AIBES Cocktail Championship Makes Debut at Sea in 2025
The AIBES Cocktail Championship 2025, Italy’s top national bartending competition, reached a milestone this year by being held aboard a cruise ship for the first time. The Costa Favolosa hosted the finals as contestants competed at sea during a voyage from Genoa to Barcelona and Marseille.
Holding the event onboard provided AIBES with a striking new setting. The finals were staged in the ship’s main theater, professional bar stations were arranged throughout the vessel, sea days featured expert masterclasses, and the celebration gala was held against an open ocean backdrop.
Overall Winner: Ludovico Orazio – Puglia
Ludovico Orazio was named the AIBES Italian Champion 2025, recognized for his creativity, technical skill and polished presentation. His winning cocktail received the highest scores from the judging panel and is expected to appear in future AIBES publications and events.
The 2025 competition highlighted leading talent across multiple categories.
- Sparkling: Federico Magro (Veneto) won with a refined cocktail featuring Ferrari Trento.
- Long Drink: Manuele Viale (Piedmont) earned first place for a balanced and refreshing creation.
- Fancy Drink: Alessio Pelati (Emilia Romagna) impressed judges with an innovative and visually striking recipe.
- After Dinner: Irma Campagna (Sardinia) topped the category with a rich, dessert inspired drink.
- Flair Bartending: Hector Bravo (Lombardy) secured the title with an energetic and well executed performance.
The event also included the RCR Crystal Masters team competition, where Tuscany received the highest regional distinction for overall excellence across all categories.