Gramm

Eda and Niccolò, partners in both life and work, opened Gramm in 2018, driven by passion, determination, and a great deal of humility. They understood they needed to study and gain extensive hands-on experience to achieve their goal of becoming a go-to destination for anyone in search of excellent drinks in the area. It was an ambitious aim, especially as Gramm is located along the Naviglio Grande, a highly competitive scene where Milanese mixology giants and more tourist-oriented venues exist side by side. Additionally, neither of them had any prior experience in the industry. Niccolò, in particular, had studied architecture for years before realising that his true passion lay in the world of cocktails. Nonetheless, they both rolled up their sleeves, starting from scratch by hiring experienced bartenders, observing them, and learning from them. And, as often happens when you put in such dedication, the results soon followed.

Today, Eda and Niccolò, now both professional bartenders, have a team of around 12 staff. In 2021, when a wine bar next to them closed, they seized the opportunity to double their space, transforming what was once a small, narrow venue into a cozy cocktail bar with two storefronts, a large wooden and marble counter, and a charming outdoor area overlooking the Milanese canals. Niccolò has even put his architectural studies to good use, ‘designing’ a venue that reflects his personality: vintage, yet fun, welcoming, and contemporary. The décor captures the area’s artisanal spirit, with abundant wood, decorative items purchased at flea markets, and especially from the antique market held outside their door on the last Sunday of each month on the Naviglio Grande. The bar is adorned with old globes, hot air balloons hanging from the ceiling, antique-style paintings, pianos, and lamps, all forming a harmonious collection that makes you feel instantly at home. At the centre of it all is a large gramophone, which not only inspired the bar’s name but also pays homage to another of the owners’ passions: music.

At Gramm, you’ll of course find all the classic cocktails, but the best advice is to let the bartenders unleash their creativity. They are skilled at reinterpreting traditional drinks with a creative twist, as they did with the Gramm Spritz—a popular variation on the world’s most famous aperitif, featuring a mandarin liqueur. Naturally, there’s also a seasonally changing cocktail menu, introducing new inspirations, recipes, and ideas. 

The latest menu, just launched, is a tribute to the fascinating world of 1990s NBA, with cocktails named after its most famous players. There’s the Michael Jordan, made with Altamura Vodka, strawberry, Earl Grey, green cordial, white chocolate, and acids, and the Charles Barkley, featuring peanut butter, bread, raspberry syrup, and acids. However, all the drinks are worth trying, as each one is the result of thorough research and high levels of creativity, combining seemingly unrelated ingredients into surprisingly harmonious cocktails. Even the new drink list’s design, with its vibrant, pop-inspired aesthetic, reflects the owners’ attention to detail and sense of style.

Gramm is truly a welcoming spot on the Navigli, open all day and starting with breakfast, offering coffee, juices, and selected baked goods. During the rest of the day, no food is served apart from a few snacks with aperitifs—a deliberate choice by the owners, who prefer to stand out from the competition and focus on what they do best: crafting exceptional cocktails!