Biography
Barbara Migliaccio Spina, originally from Calabria, spent 15 years in Rome before moving to Paris, where she gained valuable experience in prestigious venues such as the Fitzgerald, a 1920s-inspired restaurant and speakeasy. Her passion for mixology was ignited at a young age, influenced by her father, a chef. Barbara draws inspiration from childhood memories, such as tiramisu or a simple slice of bread with butter and jam. These memories transform into cocktail recipes, which she enhances with sophisticated techniques to create light and balanced textures.
Barbara is also a strong advocate of the "No Waste" trend, a philosophy rooted in her upbringing where nothing was wasted. She incorporates this approach into her cocktail creations, such as with the ”Italian Breakfast”, a cocktail featuring homemade bread syrup, reminiscent of the bread crusts from her childhood. Each drink she crafts is a gateway to memories, where the past is brought into the present through aromas and emotions.
In 2018, during the World Class Competition, Barbara represented French bartenders with a signature cocktail based on bergamot, a citrus fruit typical of her native Calabria, infused in gin. This pivotal moment showcased her talent on the international stage. Self-taught, she earned her place among the best bartenders in Rome and Paris, thanks to mentors like Giorgio Peis and Giancarlino Battafarano. Federico Leone, another key mentor, taught her that every drink tells a story, a principle that has become central to her approach to mixology.
In 2021, Barbara took the next step in her career by becoming a consultant for the opening of the Adèle Mixology Lounge in Rome, where she crafted bespoke cocktails tailored to the tastes and emotions of her clients. After the success of this venture, she was drawn to the world of luxury hospitality, leading her to Paris, where she worked on the opening of the Bulgari Hotel as Deputy Bar Manager.
In September 2022, Barbara was approached by La Réserve Paris, one of the world’s most exclusive palaces in the capital. Since November 2022, she has been the head of the Le Gaspard bar. She redifined the bar's identity, and modernized it while maintaining its elegance. Her mission is to make this place a symbol of innovation and refinement in the world of mixology.
For Barbara, the bar is the ultimate expression of everything she loves: conveying emotions through her creations while passionately training her team. If she had to choose one word to describe her approach to work, it would be authenticity. Every cocktail is a sincere devotion that creates an unforgettable emotional experience.
