What began as a humble gathering in 2015 has become one of the most anticipated events on Italy’s bar-industry calendar: the BlueBlazer Gala. This annual event spotlights the nation’s vibrant cocktail culture, honouring both the venues and talent that continue to elevate Italy’s sophisticated drinking scene, unveiling the BlueBlazer Guide and announcing the BlueBlazer Awards winners.
In January this year, the Gala marked its 10th anniversary at Rome’s Teatro Centrale. Founders Giampiero Francesca and Gaetano Massimo Macrì were there to commemorate the occasion together with more than 1 000 industry professionals from all corners of Italy, reflecting on the incredible journey that transformed their initial vision into a hallmark celebration of Italy’s cocktail culture. And for the first time, the 2025 BlueBlazer Guide was published in booklet format featuring over 370 carefully curated venues handpicked by the BlueBlazer team, making it an essential resource for cocktail enthusiasts and industry insiders alike. Beyond the iconic hotspots of the major cities, the guide highlights bars that expertly blend local flavours with world-class mixology, giving readers a true taste of Italy’s diverse and flourishing cocktail scene.
Here are our top picks of the award winners…
Bar of the Year: Rita, Milan
Located in the vibrant Naviglio Grande canal district in Lombardy, Rita is one of the pioneering venues of its capital city Milan. Marking its 20th anniversary in 2022, co-founder Edoardo Nono insists on using only the finest and freshest ingredients at the bar, and follows a zero-waste philosophy, where all parts of the fruits and vegetables are utilised in their house-made syrups, cordials, and garnishes. Standout drinks include the Gin Zen, a refreshing blend of gin, freshly crushed ginger, lime, and soda, served over crushed ice, and the Big in Japan, which includes Scotch whisky, cognac, roasted tea cordial, absinthe, and hazelnut. ritacocktails.com
The bar’s inviting atmosphere is enhanced by larch wood counters and cosy red leather sofas, providing the perfect backdrop for visitors to enjoy these inventive cocktails over small sharing plates, as well as wonderful Italian wines. Do stop by Rita’s Tiki Room, the sister bar next door, to sample the sublime Banana Boulevardier.
Hotel Bar of the Year: Igiea Terrazza Bar at the Rocco Forte Villa Igiea Hotel, Palermo
Overlooking Sicily’s tranquil Gulf of Palermo, the Igiea Terrazza Bar is perched within the historic Villa Igiea and masterfully blends the villa’s storied past with contemporary elegance. The terrace is adorned with 1950s frescoes by local artist Eugenio Morici, while the bar’s interior is no less inviting with live music every evening in summer
The thoughtfully curated ‘Island of Desire’ cocktail menu, designed under the guidance of renowned mixologist Salvatore “The Maestro” Calabrese, pays homage to the area’s diverse cultural heritage and its wider European influences. An outstanding creation is the Medusa, which combines gin, orange blossom liqueur, Acqua Bianca, and olive leaf. Reflecting Arabian influences, the Sharab is a delicate, citrus-scented milk punch that features white rum, coconut milk, honey, and tahini. roccofortehotels.com
Best Martini Bar: Bar Locarno at Hotel Locarno, Rome
Just steps from Rome’s Piazza del Popolo, the legendary Hotel Locarno was awarded its first Michelin Key last year and features on the 50 Best Discovery list of the World’s 50 Best Hotels. Having opened in 1925, Bar Locarno has been loved for decades by artists, authors, and film stars, is both cosy and sophisticated with its retro-style counter and comfortable bar stools. In winter, the indoor sitting room is warm and inviting, while its lush courtyard garden is popular year-round.
At the helm for the past 15 years is acclaimed bartender Nicholas Pinna, whose expertise and passion have elevated the bar’s offering. His approach combines classic techniques with subtle innovations, garnering him both loyal clientele and critical acclaim. There are many wonderful tipples on the menu, including the Grande Dame cocktail, a toast to the hotel’s 100 years, and the Roma Bracciano aperitivo blending Campari, Vermouth Carpano, Antica Formula, Rabarbaro Zucca, and orange bitters. Of course, you simply can’t leave without enjoying a signature martini. barlocarnoroma.com
Honourable mention: Arts Bar at The St. Regis, Venice
The Arts Bar at The St. Regis Venice, set on the Grand Canal, was honoured as the Best Italian Hotel Bar at the 2024 Roma Bar Show. Drawing inspiration from the City of Mask’s rich artistic heritage, the ‘Worldwide Icons of Art’ menu – designed by Facundo Gallegos and Ludwig Negri – features drinks inspired by renowned artworks.
Each cocktail is a masterpiece, served in custom-made Murano glassware conceptualised by Mariapia Bellis and forged at Berengo Studio. These include a drink known as Still Waiting, which comes in a whimsical human-legged glass inspired by Erwin Wurm’s …Waiting series, and Silver Dreams, an ode to Andy Warhol’s Shots Marilyn with a quirky replication of Marilyn’s face. artsbarvenice.com
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