On February 2, 2026, nine Dutch bartenders competed for the title of Artisan of Taste in Diplomático Rum’s eponymous cocktail competition. For more than six months, Diplomático Rum searched for local cocktail artisans – bartenders who treat flavors as their creative medium. During this period, participants attended several masterclasses to develop a signature cocktail centered around one key ingredient: cacao. Giulia Faraoni from bar LuminAir presented her signature cocktail Xocoatl and won the title of Artisan of Taste.
“A competition gives you the opportunity and space to challenge yourself. Even before competing against others, you face a personal challenge: to grow, test new techniques, and explore new trends. Stepping outside your comfort zone is valuable in itself. That’s why I enjoy competitions and the creative process that comes with them. When the focus shifts from the result to the process, unexpected things emerge. I’m grateful that my efforts for this competition have been recognized in this way.” – Giulia Faraoni, Artisan of Taste 2025
ABOUT GIULIA FARAONI
Faraoni grew up in Rome, where she started working behind the bar with her mother at a young age. At 19, she moved to Barcelona, a city with an ambitious and competitive cocktail scene, where she further developed as a bartender. In 2024, Faraoni moved to Amsterdam and began working as a bartender at LuminAir. In her free time, she enjoys playing the piano, which influences how she thinks about cocktails: she approaches flavors like musical harmonies.
THE WINNING COCKTAIL
For her signature cocktail, Faraoni drew inspiration from the history of cacao and its ceremonial role in various communities and cultures. Cacao was traditionally highly valued and often mixed with spices and chili. For her cocktail, Faraoni developed her own interpretation of balché, a mildly intoxicating beverage from Maya culture. She used, among other ingredients, fermented Dutch honey and cacao beans. Diplomático Planas was infused with cacao nibs for added depth. A cordial made from roasted pumpkin seeds and aji amarillo reflects the deep, peppery flavors historically associated with cacao.
In addition to presenting their signature cocktail, participants were also challenged with a mystery box round. Within 15 minutes, Faraoni had to create a balanced cocktail using Diplomático Reserva combined with Antica Formula Vermouth, Caffè Borghetti Liqueur, and Campari. Jury member Ara Carvalho commented: “The level of the participants was high. Giulia used cacao and fermentation techniques to create depth and balance in her Diplomático Rum cocktail. In the second round, she again demonstrated how cacao and Diplomático can complement each other.”
In the second round, Faraoni ranked above three other bartenders: Maxime Jutel from Nido Cocktail Bar, Tania Antão Gonçalves from The Rumah, and Andreas Vassilev from Super Lyan.
DIPLOMÁTICO ARTISANS OF TASTE
Artisans of Taste is a cocktail competition in which Diplomático Rum challenges bartenders to develop their creativity and craftsmanship. Over more than six months, participants attend workshops led by, among others, Hidde de Brabander, Kevin Kos, Sebastian Cichowlas, and Lynn Shore. The goal was to create a signature cocktail centered around cacao as the main ingredient. Beyond competition, Artisans of Taste also serves as a platform where bartenders can share knowledge and further develop their skills within the profession.
