Amalfi Coast Cocktail Week

Amalfi Coast Cocktail Week debuts with its first edition.

The iconic Amalfi coast photo: @enrico_capuano_photography

The Amalfi Coast is set to become a hub for cocktail enthusiasts with the launch of Amalfi Coast Cocktail Week (ACCW24), the newest brainchild of Paola Mencarelli. This vibrant new event celebrates the art of mixology. Hosted across the stunning coastline, this first edition promises an exciting blend of creativity, local culture, and interactive experiences, offering something for both cocktail lovers and curious newcomers.

Paola Mencarelli, the creator of Amalfi Coast Cocktail Week, as well as editions in Florence, Venice and Cortina has created a winning formula.

*Here she is pictured with the pastry maker of*
*Pasticceria Pansa*

Main sponsors are Altamura Distilleries, No 3 London Dry Gin, and Pallini. The entire list of sponsors and partners is here. Special thanks go out to the City of Ravello and the Amalfi Coast District for their support.

A cocktail from Vista Lounge Bar photo @martinodini

A Showcase of Signature Mixology

Cocktail bars and hotel bars throughout the Amalfi Coast will present the ACCW24 Cocktail List, featuring three specially crafted drinks:

- Signature Cocktail: An original creation that represents the essence of the bar.

- RiEsco a Bere Italiano: A cocktail highlighting the best of Italy’s renowned craftsmanship with Made in Italy ingredients.

- Campania Felix: A drink made with locally sourced ingredients from the Campania region, honoring its rich flavors and traditions.

A Week of Masterclasses, Guest Shifts, and Pop-Up Bars

ACCW24 offers much more than just cocktails. Bars across the region will host Masterclasses, Guest Shifts, and Pop-Up Bars with renowned bartenders from Campania, Italy, and abroad. These sessions allow guests to deepen their knowledge of the craft through product presentations, tastings, and hands-on experiences. Many of these events are free to the public by reservation, ensuring a wide range of participants can take part in the celebration of cocktail artistry.

Salvadore himself will crown the winner on 24 September

Another exciting event is the final of The Maestro Challenge. Spearheaded by Salvatore “La Maestro” Calabrese himself, the winner will be crowned on Tuesday Sep 24.

The Maestro Challenge, launched in 2015, is a cocktail competition aimed at crowning the best bartender of each edition. Over two days, participants engage in fun, dynamic challenges that test their technical skills, creativity, style, charisma, and ability to engage with the audience.

For the 2024 edition, the theme is "Colors from the World," focusing on the emotional and cultural significance of color. Contestants will create cocktails inspired by colors that evoke elements of global culture, travel, art, history, and culinary traditions. The goal is to let imagination flow and tell the story behind their drink.

Aperitivi and Entertainment Events

For those seeking social experiences, the cocktail bars and hotels will also offer Aperitivi and Guest Shift events, where guest bartenders take over bars for an evening of creativity and entertainment. These events will provide an interactive atmosphere where visitors can enjoy exceptional cocktails and meet mixology experts. These events are open to the public for a fee.

Cultural and Culinary Connections

In addition to the focus on drinks, ACCW24 aims to foster a deeper connection with local culture. The event will feature cultural meetings and book presentations, offering cocktail enthusiasts the opportunity to engage with the history, techniques, and stories behind mixology and the region’s culinary traditions. These are free events open to the public, designed to inspire and educate. I definitely can’t miss the Aperitivo hour at Sea Waves bar on Monday Sep 23 6-8 pm with the Kristine and Kait from Ada Coleman Project.

Gold Sky Lounge at Hotel Villafranca Positano photo @martinodini

The ACCW24 Experience: Discovering the Amalfi Coast Through Cocktails

One of the unique aspects of ACCW24 is the ACCW24 Experience, which merges tourism with mixology. Guests will be able to discover the Amalfi Coast through curated cocktail experiences, where each drink complements the scenery and spirit of the region, making for an unforgettable exploration of both flavors and landscapes.

How to Participate

A dedicated Cocktail Bar Map will guide participants through the various bars and venues hosting events across the Amalfi Coast. To get the most out of ACCW24, guests can consult the Event Calendar, where they can find detailed information on each event and make reservations.

Whether you're a cocktail aficionado or simply looking for a new way to enjoy the Amalfi Coast, this first edition of Amalfi Coast Cocktail Week promises to be an exciting celebration of creativity, culture, and community. Looking forward to a great few days!