Negroni? Always. Meet Florence’s Finest Bars for Italy’s Iconic Cocktail

Florence might be famous for its Renaissance art and architecture, but the city has another masterpiece: the Negroni.

Thanks to our boozy friend Count Camillo Negroni, this ruby-red elixir was born in 1919 of equal parts gin, vermouth, and Campari. Since then, it has conquered cocktail menus worldwide. But nothing compares to sipping this bittersweet classic in its birthplace.

I’ve wandered Florence, crossing the Arno one too many times, and happily sacrificed my liver in pursuit of the city’s best Negroni. Here’s my list of bars that understand this iconic cocktail.

Caffè Giacosa (Palazzo Strozzi)

Let’s start with cocktail royalty. While the original Caffè Giacosa has closed (where Count Negroni changed cocktail history by requesting the Campari-gin-vermouth combo), its spiritual successor at Palazzo Strozzi carries on the torch with prowess.

The bartenders here treat Negroni-making as the sacred ritual it is. Each ingredient is measured with surgical precision, stirred with passion, and garnished with a perfect orange peel that gives the Negroni its unmistakable perfume. Plus, Caffè Giacosa’s elegant ambiance —think marble countertops and impeccable service— transports you to another time, like a vacation in a vacation.

Locale Firenze

Housed in a historic palazzo with a stunning interior courtyard, Locale isn’t just serving drinks—it’s creating experiences. Their Negroni Invecchiato took a little riposo in oak barrels before slipping into your glass, developing complex flavors that transform the classic into something even more magical.

The bartenders here are part mixologist, part mad scientists. The cocktail menu rotates seasonally, but their respect for the Negroni tradition remains unwavering. When served in their signature glassware within the breathtaking Renaissance-meets-contemporary space, you’ll get why Locale has earned international acclaim.

Manifattura

Manifattura takes Italian pride to another level by exclusively using Italian products. Their Negroni is a sensorial journey of Italy – showcasing smaller-batch Italian gins, house-made vermouth blends, and the non-negotiable Campari.

The space feels like a stylish throwback to mid-century Italy, complete with vintage furnishings and bartenders who look like they stepped out of a Fellini film. What sets Manifattura apart is their encyclopedic knowledge—ask about the Negroni’s history or the subtle differences between vermouth styles, and prepare for an education alongside your expertly crafted cocktail.

Rasputin

Finding Rasputin is half the fun—this speakeasy-style bar requires a reservation and some detective work for its address. Once you solve the mystery, you’ll enter a dark yet glamorous space where cocktails are not just cocktails – they’re an art form.

Their signature Aged Barrel Negroni spends weeks developing character, resulting in a smoother, more integrated flavor profile. The bartenders here are among Florence’s best, often experimenting with house-infused spirits and unexpected twists on the classic recipe. The speakeasy atmosphere adds a layer of mischief to the evening. Who knows where the night will end when it begins at Rasputin. I can tell you this – you won’t regret it.

Bitter Bar

Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you—Bitter Bar is big on bitterness. This cozy spot in the Oltrarno has become a pilgrimage site for Negroni purists and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

The standard Negroni here is impeccable, but the real magic happens with their variations. Try the Negroni Sbagliato instead of your usual spritz, or venture into their Negroni Journey flight, which explores combinations of gin, bitter liqueurs, and vermouths. The passionate team behind the bar treats each guest like a fellow cocktail enthusiast, making this the perfect spot for those wanting to deepen their Negroni education.

Procacci

This tiny, upscale wine bar specializing in petit truffle sandwiches might seem like an unlikely Negroni destination, but don’t be fooled. Dating back to 1885, Procacci serves a remarkably refined version of the cocktail that is ready to rendezvous with their famous truffle panini. Their Negroni is slightly lighter on the Campari than most, creating a more approachable version that even bitter-averse drinkers might enjoy.

Procacci has an intimate space on Via Tornabuoni – Florence’s luxury shopping street – making it a great escape from the tourist crowds, particularly when days are warm and you can score a cozy seat on their veranda. It’s the perfect pit stop during an afternoon of shopping or an elegant start to your evening.

Mad Souls & Spirits

Tucked away on Borgo San Frediano in the hip Oltrarno neighborhood, this bartender’s playground is where serious mixology meets playful irreverence. The space itself is cozy and unpretentious – think moody lighting, exposed brick, and a vibe that feels more Brooklyn than Botticelli.

Mad Souls & Spirits doesn’t just make a Negroni – they reimagine it with rebellious flair while nodding respectfully to tradition. Their classic version hits all the high notes. But where things get truly interesting is their Negroni variations. These mad scientists might infuse their gin with unexpected botanicals, experiment with house-made vermouth blends, or introduce a whisper of unexpected ingredients – think chocolate bitters, coffee-infused spirits, or even a touch of amaro for an extra dimension of herbal complexity. Their Barrel-Aged Negroni is particularly swoon-worthy, where the holy trinity of ingredients melds and mellows in oak, transforming the cocktail’s sharp edges into something dangerously smooth and profoundly complex.

The post Negroni? Always. Meet Florence’s Finest Bars for Italy’s Iconic Cocktail appeared first on Chilled Magazine.