The first time I saw a bottle of Scarlet was during my trip to Japan. The bartender placed the bottle on the bartop in front of me, about to prepare a drink for my order of a bitter-digestive style cocktail. The captivating label caught my eye, “it appears like a bottle of bitter I have never tried before - I must taste what’s inside!” I thought to myself and asked the bartender for a small taste of this new intriguing product. 

For one week, the city of Florence will be completely immersed in the art of cocktails, that’s Florence Cocktail Week 2025 (FCW25). From April 7 to 13, 2025, more than 60 bars from across Tuscany will come together for this highly anticipated event, drawing in cocktail enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

The Roma Bar Show Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in the Italian bar industry. Established by the organizers of the Roma Bar Show, this prestigious award aims to recognize the best bars and bartenders in Italy. Now in its third edition, the Awards have become a key industry benchmark and will take place in Rome on May 26-27, 2025, at the Palazzo dei Congressi in the EUR district, as part of the Roma Bar Show.

On March 1st and 2nd, the Rome Whisky Festival took place at Salone delle Fontane, marking its 13th edition. For whisky enthusiasts, industry professionals, and bartenders, this annual event is nothing short of a grand celebration. This year’s festival was as vibrant as ever, attracting over 4,300 attendees and featuring more than 200 brands from around the world, offering an astounding selection of over 1,000 different whiskies.

Federico Leone’s (BBC Spirits specialist) masterclasses are truly special for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, the selection of products is always exceptional, making each tasting a real pleasure. Second, Federico is a master storyteller. His ability to engage and captivate an audience makes every masterclass feel like a trip.

Gabriele Tammaro, D&C Spirits Specialist, took attendees on an immersive journey through the heart of the United Kingdom with his Halewood Artisanal Spirits: Round Trip masterclass. This captivating experience led us from the rolling hills of Wales to the rugged coastlines of Scotland, with a delightful detour to Blackpool, where a touch of American spirit was infused into the mix.

In an exclusive masterclass, Michele Reina, renowned for his deep expertise in whiskey production, joined forces with Meregalli to present two exceptional product lines from the Beam family. This tasting experience highlighted the complexities and craftsmanship behind two very different whiskey styles, showcasing the artistry of distillation, aging, and the importance of experience.

“The concept of Shokunin accompanies the history and evolution of these two historic Japanese distilleries through the centuries to the present day, offering an exceptional range of products.”‍“Shokunin is the Japanese art of seeking perfection. A Shokunin is someone who dedicates their life to the pursuit of excellence, engaging in a process of continuous improvement and sharing their craft with others.”‍Michele Picone - Meregalli Spirit Specialist, introduces the distinguished Akashi and Yamazakura brands.

Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka Whisky, was the first person to distill whisky in Japan. His legacy lives on in every glass of whisky that comes from the Land of the Rising Sun. More than a century later, Nikka remains one of Japan’s leading whisky producers, known for its refined balance and exceptional quality, earning global recognition in the whisky world.

Roger 65 is an initiative that merges a bar and a laboratory, aiming to create sustainable, high-quality products for bartenders. Today, it stands as a reference point in Salento and throughout Puglia, attracting those seeking innovative and premium ingredients. One of its most remarkable products is Black Brine, an exclusive creation that has gained recognition among mixology professionals.

A special guest shift event was held at The Court, located in the luxurious Palazzo Manfredi hotel in Rome. The Court is known for its stunning location, offering beautiful views of the Colosseum, making it a beloved bar where many guests enjoy memorable moments. This exclusive event featured Elena Ingiardi, the owner of BLOOM 33 Botanical Bar, located in Crema, just outside Milan. Elena brought her special touch to The Court for one unforgettable night.

Nestled in the heart of Rome, between Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, lies a hidden gem, Club Derrière. Located at Vicolo delle Coppelle 59, this venue offers a unique experience for lovers of refined cocktails and exclusive atmospheres.

Tucked away in the rolling hills where Tuscany, Lazio, and Umbria meet, right between Rome and Florence, lies Borgo La Chiaracia Resort & SPA. And here, I found a bar that’s truly worth the journey.

Vast grasslands, nomadic life, yurts (traditional portable dwellings), and horseback riding—these might be the first images that appear. Then there’s the unique culinary culture, featuring dishes like buuz (steamed dumplings filled with mutton) and airag (fermented mare’s milk). Mysterious and full of charm, Mongolia is a country many dream of visiting at least once in their lifetime.

Exciting news from the Italian hospitality scene! Giovanni Onori, a talented professional from Bulgari Hotel in Rome, has secured his place as Italy’s representative at the global finals of the Torres Brandy Zero Challenge. The competition will take place in Barcelona from March 25 to 27, 2025, marking the third edition of this prestigious event dedicated to sustainable innovation in mixology.

Rome is home to countless iconic landmarks, but one of the most beloved is Piazza Navona. While it’s a must-visit destination for tourists, it was never considered a go-to spot for locals to dine. The reason? Many believed that "restaurants in tourist areas are overpriced and underwhelming." However, Camillo a Piazza Navona dal 1890 has completely changed that perception.

Whisky lovers, mark your calendars! The Rome Whisky Festival is back for its 13th edition on March 1st and 2nd, 2025, at the stunning Salone delle Fontane. If you’re a whisky enthusiast, bartender, distributor, or just curious about this incredible spirit, this is the event you don’t want to miss!

Oro Whisky Bar is a special place where both whisky connoisseurs and newcomers can enjoy a truly unique experience. To celebrate its 4th anniversary, the bar has crafted a lineup of playful and innovative cocktails that push the boundaries of creativity.

Oro Whisky opened its doors for an exclusive event dedicated to American whiskeys, featuring MGP Ingredients, a leader in rye whiskey production based in Indiana.

If you’re new to whiskey or just want to understand it better, you’re in the right place! This guide is based on insights from Michel Reina, a whiskey expert who’s dedicated to making high-quality spirits more accessible.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of BlueBlazeR, the leading PR agency dedicated to Italy’s bar industry. To celebrate, they’ve unveiled the "Blue BlazeR Guide 2025", a comprehensive guide to Italy’s best cocktail bars.

In the heart of Rome, at the stylish and intimate Wisdomless Club, an exclusive cocktail event unfolded,　one that brought together cocktail lovers, industry professionals, and curious guests for a truly special night.

Their latest cocktail menu, "Inked: The Liquid Tattoo," masterfully blends the bar's signature urban street style with tattoo culture. Bar manager Riccardo Rossi explains, "This list draws inspiration from five tattoo styles: Old School, New School, Tribal, Asian, and Chicano."

Against the unrivaled backdrop of the Colosseum, The Court at Palazzo Manfredi has unveiled an artistically crafted cocktail menu that transforms mixology into a masterpiece.

Shochu is a traditional Japanese distilled spirit that has been cherished for centuries. With a lower alcohol content and a versatile range of flavors, it pairs effortlessly with meals and offers a unique drinking experience. This article introduces the fundamentals and distinct appeal of shochu.