The Shout Magazine (New Zealand)

National finalists announced for the 2025 Art of ITALICUS Aperitivo Challenge

Art of ITALICUS Global Final 2024, Rome.

ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto has revealed the national finalists for the seventh edition of the Art of ITALICUS Aperitivo Challenge.

The global cocktail competition celebrates the creativity and craft of bartenders reimagining the modern spritz.

Bartenders were asked to create an original aperitivo-style cocktail using a minimum of 40ml ITALICUS, with inspiration drawn from any art form – from sculpture to cinema.

Finalists from participating countries including the UK, USA, France, Italy, Spain, Hong Kong, Hungary, Germany, New Zealand, and the Wild Card entry, will go on to compete in their national finals during May and June 2025.

The winners will be invited to showcase their creations at the global final on 7th July 2025, hosted at the stunning Blue Gin Bar in Monaco, France

The New Zealand finalists are:

Jack Driver | Regent | Wellington
Eliot Youmans | Bedford Soda & Liquor | Auckland
Michael Jones | NoLoPlus | Wellington
Dewi Barbieri | Amano | Auckland
Cal Ross | Panacea | Auckland
Dayyana Dimitrova | Jacuzzi | Auckland

The 2025 ITALICUS Bar Artist of the Year will receive a bespoke mentorship programme, including exclusive access to top international bar industry events, alongside a rare opportunity to collaborate with Lorenzo Antinori, founder of Bar Leone (Asia’s Best Bar 2024 and #2 in the world).

Founder and CEO Giuseppe Gallo said: “With each year, the Art of ITALICUS Aperitivo Challenge continues to champion the aperitivo ritual while honouring bartenders as true artists.

“This edition brings a renewed focus on reimagining the spritz – a timeless serve – through the lens of modern creativity.”

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