Explore Mixology during Florence Cocktail Week

 

After a one-year sabbatical, Florence Cocktail Week returns for its 8th edition from April 7 to 13. The week-long event will highlight Tuscany’s cocktail craftsmanship and the region’s vibrant community of bartenders. 

Under the creative direction of Paola Mencarelli, and with the support of the Municipality of Florence and the Destination Florence Foundation, this year’s FCW features 60 participating cocktail bars and hotel bars across the city. These establishments will offer a new exclusive FCW25 Cocktail Lists, each featuring a refined duo of drinks: one alcoholic and one non-alcoholic, catering to both traditionalists and opening the scene to a wider consumer base. 

FCW25 aims to promote conscious and responsible drinking while also celebrating high-quality Italian mixology, bringing together seasoned professionals, emerging talents, and international stars of the bar world. Throughout the week, guests can attend a rich lineup of masterclasses, product tastings, presentations, and guest shifts. Highlights include appearances by internationally renowned bartender Salvatore Calabrese on Wednesday, April 9, and Julian Short, chef bartender of Sin+Tax in Johannesburg, who will be featured on Friday, April 11, and Saturday, April 12. 

Of the 39 participating cocktail bars, 13 are new entries: the W Lounge of W Florence (of Mariott which will open in place of the old Majestic Hotel in piazza dell’Unità), the newly reopened Caffè Giubbe Rosse in piazza della Repubblica, Giacosa 1815, Next Door Guné, Rifrullo Firenze and the Enoteca Alessi wine and cocktail bar near the Duomo.  Returning, among others, are e La Ménagère, Locale Firenze, Rivoire  in addition to the Atrium Bar and  Winter Garden Bar, located respectively in hotels Four Seasons and the St. Regis Florence.  A tour of historic cafès is also planned, ending at Caffè Gilli 1733 in piazza della Repubblica.  A series of dinners, themed “Dining with Spirits,” is also planned.

A new addition to this year’s FCW25 is the introduction of the ‘Barkeeper FCW’ initiative, which showcases the resident bartenders of each participating Cocktail Bar. On specific days and times, it will be possible to meet the key personalities of the city’s mixology behind their own bar, discovering the secrets of the FCW25 creations and experience a more intimate connection with the soul of the bar.  (Mina Lozanova)

For a full programme of events and reservation of individual events, visit the website.