It’s high time to explore some of the best bars in Tuscany with the fifth edition of Florence Cocktail Week, dedicated to bartender brilliance, responsible drinking and reinvigorating the industry after months of closure. With masterclasses, aperitivos, and delectable drinks to enjoy, both Florence Cocktail Week (September 21-27) and Tuscany Cocktail Week (September 14-20) feature cocktail menus with concoctions you’ve never seen, served from some of the most picturesque terraced bars and atmospheric settings all across the region.
Founder Paola Mencarelli
Effervescent founder of what was Italy’s first cocktail week, Paola Mencarelli, with the patronage of the Municipality of Florence, is behind the significant event that will see 40 bars in Florence, and 70 across all of Tuscany take part in a celebration of excellence in mixology. This time round, there will be no competition, the focus instead on solidarity and exchange between Florentine, Tuscan and Italian bartenders, encouraging and supporting businesses.
During the festival, Cocktail bars will be divided into Hotel Bars, Cocktail Bars and High Volume Bars, each creating a cocktail list to comprise of: 1 Signature Cocktail, 1 Cocktail RiEsco a Bere Italiano (with products from companies participating in RiEsco a Bere Italiano), 1 Eco Cocktail (ecological and sustainable cocktail) and 1 New Era Cocktail (Twist on an IBA drink in the New Era category).
Another feature of this year’s edition is the involvement of Florence and Tuscan restaurateurs with Dining with spirits and Pizza with spirits, where chefs and pizza makers will use spirits as ingredients in their dishes and pizzas. Three events have also been arranged in collaboration with Destination Florence that can be booked directly on their website. These are an SUP tour on the Arno river at sunset, accompanied by cocktails created by MAD Soul & Spirits on board, an urban rafting tour with an aperitivo, and a tour of the historic cafes of Florence.
Enjoy the full cheers at www.florencecocktailweek.it, IG @FlorenceCocktailWeek
