Art of Italicus crowns UK winner
Jelena Bulatovskaja from London cocktail bar Sexy Fish will represent the UK at this year’s Art of Italicus Aperitivo Challenge final in Monaco.
Bulatovskaja took the crown during the UK heat, which was held on 19 May at China Tang at The Dorchester hotel.
The cocktail, titled Da Punto A Dotto, drew inspiration from contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama and her signature polka-dot art. It combined Italicus with Tokubetsu Honjozo sake, Nasha pear cordial, Americano Bianco, and thyme hydrosol.
James Grant from Heads & Tales in Edinburgh came second, while Samuel Plumb from The Sterling Bar in Manchester was third.
Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto will host the final of its seventh annual cocktail competition at the Blue Gin Bar in Monaco on 7 July.
The UK finalists were assessed by a panel of judges, including Sandrae Lawrence, co-founder of The Cocktail Lovers; Federico Pavan, director of mixology at the Donovan Bar; and Roberta Mariani, global advocacy director for Italicus.
This year’s competition challenged participants to reimagine the Spritz. Italicus believes the serve continues to evolve and dominate menus as the global demand for lighter, lower-ABV, and occasion-driven drinks grows.
Bulatovskaja commented on her win: “It feels fantastic. I didn’t expect it – it’s a very exciting feeling and I’m so grateful. From the application process to the final, it’s been a rewarding journey, and there’s still so much to take from the experience.
“On a professional level, it’s an amazing opportunity and, personally, it means a lot to represent my team and our creativity on an international stage.”
At the final in Monaco, Bulatovskaja will compete alongside national champions from the US, France, Italy, Spain, Hong Kong, Germany, New Zealand and Hungary, as well as a ‘wild card’ entrant.
The global winner will be named the Italicus Bar Artist of the Year 2025. This accolade includes a mentorship programme, access to key international bar events, and the opportunity to collaborate with Lorenzo Antinori, founder of Bar Leone in Singapore.
Giuseppe Gallo, founder and CEO of Italicus, commented: “With each year, the Art of Italicus Aperitivo Challenge continues to champion the aperitivo ritual while honouring bartenders as true artists.
“This edition brings a renewed focus on reimagining the Spritz – a timeless serve – through the lens of modern creativity.”
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