« A Cocktail for the Ocean »: the ocean awareness designed by bartenders.

What combines bartending with ocean protection? The combination might seem unreal but in reality the bonds can be much closer than you think. An annual Monaco-based event testifies to how that synergy works. The third edition of A Cocktail for the Ocean took place at the Restaurant Amù within the Fairmont Monte-Carlo on the 22nd March 2026.

Thirteen bartender teams have been selected this year among more than fifty candidates from all over Europe. Under the watchful eye of a technical jury, made of experts like Emanuele Balestra, Eduardo Martínez-Gil, Delfim Mendes and Andrea Allasia, the finalists paraded in the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco who presided over the award ceremony. Monaco’s Prince Explorer Gin, main sponsor of the contest, wanted to make a concrete contribution to the environmental cause: for each cocktail sold, Prince Explorer will donate 1 euro to Marine Conservation projects.

Photo >> The Sovereign Prince awarding Maëvah Lorion from Gaia Monte-Carlo (Fairmont Hotel, 22nd March 2026) © Prince Explorer - Coline Ciais-Soulhat

The "Okeanos" Cocktail, designed by the barmaid Maëvah Lorion from Gaia Monte-Carlo, was awarded the first prize. Alongside the winner four further mixology creations were awarded: 'Hirondelle' by Enzo Pajany from the American Bar at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, in second position; 'Sky and Shell' by Gilda Giovannoni from the Amazonico Monte-Carlo, in third position; 'Green Wave' by Alessandro Pellegrini from the Arts Bar, The St. Régis Venice, in fourth position.

Giacomo Frateschi, co-founder of Prince Explorer Gin, highlighted: « Mixology can be a vehicle for sense and a vector for raising awareness about the protection of oceans (...) this commitment is the best proof that this conviction is shared ».

The Opération EXPLORER, the follow-up initiative by the Gin brand on the occasion of World Oceans Day (22nd June 2026), in partnership with Pierre Frolla, the most popular Monegasque free diver, and holder of four world records, is quite ambitious.

After being immersed in the seabed for eight months, 226 bottles will be brought to the surface. Ten bottles of this limited edition liqueur, signed by the Sovereign Prince and Pierre Frolla, will be auctioned and all revenues will be donated to associations engaged in the protection of the oceans. The proceeds from the sale of the remaining bottles will be donated to ocean preservation projects, as well.

Photo >> The winning "Okeanos" Cocktail, designed by the barmaid Maëvah Lorion from Gaia Monte-Carlo © Prince Explorer - Coline Ciais-Soulhat

Sustainable bartending had been spreading more and more, setting itself the goal of reducing waste, using local ingredients, and lowering environmental impact through conscious, creative techniques. Key practices include using root-to-tip ingredients, banning single-use plastics, creating in-house ferments and infusions from organic waste, and optimising energy and water usage. These efforts often lead to innovative, eco-conscious cocktail experiences that meet modern consumer demands. ***

✒️ Maurice Abbati

• Strategic Communication Specialist, Editor in Chief, Journalist, Executive.

• Lecturer and Author in English in the field of Environmental Communication to foster Circular and Blue Economy