A Cocktail for the Ocean Monaco

The third edition of the "A Cocktail for the Ocean" competition crowned its winners this Sunday in the heart of the Principality, brilliantly combining mixological creativity with a concrete commitment to ocean protection.

Organized by Prince Explorer Gin, the highly anticipated event took place at the Amù restaurant in the Fairmont Monte-Carlo. Thirteen finalist teams, selected from over fifty entries from across Europe, presented original creations in which Prince Explorer Gin of Monaco was the star ingredient.

Among the competing establishments were:
• Arts Bar The St. Regis Venice (Italy)
• Hotel Pical Bar Parenzana (Croatia)
• Casino de Monte-Carlo, Bar Américain at the Hôtel de Paris, Gaia Monte Carlo, Coya Monte Carlo, and Amazonico Monte Carlo (Monaco)
• Zuma Cannes (France)
• The Rome Edition (Italy)
• Bar Ambassadeurs at the Hôtel de Crillon (Paris)
• Zuma Roma and Vesta Fiori Chiari (Italy)
A jury of experts composed of Emanuele Balestra, Eduardo Martínez-Gil, Delfim Mendes, and Andrea Allasia evaluated the cocktails based on criteria of creativity, balance, and environmental commitment.
H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco attended the final and presided over the awards ceremony, emphasizing the importance of mobilizing all sectors, including the world of luxury and gastronomy, in support of marine conservation. The 2026 Winners
• 1st Prize - Cocktail Award: "Okeanos," created by bartender Maëvah Lorion of Gaia Monte-Carlo.

• 2nd Place: "Hirondelle," created by bartender Enzo Pajany of the American Bar at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo.

• 3rd Place: "Sky and Shell," by bartender Gilda Giovannoni of Amazonico Monte-Carlo.

• 4th Finalist: "Green Wave," created by bartender Alessandro Pellegrini of the Arts Bar at The St. Regis Venice.
This edition confirms the growing success of the initiative, which goes beyond a simple competition to become a true awareness-raising tool. For each cocktail sold as part of the competition, Prince Explorer donates €1 to marine conservation projects.

Giacomo Frateschi, co-founder of Prince Explorer Gin, stated:

"This competition was born from a simple conviction: mixology can be meaningful and a vehicle for raising awareness about ocean conservation. Seeing thirteen teams from across Europe take on this challenge with such talent and commitment is the best proof that this conviction is shared."
Launch of the final phase of OPERATION EXPLORER
The event also provided the opportunity to officially announce the final phase of OPERATION EXPLORER, a unique project in collaboration with renowned Monegasque freediver Pierre Frolla, holder of four freediving world records.

Since November 2025, 226 bottles of Prince Explorer Gin have been aging underwater for eight months. Shaped by the pressure, temperature, and movements of the sea, these unique pieces will be brought to the surface in exactly three months, on June 22, 2026 - fourteen days after World Oceans Day.
Pierre Frolla will make the symbolic dive to "release" the first bottle (EXPL001). Upon its return to the surface, a CataBeach catamaran moored in front of the Oceanographic Museum will host an official reception. Bottle EXPL001 will be solemnly presented to H.S.H. Prince Albert II, in homage to his great-great-grandfather, Prince Albert I, a great explorer and champion of the oceans.
Ten bottles of this exceptional limited edition, signed by the Sovereign and by Pierre Frolla, will be reserved for exclusive international auctions. All proceeds will be donated to organizations at the forefront of marine conservation. The majority of the profits from the sale of the other bottles will follow the same path. With this third edition, "A Cocktail for the Ocean" reinforces its role as a creative ambassador for the ocean cause, proving that luxury, innovation and environmental responsibility can be harmoniously combined in Monaco and beyond.