Interview with OnTop’s Star Bartender: The Art Behind Every Pour

ontop bar is known for many things — sweeping skyline views, stunning lighting, and a laid-back-luxury vibe that draws in city dwellers and travelers alike. But ask any regular what really sets the rooftop venue apart, and you’re bound to hear one name: Luca.

Charismatic, quick with a smile, and even quicker with a cocktail shaker, Luca isn’t just a bartender — he’s an experience. His creations have earned a cult following, his bar-side chats are part therapy, part stand-up, and his energy seems to pour into every glass he serves.

We sat down with Luca for an exclusive behind-the-bar look at what makes his cocktails—and his connection with customers—so unforgettable.

How It All Started

Luca’s journey to becoming OnTop’s standout bartender didn’t begin with a hospitality degree or formal bartending school. It started with curiosity and creativity.

“I was 19, working as a barback in a small cocktail lounge,” he recalls. “I loved watching the bartenders mix flavors and play with presentation. It felt like art.”

He began experimenting on his own, staying after hours to test combinations and flipping through mixology books. What started as a side interest soon turned into a passion—and eventually, a career.

“When I came to OnTop, I saw a blank canvas. A rooftop with views like this? It deserved cocktails that were just as inspiring.”

Behind the Signature Style

Luca’s cocktails are more than drinks — they’re stories in a glass. Whether it’s the smoked rosemary Old Fashioned that smells like a winter bonfire or the mango-chili spritz that bursts with tropical heat, each one is crafted with intention.

“Every drink has a vibe,” he says. “Some are bold and loud. Some are smooth and quiet. I think about what kind of night someone is having — and I try to match that in flavor.”

He’s known for his seasonal specials and “off-menu surprises,” often made on the fly based on a customer’s mood or preferences.

“I’ll ask people how they’re feeling: Sweet? Spicy? Want to try something new? And then I just build something from that. It’s personal. It’s fun.”

His creative process is heavily inspired by nature, music, and even fashion. “Color palettes, textures, moods — they all influence how I build a cocktail. I want people to taste something and feel something.”

More Than Just a Bartender

It’s not just the drinks that make Luca a star—it’s the experience he creates behind the bar. With a genuine warmth and razor-sharp memory, he makes guests feel like VIPs whether it’s their first visit or their 50th.

“I don’t see this job as just mixing drinks. I’m hosting people’s nights,” he says. “Whether it’s a first date, a bad day, or a celebration, I’m part of that moment. And I take that seriously.”

He takes time to learn names, stories, favorite spirits—and he never forgets a regular’s usual order. It’s no wonder many guests return asking for “whatever Luca recommends.”

What He Loves About OnTop

Having worked in a variety of cocktail bars and lounges, Luca says OnTop is something special.

“The team is like a family. Everyone supports each other. And the energy here—it’s electric but relaxed at the same time. You don’t get that mix often.”

He also praises the creative freedom OnTop gives its bartenders.

“I’m trusted to invent, to push boundaries. We’re not just repeating recipes—we’re innovating. And the customers? They’re up for anything. That’s rare.”

It’s that spirit of experimentation and connection that keeps him passionate and inspired.

Customer Favorites & Hidden Gems

We had to ask: What’s the one drink everyone has to try at OnTop?

Luca doesn’t hesitate.

“The ‘Midnight Bloom.’ It’s a floral gin cocktail with lavender, yuzu, and a dash of violet liqueur. It looks beautiful and tastes like a night garden.”

But if you ask him for something off-menu?

“I’ve got a smoky mezcal and honey mix with a chili-lime rim that I don’t serve often, but when I do—it becomes people’s new favorite. I like giving people something they didn’t expect to like… and then they love it.”

Advice for Aspiring Bartenders

Luca’s advice to those starting out in bartending is simple, but powerful.

“Know your craft, but also know your people. A great bartender listens more than they talk. It’s not just about pouring drinks — it’s about reading the room, knowing the mood, and making someone’s night better.”

He also encourages experimentation.

“Don’t be afraid to mess up. Some of my best creations came from total failures. You just have to taste everything and trust your instincts.”

What’s Next?

While Luca has no plans of leaving OnTop anytime soon, he dreams of one day creating a cocktail book, maybe even launching a boutique line of bitters.

“I’d love to share what I’ve learned, maybe even train new bartenders who care about the craft the way I do. But for now, I’m happy right here, making people smile, one cocktail at a time.”

Final Thoughts

Luca isn’t just OnTop’s star bartender—he’s the heartbeat behind the bar. With every pour, shake, and conversation, he’s shaping memories and turning simple nights out into unforgettable experiences.

So next time you’re at OnTop, slide onto a bar stool, ask for Luca, and let him work his magic. Chances are, you’ll leave with more than a great drink—you’ll leave with a story.