This innovative concept, led by manager Génesis Gelvez, barista Vitória Leandro, and consultant Raiza Carrera, transports customers to the atmosphere of New York or Chicago speakeasies during Prohibition, blending it with the elegance of British hotel bars.
The Circle's cocktail menu goes beyond simple drinks, as it is part of a narrative project called Poetes maleïdes (Cursed Poets). This initiative, conceived by Raiza Carrera, seeks to honor female literary figures who challenged the conventions of their time, such as Sylvia Plath, Alejandra Pizarnik, and Blanca Varela.
“"Women who existed but, for a long time, were not heard."
Each cocktail is designed to capture the essence, emotions, or strength of these authors' works, often undervalued by society. Among the most notable creations are El silencio de Alejandra, inspired by Pizarnik, made with Macallan 12-year-old whisky, orange sorbet, Alquimia ratafia, and cherry cordial.
“"At The Circle, we also work to educate clients' palates and encourage them to discover whisky cocktails; there is still some reluctance, among both men and women, when ordering them."
Another emblematic cocktail is Catedral d’Ecos (Cathedral of Echoes), a lacto-fermented and clarified concoction that requires three to six days of salt fermentation. This drink reflects the venue's zero-waste philosophy, as the by-products of the process are dehydrated to create the final garnish, such as a small biscuit, served with a raspberry coulis.
Génesis Gelvez, originally from Venezuela, has overcome numerous obstacles in her career, especially in the bar industry in Colombia, where she faced difficulties due to being a woman. Her perseverance led her to become the first woman to win the Latin American Cocktail Competition in 2023, representing Colombia.
“"I continue to work so that more women can be inspired and see that they can also achieve it. And if I can contribute, even a little, to opening spaces for them within the industry, I feel deeply fortunate."
Meanwhile, Vitória Leandro, from Brazil, combined her culinary and pastry studies at Escola Bellart in Barcelona with barista training. This dual vision is fundamental to The Circle's team, which aims to create a safe environment for women in mixology, fostering not only the enjoyment of cocktails but also the creation of initiatives such as round tables and international barista exchanges, promoting women's access to positions of responsibility.
