Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Paolo Beatino. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Paolo, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

Thank you for this thoughtful question! My mission is to bring the charm and authenticity of Italian aperitivo culture to the U.S. in a way that diverges from the standardized approach of many cocktail businesses. The industry often emphasizes speed, efficiency, and trends, but I’ve chosen to focus on an immersive experience rooted in tradition, storytelling, and quality ingredients.
I proudly diverge from industry norms by focusing on quality and authenticity in every aspect of what I do. Unlike many businesses that rely on pre-made mixes and shortcuts, I take the time to craft everything from scratch. I use only fresh, high-quality products—squeezing fruit by hand, making my own juices, syrups, cordials, and even bitters. In an era where convenience often overshadows craftsmanship, this commitment to freshness and authenticity sets me apart.
One of my standout differences is my emphasis on ritual and connection. The aperitivo isn’t just about drinking; it’s a cultural ritual—a moment of pause, joy, and community. I replicate this ethos by designing bespoke cocktail menus that align with the essence of the event and by personally engaging with my clients to ensure they feel connected to the culture I represent.
I want to tell you a Story That Illustrates This Difference. In a recent event, I introduced the concept of aperitivo pairing: crafting cocktails specifically designed to complement a range of small Italian bites (like truffle arancini or burrata crostini). One of the highlights was serving a twist on Negroni Sbagliato alongside a fresh, citrus-infused caprese skewer. The guests weren’t just drinking a cocktail—they were discovering the art of savoring flavors in harmony.
Guests were captivated, not just by the drinks but by the personal anecdotes I shared about each recipe—like how the Negroni Sbagliato was born in Milan by mistake or how truffles from my hometown, Alba, elevate the pairing experience. The result? A room filled with conversations, laughter, and curiosity, reminding me all of the human connection behind hospitality.
By offering more than a product, but a cultural moment, I’ve seen my clients return again and again, not just for a drink but for the feelings of nostalgia and discovery. It’s this divergence from the standard service approach that I believe matters most.

During another recent wedding event, I showcased my dedication to quality with a signature cocktail bar featuring handmade syrups infused with local herbs and spices. One standout cocktail was my Limoncello Collins, where I paired fresh-squeezed lemon juice, house-made limoncello, and my rosemary syrup with a touch of sparkling water. Guests were amazed when they learned that even the bitters in their cocktails had been crafted in-house, ensuring every sip reflected the highest quality.
This approach doesn’t just elevate flavor—it creates an emotional connection. Guests told me they could taste the difference and appreciated the care and love poured into every glass. One even remarked, “This is the first time I’ve had a cocktail that reminded me of the bars in Naples.”
Why It Matters? In today’s cocktail industry, where pre-made mixers and artificial flavors are increasingly common, I believe that true quality lies in honoring tradition and using fresh, real ingredients. It’s more labor-intensive, but it’s also what creates the unforgettable flavors and experiences my clients rave about. This dedication to freshness is at the heart of everything I do, and it’s what makes my company a brand people trust to deliver excellence, one drink at a time.

Paolo, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Paolo Beatino, also known as Pablito the bARTender, a proud Italian mixologist and entrepreneur. I co-founded Calitaly Cocktail Catering, based in Los Angeles, with the mission of sharing Italy’s rich aperitivo culture and the essence of La Dolce Vita with clients in the U.S. Through our work, we aim to create memorable experiences that combine storytelling, tradition, and innovation.
My journey started at the age of 24 in my hometown of Alba, Italy—famous for its truffles and world-class wines. At the time, I was pursuing a law degree and began working as a bartender to fund my studies. What started as a job quickly became my passion, as I realized how much I loved crafting drinks and connecting with people through the art of mixology. After graduating, I chose to follow my heart, leaving behind a potential legal career to dedicate myself to the world of cocktails.
Over the years, I’ve worn many hats in the industry: bartender, brand ambassador, consultant, and trainer. I’ve competed in and won numerous cocktail competitions, taught masterclasses at Casa Martini and Terrazza Martini, and worked as a bar manager and mixologist in Italy and the U.S. Today, I bring over a decade of experience to Calitaly Cocktail Catering, combining my love for Italian tradition with a modern approach to cocktail-making.

Calitaly Cocktail Catering offers more than just drinks; we create immersive cultural experiences.

Our services include:
Bespoke cocktail catering: Curated menus for events, tailored to clients’ preferences and themes.
Handcrafted ingredients: Freshly squeezed juices, house-made syrups, cordials, and bitters—no pre-mixed shortcuts, ensuring top-quality flavors.
Aperitivo-style pairings: Drinks designed to complement Italian bites like truffle arancini, burrata crostini, and more.
Storytelling and education: Sharing the origins and stories behind classic Italian cocktails like the Negroni, Spritz, or Sbagliato to engage guests in a deeper way.

We solve the problem of standardized event bars by offering a truly personalized and high-quality experience. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or private celebration, we bring a touch of Italian elegance and authenticity that resonates with our clients and their guests.

What Sets Us Apart
Authenticity: Every cocktail we serve reflects Italy’s rich culture and tradition, blending the old with the new.
Freshness: Unlike many in the industry, we use only fresh, natural ingredients, making everything from scratch.
Connection: We aim to turn every drink into a story, every event into an unforgettable moment.
Italian roots with international flair: My background from Alba, with its deep appreciation for fine wines and truffles, informs every element of our craft.

What I’m Most Proud Of?
I’m incredibly proud of the relationships we’ve built with our clients and the memories we’ve helped create. One of the highlights of my career was presenting my creations at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in Los Angeles, showcasing Italy’s art and culture through cocktails. Moments like this remind me why I love what I do.

What I Want You to Know is that At Calitaly Cocktail Catering, our goal is to bring a little piece of Italy to every event, celebrating life’s moments with the same passion, elegance, and joy that define La Dolce Vita. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply savor an extraordinary drink, we’re here to craft an experience you’ll never forget.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Certainly! One of the defining moments in my journey as a mixologist and entrepreneur came during the early stages of launching Calitaly Cocktail Catering in Los Angeles. Moving from Italy to the U.S. was not only a cultural shift but also a professional challenge. I was stepping into a highly competitive market while trying to introduce something deeply personal—Italy’s aperitivo culture—in a way that would resonate with a new audience.
Shortly after launching, we were hired to cater a large corporate event for a prestigious client. It was a huge opportunity, but it came with tight deadlines, complex logistics, and the expectation of perfection. Adding to the pressure, some key ingredients we needed to craft our bespoke cocktails—like specific Italian liqueurs and fresh herbs—weren’t readily available in the U.S. market.
Instead of compromising on quality, I chose to stay true to our values. I spent days tracking down specialty suppliers and, where possible, creating substitutes from scratch. For example, I made our own amaro-inspired cordial to replicate the depth of flavor that the traditional liqueur would have added. It was an exhausting process that required creativity, persistence, and a willingness to go the extra mile.
On the day of the event, we served cocktails that not only met but exceeded the client’s expectations. Guests raved about the authenticity and unique flavors, with many commenting that it felt like a genuine Italian experience. What could have been a setback turned into a triumph, and it reinforced my belief that sticking to my principles—no shortcuts, no compromises—is what sets us apart.
That experience taught me the value of resilience and the importance of staying true to your vision, even when it’s hard. Challenges will come, but they’re opportunities to prove your dedication to your craft. It also showed me how crucial adaptability is—when faced with obstacles, finding creative solutions can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.
Now, every time I face a challenge in this business, I remember that event and the sense of pride I felt in delivering something extraordinary despite the odds. It’s a reminder that resilience is not just about enduring tough times but thriving through them with integrity and passion.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing our clientele at Calitaly Cocktail Catering has been a combination of building authentic relationships, word-of-mouth referrals, and leveraging storytelling to create memorable experiences.

1. Authentic Relationships
From the start, we’ve focused on connecting with people on a personal level. Every client interaction is about understanding their vision and creating a bespoke experience that reflects their values, style, and tastes. This personalized approach often leaves a lasting impression, turning first-time clients into loyal advocates.
For example, after catering a wedding, the bride and groom referred us to multiple friends, and we ended up handling several events within their circle. This ripple effect has been instrumental in our growth.

2. Word-of-Mouth Referrals
Nothing is more powerful than a recommendation from someone who has experienced our service. To encourage referrals, we focus on over-delivering at every event, ensuring guests are not only served a drink but also an unforgettable cultural moment. From sharing the story behind a cocktail to crafting personalized drink menus, we create talking points that inspire people to share their experience with others.
At one corporate event, a guest loved our fresh, handcrafted cocktails so much that they introduced us to their event planner, leading to a contract with a major company for multiple annual events.

3. Storytelling and Education
We believe in the power of storytelling to create a deeper connection with our brand. Whether it’s through sharing the origins of an iconic Italian cocktail or explaining how we craft our syrups and bitters from scratch, this engagement creates a memorable experience. Guests feel they’ve learned something and are more likely to remember and recommend us.
For example, at a private event, I demonstrated how we make our house limoncello, sharing its ties to Italian tradition. Many guests were so impressed that they later reached out for private events, specifically requesting a similar experience.

4. Strategic Partnerships
Collaborating with event planners, venues, and cultural organizations has also been key. For instance, our partnership with the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in Los Angeles has not only enhanced our credibility but also exposed us to a wider audience who value authentic Italian experiences.

These approaches focus on trust, authenticity, and creating memorable, sharable moments. By exceeding expectations and creating genuine connections, we’ve turned clients and their guests into ambassadors for our brand.
The growth of our clientele isn’t just about numbers; it’s about fostering a community of people who value quality, tradition, and the art of mixology. By focusing on relationships and delivering consistently exceptional experiences, we’ve been able to grow organically while staying true to our mission.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pablitothebartender.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pablito_thebartender/
• Facebook: Pablito the bartender facebook.com/pablito.beatino https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100046313178681
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paolo-beatino-bb897475/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pablitothebartender99
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@pablito_the_bartender?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc