Giorgia Fornaciari, Altamura Distilleries Italia Cocktail Competition
The final of the Altamura Distilleries Italia Cocktail Competition concluded in the extraordinary setting of Locale Firenze, where six of Italy’s most talented bartenders competed in a high-intensity showdown that celebrated creativity, technique and Italian craftsmanship.
After a closely fought final, Giorgia Fornaciari of Stravinskij Bar at Hotel de Russie in Rome was crowned the winner, ahead of Ambrogio Ferraro of Bar_is_the_name and Montasar Mhalla of I Corrieri. Giorgia will now represent Altamura Distilleries in four major international events throughout 2026.
Her winning cocktail, Anima Bruciata, is a reinterpretation of the Clover Club, a pre-Prohibition classic celebrated for its balance of tart raspberry, citrus and creamy texture. Using Altamura Distilleries Vodka in place of the traditional gin base, Giorgia introduced raspberry cordial and charred pineapple soda to add delicate smokiness and natural sweetness, transforming the century-old cocktail into something distinctly Italian and contemporary.
Giorgia Fornaciari, Altamura Distilleries Italia Cocktail Competition
Giorgia described the experience as “an extraordinary journey and an opportunity to share a story that feels deeply personal,” adding: “Anima Bruciata represents transformation; the idea that from fire, something new and beautiful can be born. I wanted to combine the elegance of a classic with the warmth and authenticity of Italian roots, just as Altamura Distilleries Vodka does as a brand. Winning means so much to me, it’s proof that passion, identity and creativity can truly make a difference behind the bar.”
Anima Bruciata is a refined, elegant drink made with: • 45 ml Altamura Distilleries Vodka
• 30 ml raspberry cordial
• Topped with charred pineapple soda
Garnished with fresh raspberries and a wheat-spike tuile, the cocktail embodies Giorgia’s belief that “simplicity is the best way to communicate.”
The competition’s judges which included; Salvatore ‘The Maestro’ Calabrese, The Donovan’s, Area Director of Mixology – Europe, Federico Pavan, Paradiso’s Head Bartender, Federico Lombardi, esteemed US journalist, Robert Simonsen and Altamura Distilleries, Head of Brand Lorenzo Di Cola, who all praised the exceptional quality of the finalists, noting the remarkable technical skill, creativity and professionalism that define Italian mixology today.
Altamura Distilleries Italia Cocktail Competition
Altamura Distilleries Vodka continues to champion Italian excellence in spirits and hospitality. The brand’s commitment to authenticity, innovation and craftsmanship has seen it quickly become one of the most talked-about vodkas in international cocktail culture. Founded in Puglia, Altamura Distilleries is inspired by the centuries-old tradition of pane di Altamura, the world-famous bread made from local durum wheat. The distillery transforms this heritage grain into Altamura Distilleries Vodka, a modern Italian spirit defined by smooth texture, savoury depth and natural sweetness.
Lorenzo Di Cola, Head of Brand at Altamura Distilleries, said: “This competition celebrates the new generation of Italian bartenders who are shaping modern drinking culture. Giorgia’s creativity and precision embody the spirit of Altamura Distilleries Vodka – expressive, contemporary and unmistakably Italian.”
Located within the five-star Hotel de Russie, Stravinskij Bar is one of Rome’s most iconic cocktail destinations. Set between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps, it offers a serene retreat in the hotel’s famed Secret Garden, known for elegant outdoor service and refined cocktails that champion Italian ingredients.
In just three years, Altamura Distilleries Vodka has become one of the fastest-growing premium vodka brands, now available in leading venues across Europe, Asia and the United States. Its presence in world-class bars, restaurants and hotels continues to expand, supported by partnerships with global institutions including The World’s 50 Best Hotels and The World’s 50 Best Bars. Driven by provenance, innovation and Italian craftsmanship, Altamura Distilleries Vodka is redefining what modern vodka can be: authentic, expressive and made with purpose.
