Yerevan Cocktail Week 2025 is coming!

This post is also available in: Greek

The third edition of Armenia’s most exciting cocktail festival is just around the corner—and Yiannis Korovesis and Spyros Vradis give us a taste of what’s to come.

I first visited Yerevan two years ago for the inaugural Yerevan Cocktail Week, and I was instantly captivated by the energy of the city and the passion of its bar scene. Unfortunately, I missed last year’s edition, but I’m counting down the days until the third one, taking place from May 5th to 11th, 2025.

Each year, the festival focuses on a specific cultural theme. In 2024, that theme was the Fine Arts, with seminars, installations, cocktails, and talks drawing inspiration from Armenian high art. This year, music and dance take center stage—and there’s no way I’d miss it.

So, what can we expect from Yerevan Cocktail Week 2025?

Dozens of bartenders from around the globe will descend on the Armenian capital, staying at the luxurious Felinger Hotel, which will serve as the festival’s main hub. From there, a whirlwind of activity will unfold across the city: masterclasses, talks, workshops, parties, guest shifts, guided tours, and more—all rooted in the spirits industry and bar culture, seamlessly blended with the richness of Armenian heritage.

At the heart of it all is Gegam Kazarian, a renowned Armenian bartender and dear friend. Having participated in numerous global cocktail festivals, Gegam dreamed of launching something special in his homeland. That dream became Yerevan Cocktail Week—a spark that ignited a new wave of growth in Armenia’s bar scene. And his passion hasn’t dimmed. In fact, this year he’s also launching his own premium cordial brand, which I can’t wait to taste during the festival.

Last year, while I wasn’t able to attend, one of the two Greek bartenders who did—Spyros Vradis from Corfu’s 7 Sins (along with Thanos Prounarous)—shared his impressions with me:

————————————————

“In early May, I traveled to Armenia as a guest of Gegam Kazarian, the founder and mastermind behind Yerevan Cocktail Week.

It was an international festival that gave me the chance to stand among world-class bartenders, all while spotlighting Armenia’s vibrant bar community, its growing spirits industry, and the country’s legendary hospitality.

Being invited to this event was a true honor, and I’m immensely grateful to everyone who took part in creating such a flawless experience—especially to my brother and host, Gegam Kazarian, who believed in me from the beginning.

Gegam Kazarian with Philip Duff

I didn’t know what to expect when I landed in Armenia. I only stayed four days, but in that time I reconnected with old friends and met new ones from every corner of the globe. Alongside Gegam, I got to see legends like Jared Brown and Luca Picchi, and meet inspiring professionals like Hiroyasu Kayama, Artem Peruk, Max Rokhman, Alexander Vingtier, Elvira Aldaz, Sharla Ault, Sebouh Tato, Vladimir Zhuravlev, and Roman Toroschin.

Sadly, as I was leaving Yerevan, Thanos Prounarous and more international guests were just arriving—so I didn’t get to cross paths with them, at least not this time.

Mornings were filled with talks and seminars for eager local bartenders and drinks professionals, while evenings were electric—bartenders from around the world took over the city’s best bars, showcasing their philosophy and creativity through signature cocktails. For a few unforgettable days, Yerevan became a melting pot of global techniques, trends, and ideas.

On the third day, I had the joy of sharing the stage with Vladimir Nikolaev and Konstantin Berlinec (aka The Artender Project) in the enchanting city of Gyumri. There, I represented Greek culture and hospitality through my cocktails. Being part of the Yerevan Cocktail Week family and standing alongside so many talented professionals was a true career highlight.

And then came a moment I’ll never forget: just before our event in Gyumri kicked off, Maestro Luca Picchi appeared and asked me to make him a Negroni. Time stood still. Preparing that Negroni felt like an eternity—but the smile on his face after the first sip? Pure sunshine.

As a visitor, I realized how rich, soulful, and unique Armenia’s cultural tapestry is. Standing at the crossroads of past and present, of religion and mysticism, I felt the warmth and generosity of a nation that wears its heart on its sleeve.

I didn’t speak a word of Armenian—but all I needed to connect with the welcoming locals was a smile and a G&T.

I went to Yerevan hoping to understand the spirit of Armenia. By the time I left, I knew it had taken a piece of mine with it.

Thank you, Gegam Kazarian, Guin Dalera/Lusin, Shante Melkonian, and everyone—on and off the stage—who made Yerevan Cocktail Week such a magical and heartfelt experience.

Until next time…”