The Art of ITALICUS Aperitivo Challenge is back for its seventh edition and this year promises to set new benchmarks for creativity and innovation.

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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.

Giuseppe Gallo, founder and CEO of ITALICUS, shared his vision: “As we celebrate the seventh edition of the Art of ITALICUS Aperitivo Challenge, we continue to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation in the aperitivo tradition. This year’s focus on reimagining the spritz reflects our commitment to keeping the ritual fresh, exciting and relevant. With Lorenzo Antinori as our partner and a grand final in Europe, the 2025 challenge will undoubtedly showcase the extraordinary talent of bartenders worldwide.”

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. “As appreciation for the spritz continues to grow, ITALICUS leads the way, championing quality, diversity and artistry in the aperitivo movement.”

Through this year’s challenge, ITALICUS invites bartenders to innovate while honouring the timeless appeal of the spritz. Participants are encouraged to draw inspiration from any form of art such as painting, sculpture, music, architecture, or fashion to craft a drink that embodies creativity and sophistication whilst demonstrating the spirit’s versatility and distinctive bergamot essence.

Program Overview

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 highlight the versatility of ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto. This year, the competition expands its global reach, welcoming participants from 10 countries: France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, UK, USA, and a Wild Card entry open to bartenders from other nations.

The ITALICUS Bar Artist of the Year will be crowned the 2025 Global Winner of the Aperitivo Challenge. The winner will also embark on a once-in-a-lifetime mentorship programme with ITALICUS and Lorenzo Antinori, gaining access to the most exclusive bar industry events around the world from 2025 to 2026. Additionally, they will join a community of trailblazing bartenders who are reshaping the art of the aperitivo.

Competitors are tasked with creating an original spritz cocktail using a minimum of 40ml (1.5oz in US) 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 the competition website by 28th April, 2025. Competitors are also required to share the inspiration behind their aperitivo creation. Applications open February 10th, 2025, and can be submitted online at www.artofitalicus.com. Participants are encouraged to share their creations on social media using the hashtags: #ITALICUS #ROSOLIODIBERGAMOTTO #ARTOFITALICUS #AOI25.

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. This event will highlight the most creative and artistic spritzes globally, pushing the boundaries of aperitivo culture.

Supporting U.S. Charity: Another Round Another Rally & Imbibe

In the U.S., ITALICUS is proud to collaborate with Another Round Another Rally and Imbibe. Another Round Another Rally is a nonprofit organisation providing support for hospitality workers through educational programming and financial aid. Imbibe, a leading drinks publication, celebrates creativity and excellence within the beverage industry. Together, they will oversee the U.S. applications, enhancing the challenge’s impact.

For more information on The Art of ITALICUS Aperitivo Challenge 2025, visit: www.artofitalicus.com.