by InTrieste
Trieste is gearing up for a week-long celebration of mixology and spirits. From September 9 to 15, the third edition of Trieste Cocktail Week will bring together 23 businesses, including 17 bars, 4 restaurants, and 2 boutiques in the heart of the city, offering residents and visitors alike a unique opportunity to experience the craft of high-end cocktail-making.
The festival, which was announced this week at the Trieste City Hall in the presence of Deputy Mayor Serena Tonel and key sponsors such as Nonino, a renowned Italian distillery, will feature a variety of events and tastings designed to elevate both local and international spirits. The event is organized by Freshmedia and Intraprendi, in collaboration with the Municipality of Trieste and the Trieste Convention and Visitors Bureau.
But this year’s edition promises something different: a special focus on low-alcohol and no-alcohol drinks, a growing trend in the cocktail world that reflects shifting consumer preferences. “We wanted to expand the event’s appeal to a wider audience,” said Alberto Polojac, one of the event’s organizers. “This year, we’ve included options for those who enjoy the art of mixology but prefer a lighter or alcohol-free experience.”
The weeklong celebration will also see an increased presence of major international brands, including Martini, one of the most iconic names in vermouth and cocktails. Martini will not only sponsor the event but also support its signature competitions, where bartenders will face off in two Speed Round challenges and a new Mystery challenge. These high-energy contests are set to culminate at the festival’s Closing Party, held at the stylish rooftop venue Pier the Roof on Sunday, September 15.
Participating venues—among them, local favorites such as Antico Caffè San Marco, Harry’s Bar, and Rex Café Gourmet—will each showcase a specially curated cocktail list, featuring a mix of traditional and modern offerings. To aid visitors in navigating the event, organizers have distributed maps across the city and made them available online at Trieste Cocktail Week.
Interviews: Antonella Nonino from the Nonino distillery; Serena Tonel, deputy mayor of Trieste
