The Bar Journal

A CELEBRATION OF INNOVATIVE MIXOLOGY

The anticipation reaches its peak as ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto proudly announces the crowning of the Global Art of ITALICUS Bar Artist champion for 2024. The journey to this prestigious title has been nothing short of exhilarating, with exceptional talent showcasing their mastery of mixology.

The final challenge, held May 12th at The Court, one of Tale of The Cocktail top 10 European Hotel Bars, in Rome, brought together bartenders from around the world, representing a diverse array of countries including China, Croatia, Denmark, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Each participant crafted an aperitivo using ITALICUS as a key ingredient, drawing inspiration from various forms of art.

Global Winner: Esmeralda Castrogiovanni – Spain

Bar: Sips Barcelona

Cocktail: ‘Alloway’

Inspiration: Esmeralda, 27, captivated the jury with her cocktail inspired by English pop art pioneer Lawrence Reginald Alloway. “’Alloway’ was designed to provoke thought about the nature of art and its personal significance, drawing inspiration from the 1950s pop art movement, which made art accessible to everyone, not just the elite,” she explained.

Presented in a simple glass bottle, mimicking a plain glass of water, the creativity behind ‘Alloway’ invites discovery and interpretation, redefining art’s boundaries through individual perception and imagination. The drink includes 40 ml of ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto, 20 ml of white bitter, and 45 ml of apple soda, garnished with an edible napkin made of apple jam and caramel.

Esmeralda, who has been awarded an exclusive trip to Miami for a mentorship program with Julio Cabrera of Cafe La Trova—recognised as a top contender in the 2023 edition of the 50 World’s Best Bars—remarked on her win: “Having won this prestigious title represents a very important achievement for me, which will help me grow further on both a professional and personal level.”

Her victory marks a high point in cocktail excellence, and we look forward to her continued impact on the global mixology scene.

Celebrations were also in order for the two Art of ITALICUS runners up, who also wowed with their unique creations.

Second Place Runner-Up: Jan Križaj – Slovenia

Bar: Kavarana Moderna

Cocktail: ‘Congelato’

Inspiration: Inspired by the power of the art of photography in “freezing” moments of life, stories , feelings and memories. To create his drink, Križaj was inspired by Harry Craddock, a famous English bartender of the early twentieth century, and by the famous period photo which immortalizes him while he fits a shaker containing a White Lady (one of his most famous cocktails) into a wall of the Savoy’s hotel American bar in London. “Congelato” is prepared with 45ml of ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto, 10ml Dry Vermouth, 45ml Pesto & tomato cordial and a garnish of Grana Padano with tomato powder.

Third Place Runner-Up: Stephanie Wullschleger – Switzerland

Bar: Herz Bar

Cocktail: ‘Lucha Libre’

Inspiration: Inspired by Mexican wrestling, “Lucha Libre” draws its name from a style focused on athletic gestures over physical strength—a showcase of creativity and imagination, much like the art of bartending, notes the Swiss bartender. This refreshing aperitif features 40 ml of ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto, 40 ml of kiwi and chilli cordial, and 70 ml of soda, garnished with a slice of red kiwi. The crisp citrus notes of ITALICUS contrast with the spicy kick of Jalapeño, while kiwi adds a sweet, sharp twist. A pinch of salt perfectly balances the bold flavours.

As we celebrate the triumphs of our global winner and runners-up, we also extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the participants who have contributed to the success of the Art of ITALICUS competition. Each artist has brought their unique perspective and creativity to the table, enriching the world of mixology in remarkable ways.

All 13 international bartenders who competed for the global title:

• Ming yiu Chan, Darkside Rosewood, Hong Kong, China, presenting the cocktail ‘Fusillicus’
• Maria Hallhagen, Gondolen, Stockholm, Sweden, presenting the cocktail, ‘Panorama’
• Brandon Stead, 45 West Gin and Cocktail Bar, Leicester, United Kingdom, presenting the cocktail ‘Vincent and Gallo’
• Jan Krizaj, Kavarana Moderna, Ljubljana, Croatia/Slovenia, presenting the cocktail ‘Congelato’
• Guchuan Yin, Double Chicken Please, Manhattan, New York, presenting the cocktail ‘Bergamot Nomad’
• Esmeralda Castrogiovanni, Sips Drinkery, Barcelona, Spain, presenting the cocktail ‘Alloway’
• Eleni Karatzoglou, Fika, Drama, Greece, presenting the cocktail ‘Judith’s Rage’
• Boldizsár Mihalffy, Neverland Bar, Budapest, Hungary, presenting the cocktail ‘L’Arte di Strada’
• Stephanie Wullschleger, Herz Bar, Basel, Switzerland, presenting the cocktail ‘Lucha Libre’
• Maureen Cadet, Chateau de la Gaude, Aix-en-Provence, France, presenting the cocktail ‘Ingannevole’
• Alessandro Zampieri, Il Mercante, Venice, Italy, presenting the cocktail ‘Stessosole’
• Valerio Sabatiieli, Pier 42, Oslo, Norway, presenting the cocktail ‘Sanzio’
• Annabell Hemetsberger, Ambra, Copenhagen, Denmark, presenting the cocktail ‘Sprezzatura’

It has been an honour to witness such talent and dedication throughout this journey. Our deepest gratitude goes to our esteemed panel of judges – Giuseppe Gallo, Founder and CEO of ITALICUS, Paloma Difford, Managing Director of Difford’s Guide, and Julio Cabrera, Maestro Cantinero and owner of Cafe La Trova, Miami – for their invaluable expertise and guidance. As we look ahead to the future of mixology, we are filled with excitement for the continued evolution of the craft and the vibrant creativity it inspires. Congratulations once again to our global winner and all those that took part.

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 2025!

Salute!

#Italicus #ArtofItalicus #AOI24