Art of Italicus Aperitivo Challenge returns for 2026
For the 10th anniversary of Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto this year, the brand’s Art of Italicus Aperitivo Challenge is asking bartenders to redefine the Spritz.
The Art of Italicus Aperitivo Challenge is returning with an invitation to the global bar community to ‘imagine a new way to Spritz’.
Founded by spirits expert Giuseppe Gallo, Italicus has become a leading name in the global aperitivo movement. With its distinctive bergamot profile, the Pernod Ricard-backed brand seeks to inspire bartenders to redefine low-ABV drinking culture and elevate the Spritz beyond tradition.
Gallo shared: “As we prepare to celebrate a decade of Italicus, we’re proud to keep pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation in modern mixology. Italicus has become a modern classic that is a must-have brand behind all top bars, and the distinguished spirit of choice when it comes to the Spritz – as well as for reimagining other classic cocktails.
“Inviting bartenders to imagine a new way to Spritz reflects our commitment to keeping the aperitivo ritual fresh, exciting and relevant, and we look forward to showcasing the extraordinary talent from around the world.”
Roberta Mariani, global advocacy director for Italspirits, added: “The Spritz is synonymous with the aperitivo tradition and has enjoyed global popularity thanks to its light, refreshing character and versatility.
“As appreciation for the Spritz continues to grow, Italicus leads the way, championing bartenders’ artistry in the low-ABV movement.”
Since its launch in 2018, the Art of Italicus Aperitivo Challenge has championed the belief that bartenders are artists. Now, for this milestone edition, the competition is calling on talent from China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Spain, the UK, the US, plus one global ‘Wild Card’ entry, to reinterpret the iconic Italian serve through the lens of art, culture and contemporary creativity.
The global winner will be crowned Italicus Bar Artist of the Year 2026 and will embark on a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ mentorship programme by Italicus with Giovanni Allario, bar director at Moebius in Milan, ranked seventh in the World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list.
The prize offers an immersive experience shaped by Allario’s modern approach to Italian classics, with a focus on storytelling, technique and artistry.
Using a minimum of 40ml Italicus and no more than five ingredients, entrants are encouraged to draw inspiration from any art form – painting, sculpture, music, architecture, fashion, hospitality and more – to craft a Spritz-style serve that embodies creativity and sophistication while demonstrating the spirit’s versatility and distinctive bergamot notes.
Participants must submit their recipe, an image of the cocktail, detailed measurements, garnishes and glassware specifications, along with details of their creative inspiration, by 15 May 2026.
They are also encouraged to share their creations on social media using the tags: #Italicus #RosoliodiBergamotto #ArtOfItalicus #AOI26, and tagging @italicusrdb and @artofitalicus.
To further support bartenders throughout the entry period, Italicus will host monthly Q&A sessions on its social media channels designed to answer recurring questions and help entrants maximise their submissions.
The national finals will take place in June and July, where six shortlisted bartenders per country will present their creations to an esteemed, industry-led judging panel.
Winners of the national heats will advance to the global final, which will be held in London in September 2026 as part of the brand’s anniversary celebrations.
Applications opened on 10 March 2026 at www.rosolioitalicus.com/aperitivo-challenge-2026.
Following the global final, the brand will continue its 10th anniversary celebrations with ‘Italicus Weeks’, during which it will host a series of events and special menus featuring Spritz-style cocktails throughout September.
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