Magazine

Why a new cocktail menu?

The idea for the revamp arose from a clear desire: to weave the bar experience even more closely into the identity of CERVO and Bazaar. ‘Locally rooted, globally inspired and consciously sustainable’ – these guiding principles should not only shape the resort, but also be reflected in the glass.

The team wanted to create drinks that tell stories: about the mountains of Zermatt, about travelling through mystical markets and about the values that have always distinguished CERVO.

„Alpine Roots meets Global Soul“

This is probably the most accurate way to describe the new direction taken by the menu. A symbiosis of regional ingredients, oriental flavours and a consistent focus on sustainability. Each drink combines the authenticity of the Alps with the scent of distant cultures – without losing sight of its origins.

Sustainability and zero waste as a fundamental principle

Sustainability played a central role in the development of the new drinks.

The bar team works closely with local producers, uses seasonal herbs and fruits, and relies on zero-waste techniques such as fermentation, infusions, and recycling of by-products – for example, from hummus or tahini production.

The goal: cocktails that not only delight, but also take responsibility.

Global inspirations – from Kerala to the Atlas Mountains

The international flavour of the menu is not a stylistic device, but the result of genuine encounters. The inspiration for drinks such as Kerala Glow, Beirut Express and Ethio Jazz comes from travels, cultural connections and the recognition of parallels between worlds that at first glance seem far apart.

The rugged, mystical Alps around Zermatt share much in common with mountain regions such as the Moroccan Atlas – the warmth of the people, respect for nature, deep roots in tradition. The bartenders wanted to make these similarities visible – and palatable – by combining products and ingredients from both worlds.

A drink like the CERVO itself: the Woodpecker

If there is one cocktail that most perfectly captures the essence of CERVO, it is the Woodpecker.

All ingredients are sourced from within a ten-kilometre radius:

- Arven schnapps from the Matter Valley – liquid wood that tastes of mountain air.
- A spice syrup made from regional and Bazaar-grown oriental spices.
- Lemon balm from our own herb garden.

A drink that pays homage to the region – authentic, down-to-earth and yet surprising.

The must-try: Kerala Glow

One cocktail stands out in particular this season: the Kerala Glow.

It combines exotic spices from southern India with a light, clear freshness that perfectly matches the alpine lightness of CERVO. A drink that arouses curiosity, leaves a lasting impression – and sums up the motto ‘Alpine Roots meets Global Soul’ perfectly.

How is a signature cocktail created at CERVO?

The creative process never begins in the shaker, but always in a story.

What should the drink convey? What mood should it convey? What values should it express?

This is followed by the search for ingredients, techniques and textures. Things are tried, discarded and rethought. They are tasted, refined and carefully evaluated – always balancing sustainability, aesthetics and emotion.

The end result is a cocktail that has not simply been mixed, but created.

With its new cocktail menu, the CERVO Mountain Resort celebrates not only taste, but also the origins, diversity and encounters that characterise this establishment. An invitation to travel the world – and always return to Zermatt.