Top Spots for Cocktails in Florence, Italy

Lopez Martinez infuses Florence with Cuban flair through his signature cocktails, including muddled mojitos, margaritas named after local street artists, and mango daiquiris. These drinks feature special touches such as black salt rims, fresh lime, and select rums from Cuba. Enjoy the chance of an impromptu piano performance by the staff if you're fortunate.

Cristian Guitti, a renowned bartender in Florence, launched this bar in the Sant'Ambrogio district in early 2017. Featuring a vintage 1920s ambiance, the bar offers a menu that's a playground for innovation and imagination. It includes unique spins on classics like an aged Negroni and Guitti’s inventive creations, adorned with vibrant garnishes and unusual ingredients such as mint bitters, torched extractions, celery juice, chile jam, and truffle honey, along with shareable punch bowls.

Fabiano Buffolino, the mastermind behind this new '50s-style cocktail lounge, brings extensive industry experience and a dedication to reviving Italian drink traditions. The menu features entirely Italian-made items, including aperitivi, vermouth, bitters, and over 80 types of amaro, from renowned classics to rare finds. Enjoy forgotten Italian sodas, vintage liqueurs, and classic prosecco-based cocktails like the Bellini and Puccini. It's a must-visit for anyone looking to explore Italy’s cocktail heritage, with every drink priced under 10 euros.

Locale is set in a beautifully restored palace that once belonged to Florence’s elite families, including the Concinis and the Medicis. The venue combines Milanese and New York influences with a mix of Medici-era frescoes, 12th-century artifacts, and a wine cellar with Romanesque stone arches. At the bar, indulge in an extensive selection of spirits, bitters, and infusions used in expertly crafted cocktails and elaborate punch bowls. Experience the full ambiance with a resident DJ, chef-prepared appetizers on hand-carved olive wood platters, and a complimentary “welcome punch” for all guests.

Since opening its doors in 2001, Mayday Club has become a cornerstone of Florence's mixology scene, drawing inspiration from the city’s historical pharmacies. The ambiance features moody lighting, provocative velvet artwork, and vintage radio relics, creating a surreal Dali-like atmosphere. Bartenders here craft imaginative cocktails using house-made infusions, liqueurs, and fresh, all-natural juices from local organic farms. Ideal for those passionate about chemistry and botany.

Located in the Oltrarno district, Mad Souls & Spirits, founded by Neri Fantechi, stands out with its innovative cocktail offerings and a no-nonsense, all-inclusive atmosphere. The bar’s award-winning bartenders create unique drinks, avoiding the typical Aperol spritz. Instead, enjoy playful specials like the Donald Sour (featuring carrot jam, bourbon, and egg white) and explore a menu divided into intriguing categories such as “a fistful of dollars,” “soul warmers,” and “fabulous spirits.” The venue also offers mixology and spirit-focused master classes, plus a curated selection of mezcal and Russian rye vodka, enhanced by cocktail expert Julian Biondi’s role as Italian ambassador for Polugar.

As a boutique hotel bar within the Gallery Art Hotel, Fusion guarantees exceptional service and quality. This restaurant stands out for its Nikkei cuisine (a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese flavors), crafted under the guidance of Michelin-starred chef Peter Brunel. It offers a refreshing departure from the typical Tuscan dishes. The renowned mixologists, Michel Orlando and Robert Pavel, have created an imaginative cocktail menu, featuring unique elements like sesame-infused vodka, a barrel-aged Negroni with Alchermes, and mezcal and tequila blends with Calabrian chiles.

Ditta Artigianale offers a contemporary twist on the classic Italian bar, blending espresso, breakfast pastries, and aperitivo with bus tickets, tobacco, and stamps. This spot features specialty roasted coffee, international baked goods, brunch options, and artisanal craft cocktails. Industry veteran Kareem Bennet channels Francesco Sanapo's passion for gin, artisanal liqueurs, and homemade syrups into superb drinks. A must-try is sitting at the bar and letting Bennet craft a drink you didn’t know you needed.

Florence's premier hidden bar, Rasputin, is concealed somewhere beneath the streets of Santo Spirito. Discover its location by following cryptic clues provided over the phone or by word of mouth. Designed to reflect the world of Russian mystic Grigori Rasputin, this bar features vintage Italian décor and a menu that evokes the 1940s, along with exclusive modern creations. Enjoy classic cocktails such as Hanky Panky, Brandy Crusta, and Lucien Gaudin among others.

For the ultimate luxury hotel bar experience, Villa Cora is unmatched. Nestled near Piazzale Michelangelo amid verdant Tuscan cypress and expansive views, this venue provides an exquisite craft drink menu. Paolo Ponzo, a Swiss-born Sicilian, curates the poolside bar’s offerings, which shine with DJ sets, cocktails, snacks, and themed nights featuring pizza and Champagne during warmer months. Ponzo’s inventive Italian cocktails include unique twists like Varnelli and rum daiquiris, alongside fernet and scotch-based creations.