Firenze da bere
After a careful selection, here are the best bars in Florence for ordering your favorite cocktail
It was the 1920s and Conte Camillo Negroni, a well-to-do Florentine son, dictated the perfect mix to his trusty bartender in a café on Via de’ Tornabuoni: 1/3 bitter, 1/3 red vermouth and 1/3 gin. This is how the Negroni was born. In a city with a resplendent drinking culture there are many bars where, in settings suited to Jay Gatsby and Humphrey Bogart, it is well worth letting the extraordinary art of the bartender guide your choice for a quality drink.
Atrium Bar - Four Seasons Hotel Florence
We are inside the Palazzo della Gherardesca, and here, in an Atrium Bar surmounted by an elegant glass pyramid, the Four Seasons Hotel Florence has its trump card in its mixologist, Edoardo Sandri. His Sasso, the name of the cocktail he invented, is a real surprise. Also worth trying is the very classic Negroni, the Special Tea(in cup and saucer with golden rim), the Primavera (with dry ice) and Paparazzi(those who sip it get a photo). Borgo Pinti, 99.
Picteau Lounge Bar – Lungarno Collection
Imagine getting on an elegant boat on the Arno: there is a direct view of the river and a close-up view of the Ponte Vecchio. Pablo Picasso welcomes guests and stands by his friend Jean Cocteau on the fireplace at the back of the room. This room is called Picteau. Among the Signature proposals, how can you not enjoyaBoulevardier Affumicato(Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Campari, Ratafia, Carpano Antica Formula), one of the most representative Negroni specials. Borgo San Jacopo, 14.
White Fusion – Hotel Continentale
A Temporary bar & restaurant in the most dynamic heart of the city, from January 15th to March 15th, which will replace the Fusion Bar (but only for this period). Here award-winning bartenders will offer a slightly altered drinks menu, with respect to the fusion style, to reflect the Continentale style, the realm of clean lines, design and total white. Vicolo dell'Oro, 6r.
Se·Sto On Arno Lounge - The Westin Excelsior Florence
One warning: there is the risk of falling victim to the dangerous and disarming Stendhal syndrome. Yes, because the restaurant and bar Se·Sto On Arno is on the top floor of the Westin Excelsior luxury hotel with glass walls that touch the sky. In this setting, the bar manager Antonino Di Girolamo will prepare his ownGrenadewith Nikka Coffey Malt, the best dry Marsala, vanilla liqueur and a foam of pomegranate, red turnip and apple. Piazza Ognissanti, 3.
Winter Garden Bar – The St. Regis Florence
A unique atmosphere under the arches of an evocative Florentine palazzo. Every evening the notes of a piano provide the soundtrack to unrepeatable tastings created by the barman Andrea Paoli. You must order the unmissable Brunello Bloody Marywith Brunello grappa, acacia honey and rosemary. Piazza Ognissanti, 1.
Colle Bereto
In front of Palazzo Strozzi, place of choice for the most important art exhibitions in the city and a stone's throw from Via de' Tornabuoni, Colle Bereto is an all-day long guarantee whose bar offers a selection of cocktails signed Colle Bereto. Try the Colle Beach, with vodka, melon vodka, Blue Curaçao, Martini Gold, lemon and sugar or the Royal Colle B, with rosé Martini, Colle B rosè and berries. Piazza degli Strozzi, 5.
Locale
In a 13th-century palazzo with an ancient history overlooking via delle Seggiole, here is Locale. Distracted by the walls of bottles and the vertical green of the open-air bar housed in a former loggia - with a glass roof that can be opened - there is a vast selection of drinks and they follow a real philosophy linked to the seasonality of the ingredients. The bartenders Matteo and Andrea propose the Novello de' Medici, with Matusalem, cocoa, pomegranate shrub, sparkling grape, pea powder and white chocolate sponge. Via delle Seggiole, 12r.
Manifattura Firenze
Here the drinks are Italian. Mirrors, soft lights, details from the 40s, a turntable that plays a few classic. In Piazza San Pancrazio, the right place for those in search of lost emotions. Davide and Fabiano take the helm towards a sea of nostalgic pearls to be savored. Order a Negroni Natalazio with Luxardo gin, Campari bitters and a third of home-made mulled wine. Piazza San Pancrazio, 1.
Art Bar
Also known as Antico Caffè del Moro, on Via del Moro, it is one of the best cocktail bars in the city. The small and cozy environment has references to the cinema making it just intimate enough. Paolo prepares legendary cocktails, with only fresh fruit, also proposed as a rich garnish. Order one Vodka Gimletand you'll experience a true moment of pleasure. Via del Moro, 4.
Gurdulù
Beyond the bank of the Arno river, the artistic Oltrarno accompanies us towards unmissable destinations. In a refined fifties atmosphere with neoclassical hints, the cocktail bar of this bar-restaurant is in the expert hands of Cristina Bini. On the Cocktail list are Do you remember last night(elixir of China, Pisco, rosemary, tonic water), the Tettina Martini(brandy, coffee, soya milk, Borghetti coffee, milk foam, coffee beans) and many others. Via delle Caldaie, 12/14r.
Mad Souls & Spirits
They like to call it a “cocktail pub”, those Mad young people. Neri Fantechi and Julian Biondi are the creators of the new point of reference for life after dark in the Oltrarno and have very clear ideas: to help anyone know quality mixed drinks, in an informal environment where everyone can feel at ease. Don't miss the Daiquiri del mi Nonnowith Ron Abuelo, Persichetto, lime juice, liquid sugar and salted alpenliebe. Borgo San Frediano, 36/38r.
Ditta Artigianale Oltrarno
A few steps from Piazza della Passera, in a post-war building by Michelucci. As in a 1960s and '70s beauty kit, the Ditta Artigianale space is divided between a cafeteria, micro-recycling, kitchen, cocktail and gin bar. The latest is also for the tasting, Peter in Florence, the new gin of Florence. Among the cult drinks are Ditta Artigianale Spritzand Negroni Ditta Artigianale. Via dello Sprone, 5r.
