Sanremo Crowns New Signature Cocktail to Strengthen Ties with Monaco

Nicola Perotti, a professional bartender, won the inaugural “Cocktail Casinò di Sanremo” competition with his creation, “1905,” which will serve as the official drink for the city’s 2026 events. The competition, held at the Casinò di Sanremo in collaboration with the Italian Association of Barmen and Supporters (AIBES), aims to promote local tourism through mixology while raising funds for the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

How the Winning Cocktail Honors Sanremo History

The winning entry, “1905,” derives its name from the year the Sanremo Casino was founded. According to event organizers, the cocktail was selected by a panel of industry experts, journalists, and institutional representatives for its balance and thematic relevance. Perotti’s drink features “Mesccià,” a signature distillate developed by La Distillerie de Monaco. The spirit was created at the request of Prince Albert II of Monaco, drawing on historical recipes linked to the Grimaldi family lineage. By incorporating this specific ingredient, the competition highlights the cultural and historical connection between the Italian Riviera and the Principality of Monaco.

Why the Competition Matters for Local Tourism

The “Cocktail Casinò di Sanremo” is designed to become an annual fixture in the city’s event calendar. The initiative seeks to codify a “City of Sanremo” cocktail that serves as a promotional tool for the region’s cultural identity. Similar to how cities like Venice or Florence utilize regional culinary specialties to anchor their tourism branding, Sanremo is attempting to leverage professional mixology to create a repeatable, high-profile tradition. The project received support from local leadership, including the Casinò di Sanremo president, Pino Di Meco, and the mayor of Dolceacqua, Fulvio Gazzola, who attended the launch event to underscore the strategic partnership between the two regions.

What Happens Next for the “1905” Cocktail

Following its victory, “1905” will be formally introduced to the public during the “Cena a Palazzo” (Dinner at the Palace), a charity event scheduled for June 22. Proceeds from the competition and the subsequent charity dinner are earmarked for the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, which focuses on environmental protection and sustainable development. The selection process involved ten professional bartenders from the area, including Massimiliano Peano, Fabio Iezzone, and Lorenzo Verdecchia, who were tasked with reinterpreting the Grimaldi-inspired distillate through a contemporary lens.

Event Facts at a Glance

• Winning Cocktail: 1905
• Winning Bartender: Nicola Perotti
• Key Ingredient: Mesccià (La Distillerie de Monaco)
• Charity Beneficiary: Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco
• Official Debut: June 22, 2026, at “Cena a Palazzo”

The competition marks a shift in how Sanremo manages its hospitality branding, moving away from generic offerings toward curated, narrative-driven products. By tying the cocktail to the Grimaldi family history, the city reinforces its geopolitical and cultural alignment with Monaco, ensuring the drink serves as more than just an aperitif, but as a symbolic link between the two territories.