Campari Korea has announced the launch of Campari Red Hands APAC 2026, a bartender competition designed to select South Korea’s representative for the global stage in Milan, according to company announcements.
Competition Structure and the Negroni Legacy
Established in 2018, Campari Red Hands Asia challenges bartenders across the Asia-Pacific region to demonstrate their cocktail craftsmanship using Campari. The competition centers on the Negroni, which secured the top spot as the world’s best-selling classic cocktail for the fifth year in the 2026 Cocktail Report published by the UK-based trade publication Drinks International. Competitors design original cocktails inspired by the Negroni Family Tree, a lineage that includes the Negroni, Americano, and Boulevardier.
The theme for the 2026 competition is Contrast and Synchrony. Participants must express how contrasting and harmonious elements—such as taste, aroma, color, and texture—interact within their original creations. The first round, held in July, required contestants to submit recipes and storytelling videos, resulting in 30 domestic bartenders advancing to the second round.
Second Round Implementation Across Domestic Venues
From August 17 to September 20, the 30 advancing bartenders will present two original Campari-based cocktails across 29 participating venues nationwide. These locations include venues such as Bar Dusk, Zest, Le Chamber, Alice Cheongdam, and the Paris Bar at Grand Hyatt Seoul. During this period, consumers can visit the participating bars to purchase and experience the limited-edition competition cocktails.
According to Campari Korea, field evaluations during the second round will determine the South Korean finalists, with results announced on September 28. The domestic final to select the national representative is scheduled for October 11.
Global Finals and Prizes in Milan
The ultimate winner of the South Korean final will travel to Milan, Italy, to compete in the APAC Semi-Final and Grand Final against top bartenders from across the Asia-Pacific region. The regional champion will receive a cash prize of 3,000 euros and the official title of Campari Red Hands Champion. Additionally, the winning cocktail will be officially added to the Negroni Family Tree for 2027.
“Campari Red Hands is a global competition that discovers new cocktails based on local culture and bartender creativity while providing promising bartenders with an opportunity to challenge themselves on the world stage,” a Campari Korea representative stated.