From October 22 to 26, Venice once again turns its canals and squares into a stage for fine drinking. Now in its fourth edition, Venice Cocktail Week 2025 brings together 28 of the city’s top bars—nine of them new to the lineup—for five days of mixing, learning, and celebration.
A City-Wide Toast to Creativity with Venice Cocktail Week 2025
The format, created by Paola Mencarelli and tested across Italy—from Florence and Tuscany to Cortina and the Amalfi Coast—has evolved into a traveling showcase of Italian cocktail culture. Each participating venue will serve two exclusive creations: one light and refreshing, inspired by Venice’s midday aperitivo ritual, and another where the bartender’s imagination runs free. Whether low-ABV or spirit-forward, every cocktail is designed to capture the mood of the lagoon.
What’s New for 2025
This year introduces the Barkeeper VCW, inspired by Florence Cocktail Week, spotlighting Venice’s resident bartenders through meet-and-greets and behind-the-bar exchanges. The event also condenses its schedule to five days (down from seven in 2024), making the experience more focused and accessible. Over 100 happenings fill the calendar: masterclasses, tastings, book launches, brunches, aperitivi, and guest shifts featuring local and international names. Pop-up bars will host some of the venues that have helped shape Mencarelli’s Italian Cocktail Weeks over the past nine years.
Coqtail – for fine drinkers Joins the Celebration at Venice Cocktail Week 2025
Among the highlights, Coqtail – for fine drinkers will present its new issue on Saturday, October 25, with a private event titled Venetian Midday’s Sips & Bites, hosted in partnership with Altamura Distilleries. The gathering will take place at The Bar at Aman Venice—the same setting as VCW25’s opening party—where Bar Managers Antonio Ferrara (Aman Venice) and Steven Rhea (Aman New York) will serve their signature creations in a rare bridge between two continents and two Amans.
Quality, Awareness, and Connection
“Once again, Venice Cocktail Week shines a light on the lagoon’s excellence,” says founder Paola Mencarelli. “Our goal has always been to promote a culture of quality, conscious, and responsible drinking, while celebrating the professionals who bring this world to life.”
Licinio Garavaglia, General Manager of Aman Venice, adds: “Since its inception, The Bar has been part of Venice Cocktail Week, sharing its spirit and vision. Hosting this event means opening Aman Venice to a dialogue between different worlds, united by a desire to explore drinking as a conscious and creative act.”
Venice’s Councillor for Tourism, Simone Venturini, concludes: “Through mixology, we bring places to life, create experiences, and highlight our social and urban heritage. October will write another chapter in a story that connects fine dining, craftsmanship, and creativity.”
Essential Details of the Venice Cocktail Week 2025
Venice Cocktail Week 2025 will take place from Wednesday, October 22 to Sunday, October 26 across 28 bars and hotel bars. Educational sessions are free with registration; all other events require an invitation or paid ticket.
Images courtesy of Venice Cocktail Week
