If you think the original cocktails you create are works of art, then it’s time to tell Italicus all about it.
Italicus has announced the launch of its Art of Italicus Aperitivo Challenge 2023. The winner will be awarded a once-in-a-lifetime mentorship program with Giacomo Giannotti at Paradiso Barcelona, World’s Best Bar 2022
Designed as a bartending challenge inspired by art and creativity, Italicus tasks entrants with crafting the ultimate aperitivo experience using Italicus as a key ingredient. Believing that bartenders are artists, the brand challenges bartenders to be as innovative as possible with their creations while remaining true to the aperitivo occasion.
With any form of art as inspiration, bartenders must create an original aperitivo-style cocktail recipe using a minimum of 1.5 oz of Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto. Bartenders will also be required to include a sustainable element in their cocktails, highlighted in either an ingredient or garnish. The recipe should be expressed with measurements as well as garnishes, glassware and overall presentation.
Just eight finalists will be selected for the US final, which will be held in spring 2023. The finalists will prepare their cocktails in front of a live panel of expert judges, and the winner will be crowned as the US Bar Artist of the Year. This winner, along with the national winners from all participating countries, will receive a 1-year membership to the Shōshin Art Club learning platform and will be entered into the Global Art of ITALICUS Final, which will take place in May 2023.
“The Art Of Italicus Aperitivo Challenge is a program that gives me great pride and allows me to discover and meet, year after year, the new emerging talent in our industry,” said Giuseppe Gallo, founder and CEO of Italicus. “The contest is considered a creative platform for bartenders to express their creative sensibility, while staying connected to the Aperitivo cocktail culture.
Last year the brand had over 1,200 entries worldwide. “I look forward to continuing to innovate and support our bartending community and working together on a future more sustainable for the generations to come,’ continued Gallo
From January 9 – March 6, 2023, entries for the competition will be accepted at https://rosolioitalicus.com/the-art-of-italicus/aperitivo-challenge/ in the US, the UK, Italy, France, Spain, Croatia and the Slovenia region, Greece, Hungary, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland. All other bartenders outside of these countries will be able to apply through a Wild Card entry and will be given the opportunity to win a spot in the global final.
All participants are also invited to share the recipe via social media using the appropriate hashtags #italicus #rosoliodibergamotto #artofitalicus #AOI23.
For more information, go to rosolioitalicus.com or follow the brand on social media at @italicusrdb.