Art of ITALICUS Aperitivo Challenge 2026: An Anniversary Edition Inviting Bartenders to Redefine the Spritz

The Art of ITALICUS Aperitivo Challenge returns for 2026, promising to set new benchmarks for creativity and innovation. Following the success of previous editions, ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto invites bartenders from across the globe to imagine a new way to Spritz. With a bold new challenge and a prestigious prize, the 2026 competition is poised to take drinks culture to new heights, as the brand celebrates its 10th anniversary.

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 Italian classics to inspire and guide participants throughout the competition, championing storytelling, technique and artistry in cocktails.

Giuseppe Gallo, founder and CEO of ITALICUS, shared his vision: “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 and a must-have brand behind all top bars, and the distinguished spirit of choice when it comes to the Spritz, as well as for reimagining 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.”

Imagine A New Way To Spritz

“The Spritz is synonymous with the aperitivo tradition and has enjoyed global popularity thanks to its light, refreshing character and versatility,” says Roberta Mariani, Global Advocacy Director for Italspirits. “As appreciation for the spritz continues to grow, ITALICUS leads the way, championing bartenders’ artistry in the low ABV movement.”

Through this year’s challenge, ITALICUS invites bartenders to innovate while honouring the timeless appeal of the iconic Italian cocktail. Participants are encouraged to draw inspiration from any art form—painting, sculpture, music, architecture, fashion, hospitality and more—to craft a drink that embodies creativity and sophistication while demonstrating the spirit’s versatility and distinctive bergamot notes.

Programme Overview

Launched in 2018, The Art of ITALICUS Aperitivo Challenge celebrates the belief that bartenders are artists, offering them a platform to showcase their creativity, experiment with innovative ingredients and techniques, and highlight the versatility of ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto.

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.

The Global Winner of the Aperitivo Challenge will be crowned The ITALICUS Bar Artist of the Year 2026 and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime mentorship programme by ITALICUS with Moebius, in Milan. Additionally, they will join a community of trailblazing bartenders who are reshaping the art of the aperitivo.

Competitors are tasked with creating an original spritz cocktail using a minimum of 40ml (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 official platform by 15 May 2026. Competitors are also required to share the inspiration behind their aperitivo creation.

Applications are open and can be submitted online via the ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto website.

Participants are encouraged to share their creations on social media using the tags: #ITALICUS #ROSOLIODIBERGAMOTTO #ARTOFITALICUS #AOI26 and tagging @italicusrdb and @artofitalicus

To further support bartenders throughout the entry period, ITALICUS will also host monthly Q&A sessions on its social media channels, designed to answer recurring questions and help entrants maximise their submissions.

National and Global Finals

National Finals will take place between June and July, where six shortlisted bartenders per country will present their creations to an esteemed, industry-led judging panel. Each bartender must deliver at least four consistent serves of their cocktail. Winners of the National Finals will advance to the Global Final, which will take place in London in September 2026, bringing together national winners to compete to be crowned ITALICUS Bar Artist of the Year 2026. This event will highlight the most creative and artistic spritzes globally, pushing the boundaries of aperitivo culture and forming part of ITALICUS’ 10th anniversary celebrations.

Following the Global Final, countries will continue celebrations of the ITALICUS 10th anniversary through the ‘ITALICUS Weeks’, hosting a series of events and special menus featuring Spritz-style cocktails throughout September.

Global Media Partner

The Global Media Partner for 2026 will be Difford’s Guide, supporting the competition worldwide and championing the most inspiring aperitivo creations throughout the programme.

Supporting U.S. Charity Partner: Another Round Another Rally

In the U.S., ITALICUS is proud to once again collaborate with Another Round Another Rally, a nonprofit organisation providing support for hospitality workers through educational programming and financial aid. Together, ITALICUS and Another Round Another Rally will help champion the U.S. edition of the challenge and celebrate the creativity of the bartending community.

For more information on The Art of ITALICUS Aperitivo Challenge 2026, visit them via the link.

Instagram: @italicusrdb @artofitalicus / Facebook: @ItalicusAperitivo