The subject of local legends, this mysterious ruby-coloured cocktail is known for its high alcohol content, obscure ingredients and hallucinogenic effects. During the day, the two iron portcullises at number 10 Via Fratelli Calandra are tightly closed.
There are no signs, and the graffiti that lines this quiet road in Turin, Italy seems to indicate a general state of abandon. But after 10 pm every night but Mondays , two small lanterns turn on, and one of the shutters rises β the only signal that Tamango pub is open.
You can essentially walk from the centre of reason and logic to something more resembling the crazy world of Alice in Wonderland in a matter of minutes. She jumped out of a moving car in search of a fountain, fell asleep under its stream of water and later escaped from a hospital in a wheelchair.
Twenty-eight year-old Andrea Lavalle recalled spending two hours running after a dog in the park after drinking more than one. And Tullia Pertusio said when she last had Tamango more than 10 years ago during a night when she drank three she jumped out of a moving car in search of a fountain, fell asleep under its stream of water and later escaped from a hospital in a wheelchair.
As a student at the university several years ago, I heard tales of a guy dancing on a rooftop after having just a few Tamangos. The bar was very small, with just a handful of small tables and a few extra seats around the counter. However, among students, the concoction is better known for its high alcohol content, obscure ingredients and powerful after effects. Each plant or root has a different effect or purpose. View image of The ruby-red cocktail is served with ice and a lemon wedge Credit: Credit: Nicola Busca.
