Italian Amaro brand Amaro Montenegro has announced the return of The Vero Bartender, its annual cocktail competition, after a two-year hiatus.


The theme for the 2022 competition is Sharing the Essence and calls for bartenders to create a sharing cocktail that tells the story of a metaphorical or physical journey that has inspired them.

“It is with great gratitude that we announce the third edition of our bartending competition, with a theme that celebrates the very meaning of our beloved industry,” said Amaro Montenegro’s global brand ambassador, Rudi Carraro.

“Through this unique contest, we are giving bartenders a spotlight to showcase their craft and refine what our profession is all about: real hospitality.”

The 10 finalists will be invited to make their cocktail creation in front of a live panel of judges including Amaro Montenegro’s master herbalist, a notable spirits journalist and one of the competition’s previous winners.

One winner will then be selected to compete in the global final of The Vero Bartender in Italy, with the winner named The Vero Bartender 2022 and awarded a gift card for €6000 to be spent on masterclasses, courses, educational trips, events, and professional bartending tools.

Related article:

The winner of the national final will receive a week-long trip to Italy to take part in brand experiences, seminars, and tour the best cocktail bars across the country.

Previous years have been judged by the likes of Erik Lorincz, Salvatore Calabrese, Alex Kratena, and Peter Dorelli.

“Every true bartender is dedicated to personal development, and we’re overjoyed that this year’s prize will allow the winner to progress in their career in a way we can witness for years to come,” said Carraro.

Applications are now open through The Vero Bartender website until midnight on 31 July.