The search for the next Campari Red Hands Asia Champion returns after 5-year break
August 8th, 2024
Themed “Cocktail & Senses”, this year’s Campari Red Hands competition gathers team entrants across Asia for the title of Campari Red Hands Asia Champion. Adopting the teamed-up approach in recognition of the collaborative spirit behind bars, this year’s competition is themed “Cocktail & Senses” to spur creative incorporations of any of the 5 senses – sight, smell, taste, touch and sound. Participating teams will undergo a 3-stage process before culminating in a local showdown where a winning team member will represent their local bar at the grand final in Milan.
In Singapore, 15 teams have made it to Round 2 representing bars including Atlas Bar, Jigger & Pony, Qin Bar, The Elephant Room and more. The bars will showcase limited-time-only cocktails available until 16 August, before culminating in the final on 16 September.
Unmistakably striking with a red hue that transforms every cocktail in appearance and flavour, Red Hands is a term for bartenders who boast a creative flair that leverages Campari as the star ingredient. Initially launched in 2018 as the Campari Bartender Competition Asia which ran for 2 years, the programme brings together masters of mixology to showcase their passion by pushing creative boundaries.
Fast forward to 2024 and revived as Campari Red Hands Asia, the competition aims to celebrate bartenders that embody the boldness of Campari. It is now expanded to a global scale to leave a lasting legacy in Campari’s history.
In search of the next aperitivo icon, teams will need to present creations that could extend the branches of the Negroni Tree such as Americano, Boulevardier and Sbagliato. Submission criteria will require 2 ground rules – the use of Campari, alongside the creative incorporation of one of the senses whereby entrants are encouraged to expand their horizons with creations that are sensorial and representative of their bar’s philosophy.
Following a video presentation round, shortlisted creations will then be released to the public via a month-long capsule menu. The competition will then proceed to a local final before culminating in a regional showdown in Milan, the home of Campari come November 2024. The Singapore final will coincide with the beginning of Negroni Week 2024 on 16 September, local team entrants include a round-up of 15 bars including:
● Atlas Bar (Duo Dynamics)
● Barbary Coast (Ballroom)
● Basilico Bar (Basilico)
● Dusk at Mount Faber Peak (Mount Faber Peak)
● Jigger & Pony (Not Drinkers)
● Madame Fan (Fan Team)
● Qin Bar (The Siglap)
● Smoke & Mirrors
● Sugarhall & Rosemead (Sugar & Roses)
● The Backdrop (Backdrop Boys)
● The Elephant Room
● The Singapore Edition (2 teams: Red Sippers and Surprise Trees)
● Wallich Manor (Tipsy at Wallich Manor)
● Warehouse Hotel Lobby Bar (The Warehouse)
After the completion of the capsule menu period on August 16th, teams moving forward to the local finals will be announced by 17 August.
Follow the events and cocktails on Instagram.
(images credit Campari)
