JNPR COCKTAIL COMPETITION: semi-finals
Recap of the Italy semi-final of the JNPR Cocktail Competition 2026.
In Milan, 10 bartenders gathered to champion a shared vision: to approach non-alcoholic drinks with high standards, precision, and intent.
This edition, themed around KATA, demanded rigor and mastery. Two challenges determined the finalists: ESSENCE, focusing on the interpretation of Japan, and CODE, centered on pure technique.
The level?
Particularly high, making every decision difficult. More than a competition, this event is an opportunity to raise the standards of non-alcoholic beverages.
The prize?
Invitation to Tokyo International BarShow 2027.
Our 10 Italian semi-finalists:
Congratulations to the winners Asia Abballe and Robert Iaboni!
Alessio Agostini
Il Massimo Caffè, Seveso
Co-owner and head bartender, he develops a sophisticated approach blending research and technical precision.
→ SEI 清: a refined creation featuring shiso and lime, where every detail is mastered to achieve perfect balance.
Robert Iaboni
Finalist
Anantara Palazzo Naiadi, Rome
Influenced by martial arts, he translates the rigor of the gesture into his bartending practice.
→ Zanshin: a structured and elegant highball, blending acidity, umami, and botanical finesse in precise harmony.
Cristian Mura
Matilde Cocktails Emporium, Cagliari
Driven by a narrative vision of cocktails, he explores textures and umami with great rigor.
→ Shizuku: a gastronomic interpretation inspired by miso, where saline depth and botanical freshness meet.
Asia Abballe
Finalist
Mag La Pusterla, Milan
Creative and sensitive to aesthetics, she draws inspiration from Japanese rituals for her creations.
→ Aishira: a visual and conceptual cocktail, inspired by geisha makeup, blending softness, texture, and elegance.
Simone Pisani
Porto 11, Castelletto sopra Ticino
Passionate about Japanese mixology, he develops cocktails with a strong sensory dimension.
→ Kazan: an intense and textured creation, evoking a volcano through umami, smoky and mineral notes.
Federico Acquati
Barrier, Bergamo
Drawn to modern and accessible approaches, he designs cocktails meant for sharing.
→ Matsuri Fizz: a vibrant and festive drink, inspired by Japanese matsuri, blending fruity freshness with botanical depth.
Matteo Fabbiani
Hotel Airelles Palladio, Venice
In search of balance and meaning, he explores the connections between cultures and plant symbolism.
→ The Heikōsei: a delicate creation that links verbena and rice in a soft, vegetal, and lightly toasted harmony.
Marco Ricotta
Eclettica Cocktail Lab, La Spezia
A young, evolving bartender, he draws inspiration from rituals to structure his creations.
→ Stone and Silence: a contemplative cocktail featuring tea and miso, evoking the serenity of a Zen garden.
Gianluca Fiordirosa
Radici, Aversa
Committed to the evolution of non-alcoholic drinks, he promotes clean and distinctive aromatic profiles.
→ Jade & Gold: a warm cocktail inspired by the tea ceremony, blending yuzu, gyokuro tea, and spicy notes.
Riccardo Hornbostel
Velvet Bar, Verona
Passionate about Japanese culture, he reinterprets classics with a structured and creative approach.
→ N0̸H: a contemporary interpretation inspired by Noh theater, blending citrus, spices, and effervescence.
