Bellavita Expo, the Italian food and beverage event exclusively dedicated to industry professionals, is back in London this summer (17 – 19 June 2018, Business Design Centre, London) and will put a spotlight on Italian mixology and spirits.

The craze for Italian-inspired cocktails continues to grow in the UK and globally. Italian bitters continue to play an important role, particularly with the steady growth of the classic Italian aperitif moment in the UK. ‘Retro’ categories such as vermouth, anis and pastis are also on the rise, both alone and mixed in cocktails, often sipped at the bar before or after a meal .

‘If a few years ago we saw a true craze around futuristic cocktails, now classic cocktails are experiencing a renaissance with a focus on simplicity. It is down to the skills of the barman to create a cocktail experience with a story and an interesting background, using only a few selected ingredients ’ says Paolo Viola, award winning former bartender at The Ritz, Master Mixologist at Ritorno in London and Bellavita Expo’s Resident Mixologist.

Bellavita Expo’s Mixology Academy will explore the evolution of Italian mixology in a series of masterclasses with 12 mixologists from the top restaurants and cocktail bars in London and beyond. Key names include:

• Danny del Monaco – world winner of the Bacardi Martini Grand Prix 2002, president and founder of Italian Barman Style, art director and teacher at “Cocktail in the world mixology”

• Davide Arcucci – Head Mixologist at Quaglino’s and D&D; in London

• Paolo Viola – award winning former bartender at The Ritz and Master Mixologist at Ritorno in London, now Bar Manager at Terrazza Calabritto in Milan

• Agostino Schiavo – Head Bartender at The Arts Club

• Alessandro Geraci – Bar Supervisor at Aqua Shard

From bitter aperitifs to elegant creations inspired by forgotten recipes, Bellavita Expo’s mixologists will reinterpret the past in a completely modern way. They will create a range of cocktails made with classic Italian spirits, newly launched ranges and innovative ingredients, combining creativity and expertise into jaw-dropping cocktails that perfectly complement food , in true Italian style. The urban landscape also works as an inspiration, bringing new and grittier elements to classic drinks. Finally, Paolo Viola will share his know-how on how to maximise profits and the secret of running a successful bar.

KEY INFORMATION
Bellavita Expo London
17, 18, 19 June 2018
Business Design Centre, 52 Upper St, London N1 0QH, United Kingdom
The event is only open to F&B; trade professionals, who can register for free at http://www.bellavita.com/gb/london

About Bellavita Expo
Bellavita Expo is a B2B platform dedicated to the promotion of Italian food and beverage through eight trade shows in London, Amsterdam, Warsaw, Chicago, Toronto, Mexico City, Bangkok and Moscow.

Press Contacts
Sara Poloni, Content Editor & PR - [email protected]