Saluti a Firenze! Florence Cocktail Week is set to return from April 7th to 13th, bringing together the best of Tuscan mixology in a week-long celebration of responsible and high-quality drinking. Organized and directed by Paola Mencarelli, with the Patronage of the Municipality of Florence and the support of the Destination Florence Foundation, this eighth edition promises an exciting lineup of events across 60 renowned cocktail bars and hotel bars in Florence.
A Week of Immersive Mixology
Florence Cocktail Week will feature exclusive FCW Cocktail Lists, immersive masterclasses, product tastings, guest shifts with top Italian and international bartenders, and special events spanning from brunch to night shifts.
“Florence is where it all began in 2016, and it remains at the heart of Italian Cocktail Weeks,” says Mencarelli. “Each year, I evolve the format to keep the energy fresh, incorporating new trends and unique experiences for both industry professionals and the general public.”
Spotlight on Resident Bartenders & Wellness Mixology
A major highlight of FCW25 is the introduction of the “Barkeeper FCW” initiative, which showcases the resident bartenders of each venue. This initiative allows guests to meet the faces behind Florence’s top cocktail bars, learn about their creative process, and experience their signature FCW25 creations.
For 2025, the theme of wellness takes center stage. Each participating bar will offer two signature drinks:
- Signature Cocktail FCW25
- Wellness Signature Cocktail FCW25 – A low-ABV or alcohol-free creation, reflecting the growing demand for mindful drinking.
Additionally, FCW25 will host Wellness Time – Reset Body & Spirit. This wellness event for bartenders is scheduled for April 8th at The22 Yoga & Fitness Lifestyle Studio Florence, and is supported by Event Sponsor Ice3 and Main Sponsor Legend Kombucha.
International Guests & Special Events
Florence Cocktail Week continues to attract global mixology talent, including:
- Salvatore “The Maestro” Calabrese (London) will inaugurate the new Artemisia Bar at Hotel Savoy on April 9th.
- Julian Short (Johannesburg, South Africa) will headline a guest shift at Santa Cocktail Club on April 11th, in collaboration with Main Sponsor Altamura Distilleries.
- A special roundtable on wine in mixology will take place on April 12th at Enoteca Alessi, bringing together experts and mixology enthusiasts.
Pop-Up Bars & Young Guest Bartender Program
Building on the success of past editions, FCW25 will feature pop-up bars from Tuscany Cocktail Week, Venice Cocktail Week, and Amalfi Coast Cocktail Week, creating an Italian Cocktail Week Reunion in Florence.
The Young Guest Bartender initiative, launched in 2023, returns to showcase emerging bartenders under 25, providing them a platform to shine alongside seasoned professionals.
Cultural & Culinary Experiences
In addition to mixology-focused events, FCW25 embraces Florence’s culinary heritage with:
- Dining with the Spirits & Pizza with the Spirits – Dishes and pizzas infused with spirits by Florentine chefs and pizzaiolos.
- Pastry with the Spirits & Gelato with the Spirits – A new initiative featuring spirit-infused pastries and gelato, including the highly anticipated opening of Vivoli Affogato Bar.
- Historic Café Tour – A journey through Florence’s historic bars, concluding with a Negroni tasting at Caffè Gilli 1733.
International Collaboration: Shift Scholarship from Kazakhstan
FCW25 continues its commitment to education and international exchange with the Shift Scholarship from Kazakhstan. This initiative, led by Paola Mencarelli and Arina Nikolskaya (SHIFT.project), offers two Kazakh professionals, Abay Mukambayev and Svetlana Khaninaeva, the opportunity to train in top Tuscan venues before showcasing their skills in guest shifts at Santa Cocktail Club, Eye Cocktail Bar, and Gucci Giardino during FCW25.
Professional Development: “Shake Your Identity” Workshop
New for 2025, the “Shake Your Identity: The Power of Creative Thinking in Personal Branding” workshop will focus on helping bartenders develop their brand identity and communication strategies. Led by Ilaria Legato (Brand Designer) and Beatrice Mencattini (ICW Head of PR & Communication), this exclusive session on April 3rd at Hotel Number 9 will guide bartenders in defining their unique style and leveraging social media for career growth.
Join Florence Cocktail Week 2025
With 60 participating cocktail bars and hotel bars, plus a special upcoming venue, W Lounge at W Florence, FCW25 is set to be an unmissable event for cocktail lovers and industry professionals alike.
The full event calendar will be available online in April.
About Paola Mencarelli
A renowned journalist and mixology expert, Paola Mencarelli is the founder of Italian Cocktail Weeks. These weeks include Florence Cocktail Week, Tuscany Cocktail Week, Venice Cocktail Week, Cortina Cocktail Weekend, and Amalfi Coast Cocktail Week.
Since 2016, she has been a driving force in promoting Italy’s cocktail culture, earning recognition as an Honorary Consul of Italian Hospitality.
Sponsors & Partners
Florence Cocktail Week 2025 is supported by a range of esteemed sponsors, including Altamura Distilleries, Legend Kombucha, Baldoria Vermouth, Martini & Rossi, Michter’s, Molinari, Pernod Ricard Italia, and Red Bull The Organics, among others. Media partners include Identità Golose, The Cocktail Lovers, The Florentine, and Mixology Mag.