Cocktails in Florence: The Definitive Guide to the Best Cocktail Bars in Florence

59 locations, iconic drinks, and the story of a constantly evolving scene

In Florence, art finds expression even in cocktails, served behind bars that are becoming increasingly creative and international. And it is precisely this ever-evolving world that takes center stage in Cocktails in Florence, the new book edited by Paola Mencarelli, which celebrates the tenth anniversary of Florence Cocktail Week.

Conceived as a celebration of an important anniversary, Cocktails in Florence is much more than a guide: it is a contemporary portrait of a city that has managed to reinvent itself, in part through the art of mixed drinks. Over the past decade, Florence has undergone a profound transformation. From a scene divided between historic cafés and hotel bars—perceived as separate worlds—it has evolved into a dynamic, creative, and interconnected ecosystem, capable of making its mark on the international mixology scene. Credit also goes to the vision of Paola Mencarelli, who has turned the spotlight on bartenders, venues, and new trends through Florence Cocktail Week.

This book features 59 cocktail bars and hotel bars in Florence, selected to showcase the best the city has to offer. It’s not just a list of addresses: each venue is presented through its most iconic drinks—those that define its style, innovation, and identity.

Among the must-have stars are the Negroni, born right here in Florence and now a global symbol, great international classics like the Margarita, Bloody Mary, and Martini, and contemporary signature cocktails, an expression of the bartenders’ creativity. The result is a journey through tradition and innovation, where every drink becomes a story to tell.

The images make the book even more immersive. Michele Tamasco’s photographs capture the lighting, details, and atmosphere of Florence’s cocktail bars, transforming every page into a visual experience. Alongside these, the portraits by Veronica Gaido put a face to the scene’s key figures: the bartenders, true contemporary artists of taste. The texts by Federico S. Bellanca, on the other hand, explore two key themes: the event’s tenth anniversary and the unbreakable bond between Florence and the Negroni.

The launch of Cocktails in Florence took place on Friday, April 17 in Florence, at Magazzini Bracchi. An invitation-only event designed to bring together industry professionals, the press, and enthusiasts, celebrating a community that has grown and solidified over the years.

More than just a guide, Cocktails in Florence is a book that speaks to a broad and diverse audience. It is designed for those who love mixology and want to explore its language and key figures, but also for today’s travelers, who are increasingly drawn to authentic experiences and the lifestyle of their destinations. At the same time, it serves as a valuable resource for industry professionals and a fascinating read for anyone intrigued by the evolution of mixed drinks in Italy.

Elegant, immersive, and rich in visual appeal, the book thus becomes an invitation to discover Florence from a fresh perspective: that of the cocktail, now one of the city’s most contemporary forms of expression.

Available in the best Italian bookstores and online, the book can also be purchased on the official website of www.gruppoeditoriale.com, as well as at major digital bookstores.