Premium Italian low-ABV spirit brand Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto is bringing back its Art of Italicus Aperitivo Challenge for a second year.
Italicus is expanding its reach, inviting bartenders across 13 countries to participate in the international competition create an original aperitivo-style cocktail recipe inspired by any form of art.
The recipe must use a minimum 40ml Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto and should be submitted with measurements as well as suggested garnish, glassware and overall presentation. Participants may also suggest a food pairing.
Eight successful finalists will be selected for each national final, which will be held in each of the markets between July to October.
The winner will be crowned as the national Italicus Bar Artist of the Year and entered into the prestigious Global Art of Italicus final, set to take place in November in a European city that is yet to be confirmed.
All national finalists will receive the opportunity to promote their cocktail through a guest bartending experience.
The global winner of the Italicus Global Bar Artist of the Year 2019 will receive an internship at one of the World’s 50 Best Bars.
Brand owner Giuseppe Gallo said: “As a brand, we have such passion for art and design which is reflected in our distinctive bottle so we are very excited to bring back the Art of Aperitivo Challenge.
“Last year the volume and quality of entries exceeded our expectations and we’re looking forward to seeing what the competitors for 2019 will bring, particularly as we expand into new markets.”
Entries are now open. Competitors can submit their cocktail at www.artofitalicus.com, and are invited to share the recipe and entry via social media using the appropriate hashtags #italicus #rosoliodibergamotto #artofitalicus #aoi19.
In 2018, over 1,000 bartenders entered the competition. Sweden’s Johan Evers from Penny and Bill in Stockholm picked up the global prize.
