There are at least seven compelling reasons to attend Florence Cocktail Week 2026 — among them a milestone anniversary, the rise of low-ABV drinking, the return of a historic competition, and a dedicated platform for emerging talent. The event runs from Thursday, April 16 through Wednesday, April 22, stretching across both days and late nights.
Ten Years Worth Celebrating
The ninth edition of Florence Cocktail Week takes place ten years after its launch in 2016. A round-number anniversary that says a great deal about the event conceived and directed by Paola Mencarelli: reaching a decade requires consistency, vision, adaptability, and the ability to build meaningful connections. All the more so considering how that initial idea has led to the rapid expansion of the Italian Cocktail Weeks, from Tuscany Cocktail Week to Venice Cocktail Week, Cortina Cocktail Weekend and Amalfi Coast Cocktail Week.
Italian Talent at the Forefront for the Florence Cocktail Week 2026
In 2026, the spotlight is firmly on Italian bartending talent. All guest shifts will feature professionals from Italy — both those working domestically and those building strong reputations abroad. A way of acknowledging the people who have helped place Italy on the global cocktail map.
Bars, Five Times Over
Florence Cocktail Week 2026 brings together 35 cocktail bars and 20 hotel bars. A significant number, made even more telling by comparison with the first edition, which included just 13 venues. The growth now offers a comprehensive view of Florence’s mixology scene.
Signature Drinks: Classics and Low-ABV
Each venue will present three exclusive cocktails: a free-form signature, a classic, and a low- or no-alcohol drink. The latter two carry particular weight.
The focus on classics is what Paola Mencarelli defines as “a cultural act” — a way to underline the importance of strong roots in the past, giving historical depth to contemporary creations, especially those that embrace techniques such as fermentation, redistillation and fat washing.
Low-ABV and alcohol-free cocktails reflect a growing attention to more balanced lifestyles, without giving up sociability or enjoyment. Notably, the official drink list includes the alcohol content of each cocktail — an explicit nod to responsible drinking, a principle central to Florence Cocktail Week.
Making Space for the Next Generation at Florence Cocktail Week 2026
Launched in 2023, the Young Guest Bartender initiative returns for the 2026 edition. Each day, seven participating bars will hand over their counters to bartenders under 25. In total, 31 young professionals will take part — an opportunity to gain experience, and for guests to discover the next wave of talent.
The Return of the Competition
Ten years inevitably bring a touch of nostalgia, including the return of elements that shaped the early editions. Among them, the bartender competition — once a core feature, later set aside — comes back for Florence Cocktail Week 2026. The original judging panel from 2016 reconvenes: Patrick Pistolesi, Stefano Nincevich and Luca Pirola.
Events and the Coqtail – for fine drinkers Talk
The Florence Cocktail Week 2026 calendar is dense, with pop-ups, guest shifts, masterclasses, events, brunches, aperitivi and collaborations between mixology and gastronomy, including pairings with pizza, pastry and gelato. Coqtail – for fine drinkers, media partner of the event, will also host a talk on April 17 at 11:30 at Fede Cocktail Lab. Full details are available on the official Florence Cocktail Week 2026 website.
Photo courtesy Italian Cocktail Weeks, credits Mike Tamasco
