Italian Cocktail Revolution Returns to Toronto With a Week of Italian Spirits and Cocktails

TORONTO — August 21, 2026 — The Italian Cocktail Revolution Toronto returns this September for its second annual edition.

Presented by the Italian Trade Agency in Toronto, the event runs from September 14 to 19, 2026. It will bring Italian spirits and cocktail culture to five Toronto bars.

The week will feature a launch event, a mixology masterclass, and a cocktail competition. Meanwhile, participating bars will serve special Italian-inspired cocktails throughout the week.

The event will showcase the heritage, craftsmanship, and versatility of Italian spirits. It will also connect Italian producers with Toronto’s bartending and hospitality community.

Italian Cocktail Revolution Opens With a Masterclass

The Italian Cocktail Revolution Toronto begins on Monday, September 14.

The opening masterclass will take place at Third Place, 875 Bloor St. W. It starts at 1 p.m.

Internationally award-winning Canadian mixologist Jacob Martin will lead the session.

During the masterclass, attendees will explore the history of Italian spirits. They will also learn about the participating brands and their products.

The session will examine how Italian spirits can be used in modern cocktail programs. In addition, attendees will take part in a guided tasting.

Selected products from each participating producer will be featured. The tasting will highlight different flavour profiles and potential uses behind the bar.

The masterclass is intended for mixologists, bartenders, hospitality professionals, media, and influencers.

Toronto Bartenders Compete in Cocktail Competition

Later on September 14, the Italian Cocktail Revolution will host a cocktail competition.

The competition begins at 2:30 p.m. It will also take place at Third Place.

Five bartenders from participating Toronto venues will compete. Together, they will present eight signature cocktails.

Each cocktail will feature one of the event’s Italian spirit brands. Contestants will have six to eight minutes to present their creations.

They will also explain the inspiration behind their cocktails. The presentations will take place in front of industry peers, media, and influencers.

A four-person judging panel will evaluate the entries. The panel will include Jacob Martin, James Grant, Nick Kennedy, and a special guest judge from the bartending community.

The judges will consider several factors. These include brand knowledge, storytelling, replicability, and visual presentation.

After the final presentation, the judges will deliberate. A winner will then be selected.

Five Toronto Bars Join the Celebration

From September 15 to 19, the celebration will move into Toronto’s cocktail bars.

Five participating venues will feature special cocktail menus. Each location will showcase one or two Italian spirits.

The participating venues are:

• Civil Liberties — Nonino and Varnelli
• Mother — Favignana Gin and Cocchi
• Prequel & Co. Apothecary — Poli Distillerie and Campari
• Cry Baby Gallery — Caffo, including Vecchio Amaro del Capo
• Lonely Diner — Compagnia dei Caraibi

As a result, guests can explore different Italian spirits across several Toronto cocktail destinations.

The featured brands include Caffo, Cocchi, Campari, Compagnia dei Caraibi, Favignana Gin, Nonino, Poli, and Varnelli.

Each venue will create cocktails around its featured spirits. Guests can therefore experience Italian flavours through different styles of modern mixology.

Italian Spirits Meet Toronto’s Cocktail Scene

The second edition comes as interest in premium spirits continues to grow in Canada.

According to the Italian Trade Agency, the 2026 initiative aims to promote Italian spirits in Ontario and Quebec. The agency also wants to highlight the quality and versatility of Italian mixology.

“Canada is one of the most advanced and highly regulated markets for spirits,” said Carlo Angelo Bocchi, Italian trade commissioner for Canada.

Bocchi said the event brings together Italian spirits producers and Toronto mixologists. Together, they will showcase the quality and creativity of Made in Italy.

The Italian Trade Agency also promotes Italian wine and spirits across Canada. Its work includes partnerships with provincial liquor retailers such as the LCBO in Ontario and the SAQ in Quebec.

The first Italian Cocktail Revolution took place in Toronto in October 2025. It brought Italian spirits producers together with local cocktail bars for a week of mixology events.

What to Expect From Italian Cocktail Revolution Toronto

The Italian Cocktail Revolution Toronto offers several ways to experience Italian spirits.

First, industry guests can attend the September 14 masterclass. They can also watch bartenders compete in the cocktail competition.

Then, from September 15 to 19, guests can visit participating Toronto bars. Each venue will offer cocktails inspired by its featured Italian spirits.

The event combines Italian tradition with Toronto’s modern cocktail culture. It also gives guests a chance to discover spirits that may be new to them.

The Toronto edition runs September 14–19, 2026. The masterclass and competition take place on September 14. The participating bar activations continue through September 19.

For event information and updates, visit the Italian Cocktail Revolution campaign page.

You can also follow the Italian Trade Agency Toronto on Instagram.

Please drink responsibly. Participants must meet applicable legal drinking age requirements.