The Bar Journal

Vincenzo Amorese Crowned 2025 Art of ITALICUS Aperitivo Challenge Global Winner with ‘Primavera Spritz’

This year’s Art of ITALICUS Aperitivo Challenge reached its dazzling conclusion at the luxurious Blue Gin Bar in Monte Carlo, as ten of the world’s most innovative bartenders competed for the coveted title of ITALICUS Bar Artist of the Year. After an intense final round filled with creativity, cultural storytelling and exceptional flavour, it was Vincenzo Amorese, bartender at Bad Company 1920 in Madrid, who impressed the judges and claimed the global title with his bold and thought-provoking cocktail, Primavera Spritz.

Inspired by Botticelli’s iconic Renaissance painting Primavera, Vincenzo’s creation paid tribute to new beginnings, interpreting the theme through a modern lens. As drinkers increasingly lean toward low-ABV serves, minimalist design, and innovative formats, Primavera Spritz captured this cultural shift while honouring timeless elegance. The cocktail featured ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto paired with cava, IPA reduction soda, a black olive and a final spritz of Rosolio perfume — a delicate yet complex composition that brought art, aroma, and aperitivo into perfect harmony.

“Taking part in the Art of ITALICUS Aperitivo Challenge has been a unique experience. I tried to combine a balanced cocktail with an element of creativity and surprise. I feel honoured to be part of the Italicus family and excited to take the next steps in my career as I prepare to join the mentorship programme,” said Vincenzo.

A Celebration of Talent from Around the World

Second place was awarded to Connan Henry-Madden of Un bar avec des formes in Bordeaux, France, for his cocktail Contemporary Spritz. Connan explored the definition of the word “contemporary,” crafting a drink that straddled tradition and progress. His blend of ITALICUS, hazelnut soda, and Lambrusco Grasparossa delivered a richly layered and modern take on the Spritz, reflecting the evolution of the aperitivo in today’s bar scene.

Third place went to Jelena Bulatovskaja, bartender at Sexy Fish in London, who represented the UK with her serve Da Punto A Dotto. Drawing inspiration from Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama and her signature dotted motifs, Jelena created a cocktail that celebrated minimalism, precision, and artistic ritual. Her ingredients — ITALICUS, still sake, Nasha pear cordial, Suze, and thyme hydrosol — were carbonated to add a refined lift, offering a strikingly modern reimagining of the classic spritz.

A Judging Panel of Industry Icons

Each cocktail was judged on originality, flavour, narrative, and its ability to showcase the unique qualities of ITALICUS within the spritz format. The finalists were evaluated by a world-class panel: Giuseppe Gallo, Founder and CEO of ITALICUS; Paloma Difford, Managing Director of Difford’s Guide; and Lorenzo Antinori, founder of Bar Leone in Hong Kong — currently ranked #2 in The World’s 50 Best Bars and named Asia’s Best Bar 2024.

Their combined expertise covered every angle of what makes an outstanding aperitivo serve — from technical execution and artistic interpretation to hospitality relevance and drinkability. The 2025 challenge featured national finalists from ten countries including Spain, France, the UK, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and the USA, reflecting the global reach of ITALICUS and its role in inspiring cocktail creativity worldwide.

What’s Next for the Winner?

As this year’s winner, Vincenzo Amorese will embark on a bespoke mentorship programme, gain access to major international bar events, and collaborate directly with judge Lorenzo Antinori on future creative projects — a major career opportunity and platform for international exposure.

“This challenge continues to honour bartenders as the artists of our industry,” said Giuseppe Gallo, Founder of ITALICUS. “Every year, we witness an extraordinary level of imagination and execution, and this year’s focus on reimagining the Spritz has revealed just how far the aperitivo can go when guided by creativity and culture. This is more than a competition; it’s a space to learn from one another, to share in a collective experience and to celebrate the creativity that makes our industry so unique.”

Here’s to the art of ITALICUS and the vibrant world of cocktails, as we look forward to seeing you all next year for AOI 2026!

Salute!

#Italicus #ArtofItalicus #AOI25