Spirit of Savoia Online Mixology Contest

Where tradition meets innovation, Spirit of Savoia is a competition open to professional bartenders worldwide that captures the essence of Savoia Vino Aperitivo. An aperitivo inspired by visionary figures, from Garibaldi's central role in Italian unification to Marco Polo's travels along the Silk Road, Savoia embodies their spirit.

Spirit of Savoia celebrates simplicity, versatility and conviviality, showcasing how adding a single ingredient to Savoia can create a delicious cocktail experience.

The competition opens for entries on 21st September 2026, five years to the day from when Giuseppe Gallo launched Savoia at London's The Savoy Hotel.

Simply ENTER HERE and add your recipe to Difford's Guide with an accompanying photograph of your cocktail.

Entry requirements

Bartenders will be invited to create a cocktail with at least 30ml (1oz) of Savoia Rosso or Savoia Orancio, plus just one additional ingredient.

The serve should reflect a sustainable approach.

Prize

• The winner will have the unique opportunity of a two-day experience in Barcelona with Gabriele Armani and the Paradiso team.
• Two nights at a 4-star hotel in Barcelona
• Return flights to Barcelona.

Timeline

• 21 September 2026 - the competition opens for entries.
• 21 November 2026 - entry period closes.
• 4 December 2026 - winner announced.

Judging criteria

Giuseppe Gallo, Savoia's founder, and Gabriele Armani from Barcelona's Paradiso will review all entries to select the most creative entry as the winner.

Inspirational fifth anniversary European tour

Savoia Vino Aperitivo is marking its fifth anniversary with a European bar tour to accompany this global cocktail competition. Both the competition and tour celebrate creativity, sustainability and the versatility of the Italian aperitivo.

In addition to judging this competition, Gabriele Armani, Head Bartender at Paradiso, will lead The Spirit of Savoia tour with events planned across Italy, the UK, Spain and Norway.

The programme draws on two principles central to Paradiso's approach: creativity and sustainability. Armani has created two Savoia serves to illustrate each.

Gabriele Armani's signature Spirit of Savoia serves

Olivado
60 ml Savoia Rosso and mix of citrus (40ml fresh orange juice, 40 ml fresh grapefruit juice, 2 ml Extra virgin olive oil, 8 ml Olive brine, 1gr Potato protein)
Garnish: Sundried tomato

Figueres
50 ml Savoia Orancio and 100 ml Clarified Fig Leaf tonic water.
Garnish: Pan con tomato chips, black garlic mayonnaise, edible flower