APERITIF TIME

Perfectly cra ed cocktails and dream locations: a list of the must-visit places

TEXT Martina Olivieri

Red Martini, Campari and gin measured in equal parts; of course served in a traditional cocktail glass with half a slice of orange. Negroni is the most typical Italian and aristocratic cocktail of all long drinks. It is believed that it was prepared for the first time in Florence at the Caffè Casoni in Via de’ Tornabuoni, later known as Caffè Giacosa. More than a century ago, one afternoon Count Camillo Negroni asked the barman Fosco Scarselli to add more “substance” to his Americano cocktail replacing soda with a sprinkle of gin and adding juniper for a bitter touch. For a short period, the cocktail was known as the Americano drink, the Count Negroni way, and eventually just Negroni. This region is traditionally famous for its good drinks and there are many bars and clubs where you can go to relax in front of a perfectly prepared drink. Enjoying an aperitif in the heart of Florence is a sophisticated, refined and exclusive experience enjoyed by both the Florentines and the tourists. It is the perfect way to rediscover the city, especially with the arrival of summer and good weather. Below you will find a list of our recommended bars.

ATRIUM BAR - FOUR SEASONS HOTEL FIRENZE

The Atrium Bar of the Four Seasons Hotel

Florence is the meeting point for the hotel guests but also for the Florentines: a bar which delights, fascinates and engages thanks to the beautiful presentation of the cocktails and their masterly way of mixing. An experience which starts with its velvet chairs taking you to Tokyo, Mexico City and Paris. Among the must-try cocktails, we recommend the Vintage Negroni and the Moulin Rouge (Borgo Pinti, 99).

Locale

The Locale is a characteristic bar located in the historic Seggiole building that makes you feel like you are travelling back in time to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Barman Ma eo Di Ienno prepares creative and original cocktails that you can savour in the beautiful winter garden, an amazing location at any time of the year

(Via delle Seggiole, 12).

SE.STO ON ARNO

THE WESTIN EXCELSIOR FLORENCE

SE·STO on Arno is located on the sixth and top floor of The Westin Excelsior hotel. It features a spectacular terrace which offers 360-degree views of the city skyline and is the ideal location for an unforge able evening. A popular place in all seasons with typical local dishes and more than 300 Italian and international wines to sip in one of the most beautiful se ings in the city (Piazza Ognissanti, 3).

CIBRÈO RISTORANTE HELVETIA & BRISTOL FIRENZE STARHOTELS COLLEZIONE

The Cocktail Bar of the Cibrèo Restaurant of the historic Helvetia & Bristol Florence – Starhotels Collection dominates the main room of the restaurant with its yellow Siena marble counter. Here you can try several signature cocktails along with classic drinks and a wide range of spirits and liqueurs for an unforge able aperitif (Via de’ Vecchie i, 5).