The Bar Journal

Meet the Global Finalists of the Art of ITALICUS Aperitivo Challenge 2025

Celebrated by bartenders across the world, this annual competition continues to champion creativity and innovation in aperitivo culture. Participants were invited to reimagine a ‘New Way To Spritz’, drawing artistic inspiration from fashion, architecture, music, design, or any form of art that sparks their imagination.

Each finalist has demonstrated exceptional technique and artistic flair in crafting a modern spritz using ITALICUS, winning their National Finals and earning a spot in the Global Final.

Introducing the Global Finalists of 2025:

• Spain: Vincenzo Albanese – Bad Company 1920, Madrid

• Italy: Valerio Izzo – Shub, Sorrento

• France: Connan Henry-Madde – Un bar avec des formes pour nom, Bordeaux

• Germany: Jan Sporleder – Bar Seibert, Kassel

• United Kingdom: Jelena Bulatovskaja – Sexy Fish, London

• Hungary: Péter Kovács – Blue Fox The Bar, Budapest

• Hong Kong: Wong Chung Hang Jackie – Quinary, Hong Kong

• New Zealand: Jack Driver – Regent, Wellington

• USA: Victor Uceda-Vereau – Bar Kaiju, Miami

• Wild Card: Noemi Marras – Widder Bar, Zurich, Switzerland

These talented individuals will soon gather in Monte-Carlo, France, to compete at the Global Final held at the prestigious Blue Gin Bar on Monday July 7th.

Adding distinction to the competition, an esteemed panel of judges will oversee the proceedings. Giuseppe Gallo, Founder & CEO of ITALICUS, Paloma Diffords, Managing Director of Difford’s Guide and Lorenzo Antinori, Bar Leone, Hong Kong – currently ranked #1 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars and #2 in The World’s 50 Best Bars.

Get inspired by Lorenzo Antinori’s take on a Spritz

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the finalists. Their dedication, passion, and artistry have not only earned them this prestigious recognition but have also contributed to enriching the global mixology landscape.

Stay tuned as we follow their journey to crown the ITALICUS Bar Artist of the Year 2025. It promises to be a celebration of talent, culture, and the timeless elegance of the aperitivo.

Buona fortuna to all finalists – and see you in Monte-Carlo.

Salute!

#ArtOfITALICUS #AOI25 #BarArtist2025 #ANewWayToSpritz