and contemporary Italian aesthetics.
This year's event welcomes Taki Li, bar manager of Hong Kong's acclaimed Bar Leone, for a special guest shift. In collaboration with the hotel's bar team, Li presents four limited-edition cocktails designed to infuse the season with brightness, elegance and a sense of convivial indulgence.
Founded in 2023 by Italian bartender Lorenzo Antinori, Bar Leone pays tribute to Italy's rich cocktail heritage and the enduring appeal of classic bartending. The bar rose rapidly on the global stage, ranking No 1 on Asia's 50 Best Bars in 2024 before securing the top position on The World's 50 Best Bars list in 2025.
At the heart of its philosophy is a return to fundamentals — prioritizing craftsmanship, seasonality and ingredient integrity over technical spectacle.
Li's approach reflects this ethos. Known for her commitment to house-made ingredients and a "low-intervention" style, she avoids distillation and complex machinery, instead focusing on flavor clarity and balance. Her work seeks to reconnect guests with the cocktails' essential artistry.
For the Symposia, Li has created four distinctive serves, each offering a different expression of her craft. Bella Rossa blends raspberry, pisco, vermouth, and lemon into a bright, lively composition with a refreshing sweet-and-sour profile.
Yuzu Spritz combines yuzu, vermouth and prosecco for a crisp, effervescent drink that captures the lightness of spring. The Coffee Negroni, presented as an interactive experience, invites guests to participate in its preparation, reinterpreting the classic with coffee, sweet vermouth and gin.
A highlight of the menu is Amber Night, inspired by the century-old pine trees in the hotel's garden. Built on a base of rum and accented with lime and pineapple, it balances depth with vibrancy, evoking both the calm of evening and the quiet renewal of the season.
