
The Alchemist: Marco Manna’s Journey from Engineering to Crafting Liquid Gold
Marco Manna - Owner of Gertrude Groove Bar
Welcome to our ONLINE STORE and blog.
As a barware, lighting and home accessories design company, we at Thomas Fuchs Creative specialize in handmade goods. Every week we give you behind the scenes to the people, places and things that inspire us. As a barware company we know a thing or two about the best concoctions to put in our amazing drinking glasses making each libation come to life inside and out. This week we introduce you to Marco Manna here in Salento region of Puglia.
In a world where logic and practicality often take precedence over passion, few dare to walk away from the “safe” path. Marco Manna is one of those few — and thank goodness he is.
Marco’s story begins like that of many ambitious young professionals: years of study, a prestigious degree in engineering, and a career path mapped out with precision. The blueprints were drawn, the foundations laid. But beneath the calculations and project deadlines, a different formula was brewing — one not of steel and concrete, but of flavors, aromas, and experiences.
From Equations to Elixirs
Friends and family were shocked when Marco announced he was leaving engineering to become a mixologist. “How could you walk away from such an amazing career?” they asked. But to Marco, the question wasn’t “Why leave?” — it was “How could I not?” His heart had already chosen the alchemy of spirits over structural design.
He opened Gertrude, a bar named with a purpose. The name comes from a historical figure known for defying convention, a woman who forged her own path regardless of the opinions of others. Marco saw himself in her story — someone willing to risk certainty in pursuit of authenticity.
Gertrude Groove Bar is a company that comprises of Flora (Mother), Marco (Son) and Marta (life companion),
Signature Drinks That Tell a Story
At Gertrude, cocktails aren’t just beverages — they’re narratives in a glass. Marco’s most famous creation, The El Cartel, is a bold, fiery concoction of Tabasco, lime juice, agave, and mezcal. It’s a drink with attitude, a shot of rebellion and heat that mirrors Marco’s fearless career shift.
Then one day, I arrived in town and suggested he watch the Sofia Vergara Netflix series Griselda. Inspired, I proposed the idea for a “sister drink” to the "El Cartel. The result? The Griselda M. (the “M” for Michou), a sultry mix of mezcal, Kahlúa, and agave — smoky, smooth, and with just enough intrigue to keep you coming back for more.
A Bar with a Soul
Gertrude is not just a bar; it’s a gathering place where cocktails are crafted like fine art and the air hums with creativity. In the warmer months, the garden becomes an intimate stage. Once a week, Marco invites local talent — singers, poets, comedians — to perform under the Salento sky. These open-stage nights have breathed new life into the town, making Gertrude a cultural heartbeat in the community.
From One Bar to a Salento Empire
While Gertrude remains his flagship, Marco’s vision extends far beyond its doors. He has built a thriving business providing world-class mixologists and bartenders to upscale beach clubs, luxury restaurants, and VIP events throughout the Salento region. His team has become synonymous with quality, creativity, and a touch of theatrical flair — the kind of service that transforms a drink into a memory.
The Alchemy of Choice
Marco Manna is proof that the bravest choices are often the most rewarding. Like an alchemist turning base metals into gold, he transformed a traditional career into a passion-driven enterprise. In doing so, he hasn’t just built a business — he’s created a legacy, one perfectly balanced cocktail at a time.
The best kept secret in Salento it's a must go, must taste must see!
🕰️ 19.00 - 02.00
⏳ MARTEDÌ CHIUSO
☎️ INFO 334 3678342 - 388 8767954
Have a great week
MICHOU
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.