Art of Italicus Aperitivo Challenge 2025

The prize

This year's global winner will earn the coveted title of Italicus Bar Artist of the Year 2025 and embark on an exclusive mentorship programme that includes access to the most prestigious bar industry events worldwide. The winner will have the opportunity to work alongside the talented Lorenzo Antinori, from the celebrated Bar Leone in Hong Kong - ranked #1 on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024 and #2 globally. Lorenzo will use his innovative approach to help inspire and guide participants throughout the competition, with his unparalleled passion for the aperitivo culture and storytelling through cocktails.

A new way to Spritz

"The spritz, is synonymous with the aperitivo tradition and has enjoyed global popularity thanks to its light, refreshing character and versatility" says Roberta Mariani, Advocacy Director for Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto. "As appreciation for the spritz continues to grow, Italicus leads the way, championing quality, diversity and artistry in the aperitivo movement."

This year's challenge invites bartenders to innovate while honouring the timeless appeal of the spritz. Participants are encouraged to draw inspiration from any art medium, including painting, sculpture, music, architecture, or fashion to create a Spritz that embodies creativity and sophistication while demonstrating the versatility of Italicus and its distinctive bergamot essence.

To enter

Professional bartenders entering are challenged to create an original Spritz cocktail using a minimum of 40ml (1⅓oz in the U.S.) Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto and no more than five ingredients.

Entrants must submit their recipe, including an image of the cocktail, detailed measurements, garnishes and glassware specifications, via artofitalicus.com by 28th April 2025. Competitors are also required to share the inspiration behind their aperitivo creation.

Participants are encouraged to share their creations on social media using the hashtags: #ITALICUS #ROSOLIODIBERGAMOTTO #ARTOFITALICUS #AOI25.

About the challenge

Launched in 2018, The Art of Italicus Aperitivo challenge celebrates the belief that bartenders are artists, offering them a platform to showcase their creativity, experiment with innovative ingredients and techniques, and the versatility of Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto.

Participating countries

This year, the competition expands its global reach, welcoming participants from ten countries: France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, UK, USA, and a Wild Card entry open to bartenders from other nations.

National and global finals

National Finals will take place between May and June, where eight shortlisted bartenders per country will have eight minutes to present their creations to a judging panel. Each bartender must deliver at least four consistent serves of their cocktail. Winners of the National Finals will advance with an all-expenses paid ticket to the Global Finals.

The Global Final will be held in Europe at the beginning of July (date to be confirmed), where national winners will compete to be crowned Italicus Bar Artist of the Year 2025.

Supporting U.S. charity: Another Round Another Rally

In the U.S., Italicus is proud to collaborate with Another Round Another Rally, a non-profit organisation providing support for hospitality workers through educational programming and financial aid.