Venice Cocktail Week Returns | Where Mixology Meets Mindful Living

This autumn, the world’s most romantic city raises its glass once more as Venice Cocktail Week returns from October 22–26, 2025. Now in its fourth edition, the festival has become a cornerstone of Italy’s cultural calendar, celebrating craftsmanship, creativity, and community across the lagoon’s most iconic cocktail destinations.

Founded and curated by Paola Mencarelli, the visionary behind Florence and Tuscany Cocktail Weeks, the event transforms Venice into a living map of Italy’s finest mixology talent. Over five vibrant days, 28 bars and hotel lounges will unveil bespoke drink lists, host interactive events, and welcome both cocktail enthusiasts and curious travelers to experience the art of the modern aperitivo.

A Celebration of Venice’s Bartending Culture

At the heart of this year’s edition is the new “Barkeeper VCW25” initiative, a program designed to honor the resident mixologists who give Venice its unique cocktail soul. Guests can meet these creators behind the bar, taste their Signature Cocktails, and learn about the inspiration behind each recipe — all within the elegant ambiance of venues such as The Bar at Aman Venice, Caffè Florian, Rivoire, and Time Social Bar.

Among the standout names:

• Antonio Ferrara of The Bar at Aman Venice, known for merging Venetian sophistication with global flair.
• Gennaro Florio of The “G” Lounge & Garden Bar at Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace, whose botanical-forward creations echo the city’s lagoon heritage.
• Mauro Varagnolo and Michele Bronzin of Caffè Florian, a venue that has been at the heart of Venice’s café culture since 1720.
• Rising talents like Francesco Adragna of Il Piccolo Bar at Violino d’Oro and Matteo Gambaro of Mirai bring a contemporary edge to the city’s timeless charm.

Each participating bar will feature two exclusive drinks: the Signature Cocktail, representing its individual identity, and the Aperitivo di Mezzogiorno, a refreshing midday cocktail inspired by Venetian tradition.

From Classic Elegance to Modern Creativity

The festivities begin with the Opening Party at Aman Venice, aptly titled Reflections of Elegance, where leading figures from across the Italian Cocktail Weeks gather under the guidance of Ferrara. The festival concludes with the Closing Party at The St. Regis Venice’s Arts Bar, showcasing the artistry of mixologists Ludwig Negri, Alessandro Pellegrini, and their team — a fitting finale in one of Venice’s most glamorous settings.

Throughout the week, guests can explore over 100 events including masterclasses, tastings, and culinary pairings that celebrate Venice’s intertwined food and drink heritage. Highlights include “Tacos y Mezcal” at Il Mercante, the “Brunch Veneziano” at Moro Venice, and “Dialoghi di Gusto” at Aman Venice, featuring Chef Gennaro Russo of Positano’s Le Sirenuse.

The Wellness Wave

Reflecting the global shift toward mindful drinking, Venice Cocktail Week 2025 introduces a wellness-driven mixology program. For the first time, menus will list the alcohol content of each drink, encouraging guests to make more informed choices. The festival partners with Legend Kombucha, presenting creative events like “Pizza & Kombucha” at Aman Venice and “Da Zero a 28” Aperitivo at Gheni Restaurant.

Low-alcohol innovation takes center stage at “Brunch in Laguna” hosted by Moro Venice by Polot 1882, while “Unconventional Tea” at Il Piccolo Bar pairs Yerbito-based cocktails with rare teas, curated by tea sommelier Martina Scalzo. These experiences reinforce Venice’s evolving identity as not just a city of indulgence, but of balance and intention.

Culture, Art, and Community

Beyond the bar, Venice Cocktail Week celebrates craftsmanship and creativity through collaborations with Ca’ Foscari University, Venice Fashion Week, and local artisans. Cultural experiences include guided tours of the city’s hidden gardens and historic cafés, exhibitions like “Flutti Venexiani” by photographer Michele Tamasco, and immersive tastings connecting art, history, and flavor.

Whether you arrive by vaporetto or on foot, the week invites travelers to see Venice anew — not as a postcard, but as a living, breathing stage for artistry and hospitality.

How to Experience Venice Cocktail Week

All events are open to the public, with free admission for educational and cultural programs (by reservation) and ticketed access for select tastings, dinners, and evening events. Tickets and program details will be available on www.venicecocktailweek.it and the festival’s Instagram, @VeniceCocktailWeekOfficial.

Travelers can also look ahead to sister events across Italy under Mencarelli’s Italian Cocktail Weeks banner — including Florence Cocktail Week, Tuscany Cocktail Week, Amalfi Coast Cocktail Week, and Cortina Cocktail Weekend — each highlighting local craftsmanship and the evolving artistry of Italian mixology.

Join the celebration and toast to #VeniceCocktailWeek #VCW25 #ItalianCocktailWeeks #MindfulMixology #DrinkWellTravelBetter