Barcelona Cocktail Fest reveals programme
The 2026 edition of the Barcelona Cocktail Fest will focus on the theme: ‘FutureProof – reimagining the industry for what comes next’.
Formerly known as the Paradiso Sustainability Summit, the event is a partnership between Giacomo Giannotti and ItalSpirits by Giuseppe Gallo. For the first time this year, the festival will expand into a ‘broader, city-connected’ platform.
Giannotti has curated the programme in collaboration with The Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) to ‘keep the agenda grounded in actionable progress’.
“Barcelona Cocktail Fest is about building what comes next together,” said Giannotti. “We’re keeping the craft and community spirit people love, and opening the experience to more voices from Barcelona and beyond, industry, locals, and families alike.”
At the event’s hub in Palo Alto on 18-19 April, guests can experience guest bar pop-ups alongside tastings, masterclasses and brand showcases.
Confirmed bars in attendance include Oslo’s Himkok, Singapore’s Native, Cartagena’s Alquímico, Stockholm’s Röda Huset, Madrid’s Angelita and Rome’s Drink Kong.
There will be a dedicated networking area for founders, operators and key opinion leaders, alongside live DJs and a curated selection of food trucks.
Seminars
Panellists for the seminars include Charlotte Voisey of the Tales of The Cocktail Foundation; Simone Caporale of Sips, Barcelona; Juliane Caillouette Noble of the SRA; Vijay Mudaliar of Native, Singapore; Jean Trinh of Alquímico, Cartagena; and Roberta Mariani of ItalSpirits.
Sessions include a live blind tasting that challenges whether sustainable cocktails can outperform the classics, alongside panels on the next generation of bars and bartenders shaping the industry, how AI can serve hospitality, and how to build a career that lasts.
Across the wider festival week, activations will occur throughout Barcelona.
The event’s industry partners include Bacardi Martini, Torres Brandy, Maison Perrier, Altamura Distilleries, Savoia Vino Aperitivo, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, Arbike Distillery, and more.
Gallo added: “Barcelona has always had a rare mix of creativity and hospitality, and BCF is a chance to channel that into a festival format that will build a direct link or conversation between trade and consumers.
“With this international line-up, we created an innovative and educational programme and, moreover, unforgettable brand experiences, while keeping Barcelona’s cocktail culture at the centre of the story.”
Related news
RTD sales near £200m in Britain's on-trade
