Giovanni Depergola, known in the industry as Mr. G, is a true cocktail master and a citizen of the world. With over 20 years of experience, he has made a lasting impact on international mixology thanks to his charisma, deep sector knowledge, and passion for education. In 2016, he co-founded Alembic, a leading agency specializing in the development and marketing of high-quality beverage experiences in the MENA region. Today, Alembic is a leader in turnkey solutions for drink design, bar consulting, and professional training. Currently, he serves as the Global Brand Ambassador for Amistà, based in the United Arab Emirates, and is recognized as one of the most authoritative trainers in the world of bartending.
For Giovanni Depergola, a cocktail with strong personality is…
“A cocktail that captures you at the first sip. But that’s not enough: it must leave a memory, capable of passing the aftertaste test. The ability to leave an echo on the palate is an essential component in defining the personality of a great cocktail.”
Creativity, experience, daring: mix these ingredients for the perfect cocktail.
“Good question! We bartenders often play with this. A cocktail is like a symphony, where creating a balance of sounds is essential. The same applies to ingredients. To answer your question: it takes two parts of creativity, added to a part of experience—which for me means knowledge. Naturally, a dash of spontaneity is reserved for improvisation, combined with that pinch of daring needed to leave a mark.”
You are an internationally experienced bartender. How does the approach to cocktails vary around the world?
“There are differences worth highlighting. My work as a sake sommelier has often taken me to Japan, where the approach to cocktails is very precise and meticulous. Currently, I am in the UAE, where the approach is quite different. Here, the focus is on ritual, visual spectacle, and emotional impact. In Europe, cocktail culture combines attention to detail with storytelling—the art of sharing a story through the cocktail with the customer.”
What does elegance mean to you? And how do you express it in mixology?
“When it comes to elegance, Italians always shine—this is well known. For me, elegance starts with simplicity: offering a lot with little, knowing how to reach the essence. Elegant cocktails are ultimately the simplest ones. Let’s not forget the fundamental role of the glass: a good crystal glass speaks for itself.”
Three adjectives that, in your opinion, define Amistà’s Vermouth?
“First of all, authentic, because it expresses the soul of a territory: Turin and Piedmont. Another key trait is versatility: it can be used in a drier cocktail, a softer one, or a sweeter one. Lastly, it’s a refined vermouth that is easy to calibrate. I believe these three qualities collectively define Amistà’s Vermouth in every aspect.”
The Vermouth embodies the vision of Amistà and its founder Michele Marsiaj. In which aspects of this vision do you see yourself?
“Michele has the ability to combine entrepreneurial vision with cultural sensitivity—two fundamental qualities for anyone who wants to leave a true mark in the beverage world. His idea of Vermouth is not just about the product but about telling a story of a land, an identity, and a style: with authenticity, elegance, rooted in deep traditions. This way of conceptualizing the product aligns perfectly with my philosophy: creating something that is not only good but leaves a lasting impression.”
What is a cocktail recommended by Giovanni Depergola?
“Gladly! Well, everyone loves coffee, especially cold. I imagine a beautiful Espresso Martini with a splash of Saronno, which always pairs well, a twist of lemon, and of course, Amistà Vermouth: shaken and served in a chilled Martini glass. I recommend Amistà Vermouth with a touch of tonic and an orange peel: you can’t go wrong!”