Meet Paolo Beatino

We recently connected with Paolo Beatino and have shared our conversation below.

Paolo, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

Resilience can stem from many sources, but I believe it comes from a mix of upbringing, life experiences, and personal philosophy. It’s about drawing strength from past challenges and seeing setbacks as stepping stones. In my case, resilience might come from balancing a dynamic career with constant learning, adapting to new environments and cultures, and finding joy in both challenges and successes. Whether it’s perfecting a new cocktail or stepping up at events like the one at the Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles, I am always shaping myself through experiences that make me even more resilient.
If I have to praise someone in my life, someone that helped me a lot with my self confidence and helped me increase my resilience, this person is my fiancée. She is the greatest source of strength and belief in my life. Her unwavering faith in me has likely been a powerful foundation for my resilience, encouraging me to take on each challenge with confidence and purpose. It’s truly special to have someone who not only supports you but sees your potential so clearly, lifting you up and inspiring you to grow even stronger.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Thank you for this opportunity to share my story! I’m Paolo Beatino, co-founder and owner of Calitaly Cocktail Catering LLC in Los Angeles, where my mission is to bring the Italian “Dolce Vita” lifestyle and the tradition of Italian aperitivo culture to the U.S. This journey into mixology has been incredibly fulfilling – especially as I get to merge Italian elegance with Californian vibrance through unique cocktails and experiences.
My background began in law, but my passion for bartending was undeniable. Starting at age 24, I supported myself through law school by working in cocktail bars, and after graduating, I decided to pursue my passion fully, drawn to the creativity and connection that mixology offers. For over 15 years, I’ve held roles as a head bartender, consultant, brand ambassador, and event organizer – blending traditional Italian techniques with modern innovations.
One of the most exciting parts of my role is the opportunity to design unique cocktails for special events. Recently, I presented my creations at the Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles, an incredible honor. I also teach mixology courses at Casa Martini and Terrazza Martini, and I continually look forward to sharing my love of Italian cocktail culture with aspiring bartenders and enthusiasts alike.
Calitaly continues to expand, and I’m thrilled to introduce new Italian-inspired cocktails and concepts to more events and clients in the U.S. We’re always looking to create memorable moments, whether it’s a classic Negroni with a twist or a bespoke cocktail experience.
In addition to my work, I’ve also had the privilege of competing in and winning several cocktail competitions over the years. These experiences have been invaluable, pushing me to innovate and refine my craft while connecting with some of the best in the industry. Winning these competitions has reinforced my dedication to mixology and given me the drive to keep evolving. It’s an incredible feeling to bring that same competitive spirit and passion to every event we host at Calitaly, creating unique experiences for our clients.
Stay tuned – I’ve got a few exciting projects in the pipeline that are sure to bring a taste of Italy to even more people!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities have been key: resilience, creativity, and a deep understanding of hospitality.
1. Resilience: This is the backbone of any successful career, especially in a field as dynamic as mixology. There are ups and downs, and it’s essential to see challenges as learning experiences rather than setbacks. For anyone starting out, my advice is to embrace every obstacle as an opportunity to grow. Build resilience by pushing yourself a bit further each day, whether that’s perfecting a skill or learning from a tough day at work. Having a strong support system, like my fiancée who has always believed in me, can also make a huge difference.
2. Creativity: The best cocktails are born from experimentation and thinking outside the box. Competing in and winning cocktail competitions has shown me that creativity is essential for setting yourself apart. For newcomers, my advice is to learn the basics first, and then break the rules a little. Experiment with ingredients and flavors you’re passionate about, and don’t be afraid of failure – it’s part of the creative process.
3. Understanding of Hospitality: Mixology isn’t just about creating drinks; it’s about creating experiences. A strong sense of hospitality means knowing how to make people feel valued and welcome. To develop this, spend time observing people and understand what makes them comfortable and happy. Whether it’s a welcoming smile, a well-timed conversation, or a personalized cocktail, it’s often the small gestures that make the biggest impact.
To anyone early in their journey, I’d say focus on these three areas, find what you love about each, and continually strive to improve. Mixology is an art, but it’s also a practice – the more you pour yourself into it, the more rewarding it becomes.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

My ideal client is someone who truly values the art and experience of a well-crafted cocktail, someone who appreciates the story and thought behind each ingredient and the balance it brings to the glass. They’re excited to explore unique flavors and eager to experience a bit of Italy’s “Dolce Vita” through our cocktails.
Curiosity and openness are essential traits in a client. Whether it’s a private event, a wedding, or a corporate gathering, the best clients are those who understand that cocktails can be a memorable part of the event. They trust us to create an experience that reflects their tastes and enhances the atmosphere. It’s especially rewarding when clients are as passionate about quality and authenticity as we are, and are willing to let us bring our creative flair to the event.
Ultimately, I love working with clients who see cocktails as a form of celebration and an expression of personality—those who want to elevate their event with something unique and special. That mutual excitement and trust help us craft something extraordinary together.

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