Cocktail competition Montenegro The Vero Bartender 2026 is bringing together six of the country’s most exciting bartenders for a one-night-only takeover in Sydney at Acapulco El Vista.

For 2026, the competition’s theme Stirring the 60s pays homage to the decade that defined modern nightlife and mixology, blending cinematic glamour with creative freedom and contemporary technique.

The Monte special cocktails – the Montenegro Paloma and Monterita – will debut at the event, before being offered for a limited time from late February exclusively at Acapulco El Vista – a glamorous Latin-inspired bar on Macquarie Street in Sydney.

The cocktails will include the Montenegroni (a softer, less bitter take on the Negroni), alongside the Montenegro Paloma and Monterita.

At the heart of the experience is Amaro Montenegro itself – an amber-hued herbal liqueur crafted in Bologna since 1885 from a closely guarded blend of 40 botanicals sourced from around the world. Celebrated for its balance of bitter, sweet, floral and
spice notes, the amaro has long been enjoyed as a moment of ritual in Italy, while increasingly finding a place in modern cocktails – from elegant spritzes to nuanced interpretations of classic serves.

Amaro Montenegro is best enjoyed over ice with an orange twist to reveal its layered botanicals, in a Montenegroni – a softer, less bitter take on the classic Negroni – or finished long with tonic for a refreshing serve.

The Sydney event will unfold as an immersive, 1960s-inspired evening of cocktails, music and atmosphere, bringing together leading bartenders, hospitality figures and media for a night that prioritises flavour, storytelling and sense of place.

Live bartender performances and thoughtfully designed spaces will invite guests to experience cocktail culture as both craft and cultural expression.

Australian finalists of The Vero Bartender 2026 will progress to international finals, with the overall winner awarded an immersive journey to Bologna – exploring Italy’s bar culture, contemporary mixology and the historic home of Amaro Montenegro – alongside year-long brand opportunities valued at more than $10,000.