It all began in Florence, making the upcoming Florence Cocktail Week 2025 (FCW25) a particularly special event for Paola Mencarelli, the mastermind behind the Italian Cocktail Weeks format. Scheduled for April 7–13, 2025, the Tuscan capital will host the eighth edition of this much-anticipated cocktail celebration.
Florence Cocktail Week 2025: A Return to Roots
Back in April 2016, Florence was the birthplace of the first FCW, modeled after a similar initiative in London. Its success was immediate, paving the way for an annual event. It didn’t stop there—FCW inspired spin-offs in Venice, Cortina, Amalfi, and eventually the Tuscany Cocktail Week.
“After almost nine years since the first Florence Cocktail Week,” explains Paola Mencarelli, “I was convinced Florence had reached such a high standing in the national and international mixology scene that it no longer needed an event to shine a spotlight on it. But some of the city’s most renowned cocktail bars and leading mixology figures persuaded me otherwise. I couldn’t resist.” And so, the 2025 edition promises a mix of classic highlights and exciting new features.
7 Days of Events and Exceptional Drinks
The FCW25 calendar is packed. Expect brunches, aperitifs, cultural initiatives, recreational activities, and experiences aimed at curious newcomers and seasoned cocktail enthusiasts alike. Signature features include custom cocktail lists, pop-up bars inspired by Tuscany Cocktail Week, and guest shifts featuring local, national, and international bartenders, with a particular focus on Tuscan mixologists working across Italy and abroad.
Two exclusive cocktails will be unveiled during the week, available only for the event. There’s also the signature FCW25 cocktail, crafted using sponsor products, and the wellness signature FCW25 cocktail, offering low- or no-alcohol options for a more mindful approach to drinking.
What’s New at Florence Cocktail Week 2025
A highlight to watch out for is the Pop-up Bar Toscana, modeled after the successful format from Amalfi Coast Cocktail Week, which will bring some of Tuscany’s best hotel and cocktail bars to Florence.
The biggest new addition is the Barkeeper FCW initiative, designed to shine a spotlight on each bar’s resident bartender. Dedicated time slots will let guests meet the stars of Florence’s mixology scene at their home bars, discover the secrets behind their FCW25 signature cocktails, and get a deeper sense of the bar’s personality and story.
Food and mixology lovers will have four special events to choose from, each blending cocktails with culinary delights: Dining with the Spirits, Pizza with the Spirits, Pastry with the Spirits, and Gelato with the Spirits.
Save the Dates
Mark your calendars for April 7–13, 2025, and get ready to head to Florence for this extraordinary cocktail celebration. For real-time updates and a full list of participating venues, visit the official FCW website.
Images courtesy of Florence Cocktail Week
