In times of celebration of the week of the most famous Italian cocktail of the decade, the Negroni I open this column confessing that I am impressed with the influence that Italy has on the bar industry . Yes, Italy dominated everything, or almost everything!
In the latest list of the celebrated ranking “The World’s 50 Best Bars”, which took place in Hong Kong for the regional awards ceremony for Asia, something unexpected happened: the Italian bar “Leone”, located in the city itself, not only won the special award for the best new entry on the list (Highest New Entry Award), but also reached the top of the list, taking first place as the best bar in Asia. The Italian influence on cocktails is impressive, especially in Europe, where the main bartenders are Italian. And there is a reason for this:
Culinary and Hospitality Tradition
From a young age, many Italians are exposed to the art of preparing food and drinks, which contributes to the development of highly skilled professionals in the hospitality industry. Italy offers a solid education in the hotel, tourism and gastronomy industries. Many renowned schools and institutions prepare students for careers in hospitality, including training to become bartenders.
Drink and Cocktail Culture
Italians have a habit of enjoying quality drinks in all social spheres, such as the aperitif, which gave rise to famous classic cocktails such as the Negroni, Americano, Milano-Torino and many others.
Professional Mobility
Italians have a tradition of seeking work opportunities in other European countries, especially in sectors such as hospitality. This means that they can be found in many prestigious bars in various European cities. As a result, many Italian bartenders have gained international recognition, especially in the “The World’s 50 Best Bars” ranking. This recognition attracts even more Italians to the profession and increases its visibility on the European scene.
This combination of tradition, education, culture and opportunity contributes to the current landscape. Here are some notable Italian bartenders who work at bars recognized on The World’s 50 Best Bars list:
- Giulio Cocchi (Bar Termini – London, United Kingdom) : Bar Termini, located in London, is inspired by Italian café and cocktail culture. Giulio Cocchi is known for his skill in creating traditional Italian cocktails, such as the Negroni and other classic aperitifs, with a contemporary twist. Cocchi is known for his focus on simple yet complex cocktails that capture the essence of Italian ingredients.
- Simone Caporale (Sips – Barcelona, Spain) : Sips, in Barcelona, is a highly innovative cocktail bar that is one of the best bars in the world. Simone Caporale is a legend in the world of mixology, recognized for his work at Artesian (London) and now at Sips. He combines creativity with technical precision, mastering experimental cocktails that explore new textures and flavors.
- Giacomo Giannotti (Paradiso – Barcelona, Spain) : Paradiso in Barcelona is a bar known for its speakeasy-style décor and creative cocktails. Giacomo Giannotti, founder and head bartender at Paradiso, is one of the most innovative and award-winning bartenders on the European scene, recognized for his artistic approach to mixology.
- Agostino Perrone (Connaught Bar – London, United Kingdom) : The Connaught Bar in London is repeatedly ranked as one of the best bars in the world. Agostino Perrone, director of mixology at the Connaught Bar, is known for his meticulous attention to detail and charisma. He combines Italian hospitality with elegant, sophisticated cocktails, including the famous Connaught Martini.
The Legacy of Italian Culture in Cocktail Making
Italian culture has left a significant legacy in cocktail making, especially through the creation of iconic cocktails, the tradition of aperitifs and digestifs, and the influence of unique Italian ingredients. Here are the main aspects of this legacy:
- Aperitif and Digestive : In Italy, the aperitif ritual is an important part of social culture. Cocktails such as the Aperol Spritz and the Negroni are symbols of this ritual, which has spread throughout the world. Digestives such as Amaro, Limoncello and Grappa also play an important role, influencing the inclusion of complex and bitter flavors in global cocktail making.
- Iconic Cocktails : The Negroni, the Aperol Spritz, the Americano and the Bellini are just a few examples of cocktails that represent Italian elegance and innovation. They combine simplicity with sophistication, influencing international cocktail making.
- Use of Italian Ingredients : Ingredients like vermouth, Campari and Aperol are key elements in many classic cocktails. Italian brands like Carpano, Martini and Cinzano have set standards of quality that continue to influence bars around the world.
- Symbolism and Style : The Italian emphasis on aesthetics and style is reflected in the way its cocktails are presented. Simplicity, elegance and flavor are the hallmarks of Italian cocktail making, which is also deeply connected to the country’s social lifestyle.
Global Impact
The Italian style of cocktail making has spread across the world, with bars in many cities adopting not only the cocktails, but also the philosophy and aesthetics behind them. Italian bartenders such as Giacomo Giannotti, Simone Caporale and Agostino Perrone are leaders in global mixology, perpetuating the Italian legacy through their innovative creations.
Italian culture is deeply rooted in the bar industry, and we certainly need to take our hats off and acknowledge the talent this nation has when it comes to cocktails. Cheers to all the ragazzi!
*The texts published by Insiders and Columnists do not necessarily reflect the opinion of CNN Travel & Gastronomy.
Who is Thiago Bañares?
Bañares, who graduated in gastronomy from FMU, in São Paulo, was considered by the ranking Bar World 100 organized by the important publication Drinks International, one of the 100 most influential people in the global bar industry. His restaurant/bar Tan Tan appears – for the third consecutive time – on the list of the best bars in the world World’s 50 Best Bars. He runs the award-winning Kotori, considered the 65th best restaurant in Latin America by Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants ; and is in charge of the intimate The Liquor Store, a place that prioritizes the connection between customer and bartender and that delivers cocktails prepared with excellence.
The post Is Italy the most influential country in cocktail making? appeared first on CNN Brasil V&G.
Source: CNN Brasil
Johanna Foster is an expert opinion writer with over 7 years of experience. She has a reputation for delivering insightful and thought-provoking articles on a variety of subjects. Her work can be found on some of the top online news websites, and she is currently lending her voice to the world stock market.
