Organized by Sofokli Cali and Evis Cali of Nouvelle Vague Tirana — ranked 28th in the World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 and 90th in Top 500 Bars 2024 — the Tirana Cocktail Festival took place last summer in Albania’s capital. This landmark event brought together a dynamic lineup of six international bars (Mirror Bar Bratislava, Bar Gabriel Istanbul, Elysian Budapest, Jahreszeiten Bar Munich, Classique Paris, and Momus Bar Madrid) alongside six standout local bars (Spy Speakeasy, KONI, Radio Bar, Rehat, Mi-To, Salt) Joining them were eight top-tier drinks journalists from around the world. Over two vibrant days, guests experienced signature cocktails from all 12 bars, set to the soundtrack of DJ Mount Ten, Ad Addisha, and Sokol Turdiu.
This year’s edition was crafted to unite cocktail lovers and industry professionals alike. On the first night, the spotlight was on the international bars, while the second evening celebrated the local scene — a welcome shift that brought Tirana’s best bars together under one roof for the first time. It gave the public a unique opportunity to experience the city’s diverse hospitality scene in a single setting.
In addition to showcasing cocktails, co-founder Sofokli Cali also wanted to immerse international guests in Albanian culture. From guided tours through central Tirana to traditional meals at local eateries, visitors got a taste of the city’s rich heritage. A standout moment was the visit to Uka Winery, which cultivates rare native grape varieties in partnership with over 250 families from remote villages across the country.
Reflecting on the festival, now in its third year, Sofokli shared:
“Tirana Cocktail Fest began as a dream for Evis and me. After hosting countless guest bars and bartenders at Nouvelle Vague, we noticed a growing excitement from our guests, locals, and visitors alike. That enthusiasm inspired us to think beyond bar takeovers and imagine something bigger — thus, Tirana Cocktail Fest was born, the first and only festival of its kind in Albania.”
He continued:
“This isn’t a trade event — there are no seminars or masterclasses. Tirana Cocktail Festival is a celebration of our local community, of the people who have consistently supported not just Nouvelle Vague, but Tirana’s entire bar scene. It’s a heartfelt gift to our city. For both locals and tourist, it’s a chance to travel the world through taste and vibe — to experience six international bars they might never otherwise visit, all in one unforgettable weekend.”
Sofo and Ines Cali, Anne-Sophie Vacher, Kiki Agriti, Mariko Kojima, Babis Kaidalidis, Shane Eaton
Party people
Aleksandar Vujin of Jahreszeiten Bar Munich
Cigar break
Vibes
DJ Mount Ten
Stan Harcinik of Mirror Bar Bratislava
Hugo Combe of Classique Paris
Ermand Hasalliu of Spy Speakeasy
Flori Uka of Uka Winery