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BOMBAY SAPPHIRE PRESENTS 'SENSES STIRRED' Making A Stir

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE PRESENTS 'SENSES STIRRED'

August 6,2021

Global Gin brand Bombay Sapphire has debuted its first campaign film entitled ‘Senses Stirred,” dedicated to the BOMBAY & Tonic cocktail.

Brought to life by renowned director Alan Masferrer, the campaign shows viewers that the perfect gin and tonic goes far beyond being a cocktail – it is an experience for the senses.

Throughout the narrative, all five senses (sight, sound, taste, scent and touch) are awakened, manifesting the bright, fresh, botanical flavour profile of the heralded, vapour-infused London Dry Gin from Bombay Sapphire combined with the precise balance of premium tonic water.

From the clink of the ice cubes swirling in a prismatic dance, to the botanical garden enveloped in vapour at sunset, and buoyant balloons rising to burst with botanicals, each element of Bombay Sapphire and its iconic serve, the Bombay & Tonic, is represented metaphorically through a collage of visually arresting, larger-than-life artistic installations.

As the popularity of gin continues to rise in the US, the campaign highlights an untapped opportunity to drive interest in the long-storied cocktail, with the IWSR predicting that the premium-plus gin segment will continue to grow by double-digits through 2023.

“The goal of our first major brand campaign in North America is to awaken the senses and illustrate the superior taste experience when our signature Bombay & Tonic serve is consumed, thanks to our delicate vapour-infusion process and unique combination of 10 all-natural, sustainably sourced botanicals,” says Natasha Curtin, Global Vice President for Bombay Sapphire.

“We want to make ‘Bombay & Tonic’ a household name for the gin and tonic drinking moment, whenever effortless refreshment is called for. Through Alan Masferrar’s talented eye and cinematic qualities we were able to create a truly unique spot in the spirits space – one that spotlights the elevated, balanced and refreshing nature of the Bombay & Tonic.”

As Director Alan Masferrar explains, “I have a particular affinity for the Bombay & Tonic as it was the drink my parents met over, so I was definitely excited to collaborate with Bombay Sapphire on this campaign to illustrate this story of the ultimate sensory drink experience through our metaphorical installations of the bubbles, vapour mist, sparkling ice cube, citrus and botanical ingredients.”

For more information on Bombay Sapphire and products please visit bombaysapphire.com.

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE PRESENTS 'SENSES STIRRED' Making A Stir

ART OF ITALICUS APERITIVO CHALLENGE RETURNS TO FIND THE NEXT MODERN SPRITZ

February 10,2025

Italian Aperitivo brand Italicus has announced the return of its The Art of Italicus Aperitivo Challenge for its seventh edition.

With a bold new challenge and a prestigious prize, the 2025 competition calls on bartenders from across the globe to reimagine a new way to Spritz.

Poised to enrich aperitivo culture to new heights, the winner of the competition will earn the coveted title of Italicus Bar Artist of the Year 2025 and embark on an exclusive mentorship programme that includes access to the most prestigious bar industry events worldwide and an opportunity to work alongside the talented Lorenzo Antinori, from the celebrated Bar Leone in Hong Kong.

“As we celebrate the seventh edition of the Art of Italicus Aperitivo Challenge, we continue to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation in the aperitivo tradition,” explained Giuseppe Gallo, founder and CEO of Italicus.

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“This year’s focus on reimagining the spritz reflects our commitment to keeping the ritual fresh, exciting and relevant. With Lorenzo Antinori as our partner and a grand final in Europe, the 2025 challenge will undoubtedly showcase the extraordinary talent of bartenders worldwide,’ Gallo continued.

Through this year’s challenge, Italicus invites bartenders to innovate while honouring the spritz’s timeless appeal. Participants are encouraged to draw inspiration from any form of art, such as painting, sculpture, music, architecture, or fashion, to craft a drink that embodies creativity and sophistication while demonstrating the spirit’s versatility and distinctive bergamot essence.

“The spritz, is synonymous with the aperitivo tradition and has enjoyed global popularity thanks to its light, refreshing character and versatility.” says Roberta Mariani, Advocacy Director for Italicus. “As appreciation for the spritz continues to grow, Italicus leads the way, championing quality, diversity and artistry in the aperitivo movement.”

This year, the competition welcomes participants from 10 countries: France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, UK, USA, and a Wild Card entry open to bartenders from other nations.

Competitors are tasked with creating an original spritz cocktail using a minimum of 40ml (or 1.5oz in the US) Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto and no more than five ingredients.

Entrants must submit their recipe, including an image of the cocktail, detailed measurements, garnishes and glassware specifications, via the competition website by 28th April, 2025. Competitors are also required to share the inspiration behind their aperitivo creation.

Applications open February 10th, 2025, and can be submitted online atwww.artofitalicus.com. Participants are encouraged to share their creations on social media using the hashtags: #italicus #rosoliodibergamotto #artofitalicus #AOI25.

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE PRESENTS 'SENSES STIRRED' Making A Stir

ARIZONA COCKTAIL WEEKEND RETURNS FOR ITS 13TH YEAR

January 30,2025

Arizona Cocktail Weekend, the longest-running cocktail event in the Southwest, will return to the greater Phoenix area on February 27th for its 13th year.

Running through to March 4th, the five days of exciting events will feature three signature events: The Cocktail Carnival, Top Bars, and Last Slinger Standing. Additionally, there will be tastings at global bar pop-ups, expert-led educational seminars and cocktail-paired dinners, and can’t-miss cocktail events.

The Cocktail Carnival will kick off the weekend on Saturday, March 1st, with a high-energy blend of brand showcases, brand activation-driven entertainment, and endless fun. Featuring innovative and immersive displays and booths, each ticket grants attendees access to over 30 expertly crafted cocktail samples.

On Sunday, Top Bars will feature over 40 of the world’s best cocktail bars travelling to Downtown Phoenix as pop-ups, sharing some of their most popular signature cocktails. A fan-favourite, the event will be headlined by some of the best bars from around the world, with previous years’ guests including Allegory from Washington, DC; Penicillin from Hong Kong; Eleven Madison Park from New York City; and Silverleaf from London.

Arizona’s top mixologists will battle it out on Monday at The Last Slinger Standing competition. Hosted at Republic National Distilling Company (RNDC), the competition will pit 16 of Arizona’s best mixologists against each other in head-to-head battles. Each round features secret ingredients and will be judged by a panel of renowned cocktail experts from around the world … that is until the last slinger remains standing to take the 2025 trophy.

For the second year, Arizona Cocktail Weekend will also feature venues and bars from across the state. The event will highlight the craft of cocktails from participating bars and restaurants, featuring spirits from brand sponsors. Sign-up is free for all Arizona venues.

For more information, go to arizonacocktailweekend.com

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE PRESENTS 'SENSES STIRRED' Making A Stir

GLENMORANGIE ENLISTS HARRISON FORD IN NEW CAMPAIGN

January 28,2025

Scottish whiskey producer Glenmorangie has teamed up with Hollywood icon Harrison Ford for a new global campaign.

Once Upon A Time In Scotland, brings Ford’s trademark wry humour to the fore in a series of episodic films directed by actor and film-maker Joel Edgerton.

Harrison Ford is the real deal: a true global icon, and a genuine whisky lover. It was a dream come true to collaborate on this campaign and welcome him to our home in the Highlands to discover more about Glenmorangie,” said Caspar MacRae, President & CEO of The Glenmorangie Company.

“He is someone who has honed his craft over decades, which gives him a real appreciation for the dedication and skill of our distillery team. Like us, he’s not afraid to laugh at himself — and I think Joel has perfectly captured his authentic warmth, alongside his roguish sense of humour.

“We hope whisky lovers around the world will enjoy exploring the episodes, and learning more about the real people and places behind our whiskies, through Harrison’s eyes,” continued MacRae.

Once Upon a Time in Scotland takes us behind the scenes as Harrison Ford journeys to Glenmorangie’s Highland home to discover the skill and craftsmanship of making each bottle of its complex and elegant whisky.

“I loved working with the team at the Distillery — they were all great,” said Ford. “The whole process of filming was full of unanticipated joys: little unexpected moments. It’s a tribute to Glenmorangie’s sensibilities that they let us be less than totally serious. I think what Joel has produced has a certain charm to it, because it’s unpretentious and just amusing.”

It sees the actor enjoy the authentic Scottish experience — from getting to grips with the nuances of Scottish pronunciation and kilt etiquette, to bonding with locals over a dram of single malt — all shot in an unconventional, deliberately ‘off-script’ style.

Filmed in the picturesque north-east Highlands of Scotland, the campaign captures the natural beauty of the local area: from the historic distillery in Tain where Glenmorangie has been created for over 180 years, to the storied 19th century Ardross Castle, and the dramatic landscapes surrounding Loch Glass.

Appearing alongside Ford are the real Glenmorangie distillery team — who embraced their first experience of acting under the guidance of a global cinematic legend — while the brand’s flagship whiskies, Glenmorangie Original 12 Years Old and Glenmorangie Infinita 18 Years Old also take on a starring role.

“I’ve spent my whole life watching commercials that follow an expected format and so I really like it when things are a little disruptive, fun, and irreverent,” said Edgerton. “It was nice that we got a chance within the very traditional industry of whisky to get behind the scenes, to subvert the seriousness that often goes into an advertising campaign and have fun with that.

“I hope that people get to see the short film and the full-length episodes — and enjoy them and share them around,” Edgerton continued.

Edgerton’s 12 episodes and hero film are complemented by still images shot by acclaimed fashion photographer Lachlan Bailey. They feature Ford as he’s never been seen before: donning a stylish Scottish kilt designed by streetwear brand Palace.

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE PRESENTS 'SENSES STIRRED' Making A Stir

NORTH AMERICA’S 50 BEST BARS SETS ITS SIGHTS ON VANCOUVER

January 23,2025

North America’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, will return for a fourth edition in April 2025. The three-day event program will be held in Vancouver, Canada.

This is the first time in North America’s 50 Best Bars history that the awards will be held in Canada. The awards will shine a spotlight on the country’s world-class cocktail scene and celebrate the best bartending talent in the region.

Additionally, this year will also mark the first time since the North American award’s inception that the list will be extended to include the 51-100 ranking.

“After an electrifying celebration last year, we are thrilled to bring North America’s 50 Best Bars to Canada for the first time,” explained Emma Sleight, Head of Content for North America’s 50 Best Bars.

“Hosting the awards in Vancouver, a city renowned for its dynamic cocktail culture, stunning natural beauty, and outstanding hospitality scene, allows us to highlight the city’s exceptional talent and celebrate its innovation on a global stage. We look forward to recognising the people and places that continue to elevate North America as a true leader in the world of hospitality.”

North America’s 50 Best Bars highlights excellence in the bars industry specifically in the USA, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

“Vancouver is proud to host North America’s 50 Best Bars for the first time this year. The multi-day event will shine a spotlight on the incredible talent and creativity of our city’s hospitality and mixology scene,” says Royce Chwin, President & CEO, Destination Vancouver.

“North America’s 50 Best Bars recognises excellence across the continent while providing a platform to showcase Vancouver’s vibrant culinary culture, diverse communities, and innovative spirit. As a global destination, we are excited to collaborate with industry leaders and create memorable experiences for everyone who attends.”

Ahead of the awards, the Michter’s Art of Hospitality, the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender and the 51-100 List will be announced.

For more information, go to theworlds50best.com

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE PRESENTS 'SENSES STIRRED' Making A Stir

HAVANA CLUB LAUNCHES SECOND 'COCKTAIL MAESTROS' COMPETITION

January 15,2025

Global Rum brand Havana Club has announced the second instalment of its team competition: Havana Club Cocktail Maestros.

The contest will take bartending teams from across Europe, Asia, and the Americas on a journey through national qualifications and regional challenges. Then, they will embark on an inspirational trip to Havana to discover Cuba’s vibrant energy and the brand’s unique cultural legacy. 

“Havana Club and mixology share an entwined history,” explained Maxime Chevalier, Senior Brand Advocacy Manager at Havana Club. “It’s safe to say that the rum category and Havana Club would not be where it is today without the support and creative energy of the bartending community. 

“This competition is a chance for us to give back and provide a platform to the incredibly talented bartenders around the world. Much more than a cocktail contest, Havana Club Cocktail Maestros brings the community together through shared cultural experiences, in-depth brand education and training. 

“It’s an opportunity for us to take those at the heart of industry on a journey through Havana Club’s rich and diverse heritage and the artistry behind our exceptional rums.”

With a €10,000 prize for the winning team, the competition will reward creativity, flavour, and team spirit. Unlike the inaugural competition, contestants can now partner with someone from a different venue within the same country, fostering long-term connections across the industry. 

The top 10 teams from each country will progress to the national finals, where they’ll create a Cuban afro-Latin-inspired cocktail for a dedicated local jury. 

For the regional stage, teams will meet for a series of training sessions and challenges. They’ll learn to work together in stimulating environments, guided by regional industry mentors. Then, they’ll begin accumulating points before jetting off to Havana for the final stage of the contest in April 2026. 

The four-day finals in Cuba will allow contestants to immerse themselves in the passion of the city and its lively bar scene, as well as the craftsmanship and culture that’s captured in every bottle of Havana Club. Teams will also partake in the Great Havana Hustle challenge, testing their skills over the course of a unique bar shift, showcasing their expertise, hospitality, and teamwork abilities. 

A panel of industry icons, including world-renowned drinks figure Sandrae Lawrence and friend of the brand Simone Caporale, will decide the grand winners, pending the announcement of the last trio member. 

Competition details and dates within each territory are now available on the Havana Club website. Follow the link to enter and the chance to be crowned “Havana Club Cocktail Maestros”: https://havana-club.com/en/havana-club-cocktail-maestros/.

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