Five years in and still finding new ways to surprise. The fifth edition of Venice Cocktail Week, held from October 21 to 25, 2026, drew on the experience of previous years while introducing fresh perspectives and creative collaborations. Founded and directed by Paola Mencarelli, the festival reaffirmed its role as a key event in Venice’s culture of mindful drinking, establishing new connections between mixology, art, craftsmanship and contemporary dance.
From Painting to Dance: Mixology Meets Other Art Forms
One of the defining features of this year’s edition was its exploration of the relationship between cocktails and other creative disciplines. The festival expanded its cultural scope, bringing mixology into conversation with painting, ceramics, glass engraving and fine craftsmanship.
Among the highlights was Café Joséphine. Paris – New York – Venice, a site-specific contemporary dance performance staged at Orient Express Venezia. The performance was accompanied by a cocktail menu inspired by Joséphine Baker, created by Francesco Adragna. The result was an original dialogue between contemporary dance and the art of cocktail making, with drinks becoming an integral part of the artistic experience.
Low- and No-Alcohol Cocktails Take Center Stage
Venice Cocktail Week 2026 also placed particular emphasis on the growing interest in low- and no-alcohol drinking, dedicating two major initiatives to this increasingly relevant aspect of contemporary hospitality. The first involved the cocktail menus created specifically for the festival, each featuring a low- or no-alcohol option designed for the traditional midday aperitivo. This initiative reflected a broader evolution in drinking habits, with greater attention to moderation, quality and the versatility of alcohol-free mixology.
The second was the official presentation of 100 Esperienze Analcoliche da Vivere in Italia. Dolce Vita 0.0, a bilingual Italian-Arabic guide featuring 100 carefully selected destinations across Italy that embrace alcohol-free hospitality. A selection that spans historic bars, Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels, offering a comprehensive overview of the country’s evolving zero-proof drinking culture.
The presentation was followed by a special dinner at Glam, the fine-dining restaurant at Palazzo Venart, where dishes created by chef Donato Ascani were accompanied by a bespoke juice pairing developed by Giulia Caffiero, from Copenhagen’s Geranium. The evening highlighted the potential of alcohol-free pairings within haute cuisine, bringing together culinary creativity and a sophisticated approach to non-alcoholic beverages.
Venice Cocktail Week 2026: A Look Back at This Year’s Edition
The fifth edition of Venice Cocktail Week brought together 31 participating venues, including 21 hotel bars and 10 cocktail bars, which hosted a total of 98 events and 63 guest shifts over the course of the festival.
The program welcomed 50 Italian bartenders and 13 international guests, representing some of the most acclaimed names on the global cocktail scene. Among the participating establishments were Bar Leone from Hong Kong, Vesper Bar and Connaught Bar from London, Himkok from Oslo and Mùzsa from Budapest.
Their presence reinforced the festival’s international appeal, transforming Venice into a meeting point for bartenders, hospitality professionals and cocktail enthusiasts. Throughout the five-day event, guest shifts, tastings and cultural encounters offered opportunities to explore different approaches to mixology while celebrating the distinctive character of the Venetian bar scene.
From Independent Project to Established Festival
Over five editions, Venice Cocktail Week has evolved into an established event on the international cocktail calendar while maintaining the independent spirit that inspired its creation. According to Paola Mencarelli, the festival “continues to establish itself as a benchmark for showcasing the finest hospitality experiences the Venetian Lagoon has to offer.”
She adds: “VCW is an independent project conceived as a platform for exchanging ideas and exploring emerging trends in mixology, welcoming newcomers, enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. It is an event that reimagines bar culture through a contemporary lens, allowing me to return to the city each year with increasingly dynamic initiatives, thanks to the essential support of the City of Venice and Vela.”
With its combination of international talent, cultural collaborations and a growing focus on mindful drinking, Venice Cocktail Week continues to strengthen the relationship between the city’s hospitality industry and its artistic heritage.
The festival also marked the conclusion of the 2026 Italian Cocktail Weeks calendar. The next event will take place in Cortina d’Ampezzo in March 2027, once again under the direction of Paola Mencarelli.
Photos courtesy of Italian Cocktail Weeks
