#FIRSTLOOK: “BAR BATTLE” IS BACK AUGUST 13, 2025 AT FICOA

Passion, precision, and pour collide in a thrilling cocktail battle as two of Toronto’s top mixology talents face off for one night only at Ficoa, the city’s acclaimed Neo-Latin dining destination in Little Italy. On Wednesday, August 13th from 6–9PM, Tiffany Desbiens—one of the lead mixologists at Harbour Sixty and the newly launched modern Italian concept, Arianna—and Alfred Siu, a celebrated figure in Toronto’s bar scene and the talent behind Project Gigglewater and Gochu Libre Kantina, will go head-to-head in a fierce competition celebrating creativity, technique, and the pulse of Toronto’s thriving cocktail scene.

For $40, guests will experience the live cocktail battle, taste each competitor’s creations (ticket includes two cocktails), and savour light bites from Ficoa’s culinary team. Raise a glass of craftsmanship—this summer showdown brings the heat and the whisky, with Canadian Club 1858 bringing its signature smooth character to the evening. After the battle, guests are invited to indulge in Ficoa’s à la carte menu, perfect for continuing the night over great food and conversation.

Tiffany Desbiens brings a refined edge to the competition: Drawing from her experience at top Toronto spots, her inventive cocktails complement the venue’s luxury dining experience. Recognized online as @bottletenders on TikTok and @bloggingboujee on Instagram, she shares her passion and skill with a growing audience.

Alfred Siu, owner of the acclaimed cocktail bar Project Gigglewater and the vibrant Korean-Mexican restaurant Gochu Libre Kantina, is also recognized as a founder of Toronto’s cocktail culture. He combines his entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for bold, boundary-pushing flavours that have made both venues standout fixtures in the city’s food and drink scene.

Bringing together these two talented powerhouses promises a night to remember.

As the evening ignites with fierce competition, guests will savour an exquisite medley of Neo-Latin creations by Ficoa’s MICHELIN-recognized chef, Esau Garcia—each bite a testament to passion and precision.

Bringing their discerning palates to the judging table are Patricia Toro—Ficoa’s owner and restaurateur—Abdullah Khan of Suntory Global Spirits, and Oliver Leung, owner of Suite 115 and former winner of the People’s Choice award in the last Bar Battle. The judges will determine the winner of the bar battle. Meanwhile, each guest will step into the role of a cocktail taster, sampling creations firsthand and voting for their favourite in the People’s Choice category—making every attendee an active part of the competition.

From the cocktails and mixologists to the judges, every element of the evening has been thoughtfully chosen to reflect quality and craft—Canadian Club 1858 elevates the experience with its smooth, rich character and time-honoured craftsmanship, while Perrier joins as the exclusive water supplier. Together, these two distinguished brands bring a level of excellence that perfectly complements the creativity and skill on display throughout the evening.

Tickets to the Bar Battle at Ficoa can be purchased u.