My explorations in Italy frequently lead me to discover charming spots for a delightful drink, and my recent travels through Rome and Florence were no exception. I have a particular fondness for amaro, so I made a point of seeking out places where I could sample and even purchase some of my favorites. I truly enjoyed every cocktail bar I visited; each offered a unique atmosphere and a memorable experience. While I won’t detail every drink I tried, I’m happy to elaborate on any specific bar if you’re curious.
For most of these establishments, I found it best to make a reservation in advance, sometimes weeks ahead, though a day or two was often sufficient. Visiting mid-week also seemed to help secure a table. The service at each place was consistently excellent. My husband and I typically enjoyed sharing between three to five expertly crafted cocktails from their signature menus, usually after dinner, around 8 to 11 pm. This guide focuses on these dedicated cocktail venues, not the more casual afternoon aperitivo spots where a simple Hugo or Aperol Spritz is often the order of the day.
Rome’s Liquid Treasures
Rome offered a wonderful array of sophisticated and intriguing cocktail destinations.
Il Marchese: A Taste of Amaro Excellence
I had the pleasure of experiencing Il Marchese during lunchtime, and it proved to be a rather indulgent, yet delicious, affair with a distinctly upscale ambiance. While they didn’t present a dedicated amaro menu, after our meal, we inquired about a tasting. The bar was quite busy, and a full tasting wasn’t feasible. However, the bartender kindly devised a bespoke flight of four amaros tailored to our preferences. He brought out the bottles, explaining each one with a touch of insight. For a more in-depth tasting experience, I’d recommend calling ahead to arrange it, as the process wasn’t immediately obvious.
Enoteca Costantini: A Wine Lover’s Paradise
Just a stone’s throw from Il Marchese, Enoteca Costantini served as our destination for acquiring a few bottles of amaro to bring home. Their selection is genuinely impressive, though it can feel a bit overwhelming. My advice would be to have an idea of what you’re looking for or to have explored tastings beforehand. We ended up purchasing Amaro Dente Di Leone, Jefferson, Amara Rossa, and Amaro Formidabile. A small tip: they close in the afternoons and reopen for the evening, so don’t plan a visit immediately after a Roman lunch as we initially did!
Drink Kong: Modern and Innovative
Drink Kong exuded a very trendy and modern vibe. It’s a bit dark, with a contemporary feel and a lively, almost loud, atmosphere. The cocktail menu is incredibly creative. We secured seats at the bar, and the drinks were prepared with impressive speed, utilizing a batching system for efficiency, with final touches added tableside. It wasn’t always easy to gauge the sweetness or spirit-forward nature of a drink from the menu descriptions, so a quick chat with the bartender might be beneficial. Most of the drinks we sampled were wonderfully smooth, easily drinkable, and pleasantly sweet, which I thoroughly enjoyed. If you’re seeking a more spirit-forward cocktail, it might be worth clarifying your preference or perhaps we simply gravitated towards their sweeter creations.
The Race Club: A Vintage Speakeasy Gem
The Race Club offered a refreshing change of pace with its casual, vintage speakeasy ambiance. It was quiet during our visit, and even had a charming touch of Christmas music playing. The preparation and service of drinks were a bit more leisurely here, but the presentations were undeniably fun and delightfully whimsical. They provided a good range in terms of how spirit-forward or mellow the cocktails were.
Florence’s Cocktail Charms
Florence, with its artistic heritage, also boasts some exceptional places to enjoy a well-made drink.
Giacosa: The Birthplace of the Negroni
Our food tour guide kindly recommended Giacosa, a place famously known as the original home of the Negroni. This small, contemporary bar serves wonderfully tasty drinks, presented with a fun and visually appealing menu. While my husband and I aren’t typically huge Negroni fans, the one we tried here was perhaps the best we’ve ever encountered.
Rasputin: An Exclusive Speakeasy Experience
Rasputin is a dark, formal, and undeniably romantic speakeasy. Reservations are absolutely essential here. The experience comes with a few quirky rules and very formal service, yet the staff managed to be incredibly friendly. The drinks were indeed the most expensive of our entire trip, but they were also absolutely breathtaking. We loved it so much that we actually returned the very next night. The ambiance is captivating, and the cocktails are almost exclusively whiskey and Scotch-based, with just a few gin options. Even if you don’t typically gravitate towards whiskey (as I don’t, though my husband is a fan), the drinks were so impeccably balanced and flavorful, I was completely won over.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is amaro?
Amaro is an Italian herbal liqueur traditionally drunk after meals. It is typically made with a base of neutral grain alcohol into which various botanicals, herbs, flowers, spices, and citrus peels are steeped. The flavor profile can range from sweet to bitter, depending on the ingredients used.
Is it necessary to make reservations for these cocktail bars?
For most of the highly-regarded cocktail bars, especially speakeasies like Rasputin, reservations are strongly recommended, and often required. Some places suggest booking weeks in advance, while others might accommodate reservations made a day or two out.
What is the typical time to visit these cocktail bars?
The author typically visited these establishments after dinner, between 8 pm and 11 pm. This timing is generally after the main dinner rush and before the late-night crowds, offering a more relaxed experience.
Are these bars suitable for families?
These establishments are generally geared towards adults and offer a sophisticated drinking experience. While well-behaved children might be permitted in some earlier hours, it’s advisable to check with individual bars regarding their policies, as most are designed for an adult atmosphere.
What are the best times of year to visit Italy for cocktail bar exploration?
The shoulder seasons, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), often provide pleasant weather for exploring cities like Rome and Florence. Mid-week visits are also recommended for easier access to popular bars.
References
Drink Kong
Enoteca Costantini
Giacosa
Il Marchese
The Race Club
Rasputin
Italy’s vibrant culinary scene extends far beyond its pasta and pizza, with its cocktail culture offering a delightful journey of its own. If you’ve discovered any hidden gems or can recommend other spectacular spots for a drink in these cities or elsewhere in Italy, please share your insights in the comments below! I’m always eager to add more to my list for future adventures with my family.