The Bar Journal

The celebrated Art of ITALICUS Aperitivo Challenge returns in 2026, promising to set new benchmarks for creativity and innovation. Following the success of previous editions,  ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto once again invites bartenders from around the world TO IMAGINE  A NEW WAY TO SPRITZ, pushing the boundaries of flavour, presentation, and storytelling behind the bar. With an exclusive mentorship opportunity and a highly anticipated Global Final in London, the challenge has become a global platform for bartenders to showcase their creativity while celebrating the art and ritual of aperitivo culture.

A Global Platform and Prestigious Prize

This year’s global winner will earn the coveted title of ITALICUS Bar Artist of the Year 2026 and embark on an exclusive mentorship programme with ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto at Moebius Bar (Milan), ranked No. 7 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025. Giovanni Allario, Moebius’ Bar Director, will use his contemporary approach to classics to inspire and guide participants throughout the competition, championing storytelling, technique and artistry in cocktails.

Reflecting on this year’s competition, Giuseppe Gallo, founder and CEO of ITALICUS, reflected: “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 reinventing 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.”

Reimagining the Spritz

The Spritz has become one of the most recognisable aperitivo serves in the world, loved for its refreshing style and elegant simplicity. As its popularity continues to grow globally, ITALICUS encourages bartenders to reinterpret this classic serve through their own creative lens, taking inspiration from art in all its forms. 

How to Enter the Art of ITALICS 2026 Challenge

Since its launch, the Art of ITALICUS Aperitivo Challenge has celebrated bartenders as artists, offering a stage for them to showcase their technical skills, creativity, and personal inspirations.

This year, the competition will welcome participants from eight countries:

China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Spain, the UK and the USA, alongside a Wild Card entry open to bartenders from other nations.

Competition Guidelines

Participants must create an original spritz cocktail that includes:

• A minimum of 40ml ( 1.5 Oz in USA) of ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto
• No more than five ingredients in total

Each submission must also include:

• The cocktail recipe
• An image of the drink
• Glassware and garnish details
• A short explanation of the inspiration behind the creation

Applications are now open and will close on 15th May 2026. 

Participants are invited to enter via the official competition website. 

Share your proud creation with the world on social media using the hashtags:

#ARTOFITALICUS #AOI26 #ITALICUS #ROSOLIODIBERGAMOTTO and by tagging @ArtofItalicus and @Italicusrdb on Instagram.

National & Global Finals

National Finals will take place between June and July 2026, where six shortlisted bartenders from each country will present their spritz creations to a panel of industry experts.

Each national winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the Global Final in London, scheduled for September 2026.

There, finalists will compete for the prestigious title of ITALICUS Bar Artist of the Year 2026, presenting their innovative cocktails inspired by art in celebration of a decade of the Art of ITALICUS.

Buona Fortuna!