Gemma Rooftop Bar Introduced Scorpion Bowl

The Beverly Hills venue added a nostalgic, communal cocktail to its menu inspired by the site's tropical history.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Cocktails

Gouache-painted illustration of a large tropical cocktail bowl on a rooftop table, evoking a nostalgic and sophisticated bar atmosphere. — The Gemma rooftop bar at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills has added a communal scorpion bowl to its cocktail menu to evoke the location's tropical heritage. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you choose a classic scorpion bowl over a modern craft cocktail at a rooftop bar?

The Gemma rooftop bar, situated at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, has launched a new scorpion bowl cocktail. The large-format drink serves as a tribute to the location's history as a Trader Vic's.

Why it matters

The cocktail menu addition aims to evoke a nostalgic and tropical atmosphere for guests. It revives a signature style of service once popular at this specific Beverly Hills landmark.

The scorpion bowl features three types of rum mixed with two ounces of Monkey 47 gin and two ounces of Hennessy cognac. It is prepared with fresh lime, orange, and passion fruit juices along with orgeat, then served over crushed ice with orchid garnishes.

The players

Gemma

Gemma is a rooftop bar located within the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills.

Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

This luxury hotel serves as the current site for the Gemma rooftop bar.

Trader Vic's

Trader Vic's was a popular restaurant chain known for its Polynesian-themed decor and signature tiki cocktails.

The details

Designed for communal consumption, the drink is served in a large-format vessel equipped with extra-long straws. The recipe prioritizes a tropical flavor profile by balancing the strong spirit base with fruit juices and house-made syrup.

Trader Vic's operated at the location from 1955 to 2017.
The menu addition was announced on September 28, 2026.

Culture Shift

The resurgence of tiki-themed cocktails reflects a broader cultural trend of hospitality venues embracing nostalgia cycles. This shift suggests that modern rooftop bars are increasingly prioritizing thematic storytelling to create immersive social experiences for their guests.

Patrons visiting the rooftop bar can expect a communal social experience centered around the large-format cocktail. Guests should plan to visit with a group to manage the significant spirit volume and size of the vessel effectively.

The takeaway

Large-format cocktails like the scorpion bowl are designed to foster social interaction in group settings. When ordering communal drinks, guests should be mindful of the high spirit content compared to individual cocktails.