Their cocktail, named after the famous Portuguese word for nostalgic longing, was a heartfelt tribute to their journeys. A cross-cultural creation marrying South American pineapple with fresh Italian basil, Saudades was both comforting and surprising. 

Each sip told a story: of leaving, of searching, of never forgetting where you come from. As the team explained, “Living in Milan, we experience saudades. This cocktail lets us relive old memories while exploring new ones.” The preparation was executed with precision and emotion, their synergy behind the bar as fluid as their storytelling. 

The judging panel, composed of three industry experts traveling across Italy to meet each finalist on their home turf, was visibly moved. Officina Milano, long a strong supporter of Havana Club, felt like the natural stage for this moment of authenticity and artistry. 

The result? A unanimous verdict. Saudades was not just a drink, but a message in a glass, layered, nostalgic, and powerfully human. It was Havana Club at its best: connecting people, cultures, and emotions through the language of cocktails. 

With the Italian leg of the competition now closed, all eyes turn to the next chapter: the European regional finals. But no matter where the road leads next, one thing is certain, Italy brought heart, soul, and saudade to this year’s edition of HCCM. ¡Salud!