Florence, Italy: Art Bar- 100% Artisan Cocktails & Divine Daquiries

"Wow" is the word that usually comes out of people's mouths when their daiquiri is presented to them. Brothers Libe and Paolo have been running the Art Bar since 1983. Prior to that, it was a historical coffee bar known as Antico Caffe del Moro (since it is on Via del Moro). The palazzo itself dates back to the 17th century, so the history is pretty impressive.

When you walk into this small, charming bar, you will no doubt see the brothers busily making cocktails. The hum of conversation permeates the air as people munch on complimentary olives, popcorn and chips (crisps), each anxiously awaiting his or her perfect cocktail. Candles at each small table set off a cheery glow. The specialty of the house? It's hard to say, but I would guess it is the mojitos and daquiries.

Each mojito is made with the finest, freshest mint and limes, carefully (and lovingly) hand- ground with a wooden pestle, glass by glass. You can get various flavors, too, including ginger mojito and passion fruit mojito (shown). The pina colada and fruit daquiry come with a literal cornucopia of fresh, mouth-watering seasonal fruit, which of course, is meant to be eaten with great relish. The beautiful (and precarious) manner in which the fruits are displayed makes it almost a pity to eat since it looks so fabulous when it arrives to the table.

Art Bar hosts regular art exhibits (mostly photographic) and takes pride in creating their own works of art by making each individual cocktail an edible masterpiece. This is not the place to grab a quick drink, mind you. It takes a little longer to make an artisan cocktail, but it is so well worth the wait!

This little gem is a MUST if you are in Florence. I guarantee that you will not have a cocktail like this in any other bar in town. As always, thank you for reading!

C. De Melo
Author & Artist
www.cdemelo.com