Ava McDonnell
Florida’s Gulf Coast will get a taste of Manhattan’s cocktail culture this March when The Portrait Bar, New York’s cocktail destination, travels south for a two-night takeover in partnership with Altamura Distilleries.
The bar, located inside The Fifth Avenue Hotel and ranked No. 93 on North America’s 50 Best Bars Extended List, will first appear at Punch Room at The Tampa EDITION on Saturday, March 7, from 7 to 11 p.m. The tour will continue on Monday, March 9, from 6 to 10 p.m., at DUSK inside The Ritz-Carlton, Naples.
The collaboration pairs Altamura Distilleries’ premium vodka with three leading hotel bar programs, creating a bridge between New York’s modern mixology and Florida’s rapidly evolving Gulf Coast drink scene.
“At Punch Room, we have always prioritized community building within the broader beverage landscape,” said Tural Hasanov, Director of Beverage at The Tampa EDITION. “We are thrilled to welcome The Portrait Bar team, bringing one of New York’s global cocktail destinations to Florida’s Gulf Coast. Three cities. Two unforgettable nights.”
Leading the takeover are The Portrait Bar’s Bar Director Darryl Chan and Bartender Aaron Tran, who will present a curated menu of bespoke cocktails defined by balance, technique, and a strong sense of place.
First Stop: Punch Room at The Tampa EDITION
Punch Room, named one of Esquire’s “Best Bars in America” in 2024, is the only U.S. outpost of the EDITION brand’s globally recognized Punch Room concept. Under the direction of Hasanov and the Director of Bars Nihat Cam, the Tampa location has built a reputation for innovation, immersive programming, and elevated hospitality.
From 7 – 11 p.m. on March 7, the intimate space will be reimagined with a menu of travel-inspired signatures from The Portrait Bar team, including:
- Barrio Getsemani – Cartagena, Colombia: Altamura Vodka, Gin, Aguardiente, Passionfruit, Sherry, Cherry Bark Vanilla Bitters
- St. James – London, England: Earl Grey–infused Altamura Vodka, Pasubio, Cucumber, Blackberries
- Mapo District – Seoul, Korea: Altamura Vodka, Soju, Sesame-Oil-Washed Laphroaig, Cucumber, Lemon, Pineapple-Vanilla Cordial
Each cocktail acts as a liquid postcard, layered, evocative, and grounded in global influence.
“We’re excited to partner with our friends at The Tampa EDITION and The Ritz-Carlton, Naples,” said Chan. “It’s a privilege to bring The Portrait Bar’s travel-inspired cocktails to two standout destinations that are helping shape the Gulf Coast’s dynamic drinks culture.”
Second Stop: DUSK at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
The tour continues March 9 from 6 – 10 p.m. at DUSK, the sleek lobby lounge inside The Ritz-Carlton, Naples. There, guests will experience not only The Portrait Bar’s acclaimed cocktails but also collaborative offerings from the Punch Room team.
Nicolas Pierregrosse, Director of Beverage at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, referred to the partnership as “a celebration of shared values,” emphasizing creativity, technical precision, and a strong sense of place.
In addition to The Portrait Bar’s selections, guests can expect Punch Room creations, including:
- Guerrero: Altamura Vodka, Hibiscus, Cinnamon, Citrus, Spices, Chile de Árbol
- New York: Altamura Vodka, Gin, Silver Rum, Blanco Tequila, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao, Lemon, Cola Tea
- Florida: Altamura Vodka, Cold Brew, Orange Cordial, Giffard Banana
For cocktail enthusiasts, Floridians, or anyone curious, it’s also a rare opportunity: two nights, two cities, and one of North America’s most respected bar programs without a flight to New York.
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