This wasn’t your usual cocktail night. It was the launch of Tiny Cocktails, a special new menu created by Bar Lina in collaboration with bartender and writer Tyler Zielinski. Zielinski is well known in the drinks world, both for his work behind the bar and for his book Tiny Cocktails: The Art of Miniature Mixology, which has become a favourite among cocktail fans.
The evening began with a few words from Zielinski himself. He spoke about why tiny cocktails, served as 50ml miniatures, are becoming more popular. “Drinks don’t have to be big to be exciting,” he said. “Tiny cocktails let you enjoy bold flavours, without drinking too much. You get to try more, taste more, and still feel great at the end of the night.”
Guests were served three 50ml drinks, each completely different in style and flavour:
- First was the Bloody Martini, Bar Lina’s take on a vodka martini, but with tomato water instead of vermouth. Made with Altamura Vodka and Mancino Secco, it had a fresh, savoury flavour that reminded some guests of a mini gazpacho. It was light, clean, and surprisingly refreshing.
- Next was The Art of Simplicity, one of Zielinski’s signature drinks from his book. It combined Italicus (a bergamot liqueur), grapefruit sherbet, a splash of prosecco, and an olive for garnish. It was slightly sweet, citrusy, and beautifully balanced, a perfect example of what makes tiny cocktails special.
- Lastly, the Fragolino was a new cocktail created just for this event. It was a mix of Karminia Red Vermouth, wild strawberry liqueur, and black cherry kombucha. Fruity and a little fizzy, it tasted like summer in a glass.
What made the night so enjoyable was the freedom to explore without overdoing it. Since each drink was only 50ml, guests could try multiple cocktails without feeling too full or overwhelmed. After the tasting flight, the bar opened up to offer more drinks from Bar Lina’s regular menu, letting everyone find their favourites or try something completely new.
The crowd was a mix of cocktail lovers, curious newcomers, and a few longtime fans of Zielinski’s work. People chatted easily across tables, discussing the drinks, the book, and even the glassware. The smaller size encouraged conversation and made it feel more like a relaxed dinner party than a typical bar night.
Copies of Tiny Cocktails were also available for purchase, and many guests picked one up; some even had theirs signed by Zielinski. It felt like the perfect way to take a little piece of the night home, especially for those who wanted to try making these small but mighty drinks themselves. Bar Lina, which already has locations in Shoreditch, Manchester, and Canary Wharf, was the ideal place for the launch. The bar is inspired by Italy’s drinking culture, where the focus is often on tasty pours, bold flavours, and social connection, exactly what this new menu is all about.
Matteo Pesce, Head of Beverage for Bar Lina and Lina Stores, explained it well: “Tiny cocktails let people enjoy more variety without going overboard. It’s a fun and thoughtful way to drink, especially here, where we’ve always focused on flavour, balance, and that Italian sense of ease.”
Starting July 30th, the Tiny Cocktails menu will be available at all Bar Lina locations, except for the Soho location.
Images: Bar Lina, Theodora Tsevas, and Fraser Communications
