Florence Cocktail Week 2026: 10 years of elevating the Italian bartending scene

Florence Cocktail Week 2026 has come to an end, celebrating its 10th anniversary with a seven-day programme dedicated to Italian talent and contemporary cocktail culture.

From April 16 to 22, Florence once again became a meeting point for industry professionals and cocktail enthusiasts, hosting over 200 events across 70 venues and reinforcing its position as one of Europe’s most dynamic bartending destinations.

From a project to an international platform

What began in 2016 with just 13 cocktail bars has grown into an established event under the creative direction of Paola Mencarelli.

Today, Florence Cocktail Week is part of the broader Italian Cocktail Weeks project, which spans multiple destinations and continues to promote Italian cocktail culture both nationally and internationally.

A contemporary approach to mixology

At the heart of FCW26 were 55 Selected Cocktail Bars, each presenting a dedicated cocktail list featuring:

• one signature cocktail
• one low or alcohol-free option
• one classic cocktail

This structure reflects a balanced approach to modern drinking, combining creativity, quality and a growing focus on mindful consumption.

Back to the roots of bartending

A key highlight of this year’s edition was the renewed focus on classic cocktails.

In a landscape often driven by experimentation, revisiting the foundations of mixology reinforces the importance of technique, knowledge and respect for the craft, while maintaining space for innovation.

Community and the next generation

Florence Cocktail Week continues to invest in the bartending community by supporting both established professionals and emerging talent.

Initiatives such as Young Guest Bartender and the Barkeeper project brought attention to the new generation, while also highlighting the role of local bartenders in shaping the city’s identity.

Mixology beyond the bar

FCW26 also explored the connection between mixology and gastronomy through concepts such as:

• Dining with the Spirits
• Pizza with the Spirits
• Pastry with the Spirits
• Gelato with the Spirits

These collaborations showcased how spirits can extend beyond the glass, becoming part of a broader culinary experience.

Wellness and mindful drinking

This year’s edition placed strong emphasis on wellbeing and low & no alcohol drinks, with clear indications of alcohol content across cocktail lists.

The focus reflects a broader shift in drinking culture, where the value of a drink lies not only in its alcohol content but in the overall experience it delivers.

A city evolving with its bar scene

The growth of Florence Cocktail Week mirrors the evolution of the city itself.

With an increasing number of cocktail bars, hotel bars and new concepts, Florence has established itself as a key destination for quality drinking in Europe.

International collaborations

Florence Cocktail Week 2026 further strengthened its international presence through collaborations with leading industry events.

Among the International Cocktail Event Partners were Athens Bar Show and Salonica Bar Show, highlighting the connection between these platforms and their shared goal of promoting contemporary cocktail culture on a global level.

Learn more about Florence Cocktail Week

See all Cocktail Weeks by Paola Mencarelli