Florence, Italy: The 3 Best Drinks!

When I go out in the evening, I prefer an Aperitivo over a conventional dinner for several reasons. First, I like dusk. I think the sky is gorgeous after the sunset and I love to see the moon rising. Early evening is the time when people are meeting up for drinks after work, and there is always a buzz of excitement in the air. The night is still young! Second, I don't like eating much at night. My main meal of the day is usually a late lunch and I like it that way. And third, Aperitivo is so much more FUN than dinner because it's livelier. People are chatting animatedly and there is usually great music in the background.

People go to bars for fun and excitement, otherwise, they would just drink at home (after all, it's so much cheaper to buy alcohol in the supermarket, right?). When my husband and I go to a bar for an aperitivo, we want to have a good time. We look for bars that offer something unique, something worth leaving the house for instead of just drinking a cocktail at home. The following three drinks are my favorite in town and I have listed the bars where you can get them. Since I like all three drinks equally, the following list is in alphabetical order according to the bar's name:

1. BAR: Caffe il Sole (Via Guelfa, 25r. - Firenze) DRINK: Spritz (Very popular in the north of Italy, especially the Veneto region. Usually made with Prosecco and a splash of Aperol, topped off with some sparkling mineral water. NOTE: Franco adds a bit of fruit to his Spritz in order to jazz it up a bit- yum!)

Caffe il Sole used to be our old neighborhood bar and we like it so much that we still go there. The owner, Franco, is "old school" Italian. He is always gracious and friendly and loves to chat (only if you speak Italian, of course). If you want to go to a traditional Italian bar- this is it. Cocktails are prepared with pride and don't cost much at all. Since he is from Calabria, he usually sets out some very, very spicy 'Nduja (sausage spread) for you to nibble on with your drink. There are lots of other snacks, too. In the morning, this caffe bar serves full American breakfast at a reasonable price, so check it out if you are visiting Florence!

2. BAR: Negroni (Via dei Renai, 17r. - Firenze) Drink: Negroni (Believed to be invented by Count Negroni in the early 20th century right here in Florence, thus making it the official Florentine cocktail. Made with equal parts of Campari, Sweet Red Vermouth and Gin, served with an orange wedge).

Negroni Bar has always been a great place to sip a Negroni and enjoy a plate or two of their tasty aperitivo buffet. The owner, Max, is a big guy that may look intimidating at first, but he's super friendly and is usually around socializing with his patrons. The inside is very small and cozy, with candlelit tables, so it's the perfect place for a romantic date. In the early evening, the music is usually laid back (Buddha Bar style lounge music) and they keep the volume at a level that is easily heard without having to scream across the table. Later at night, high energy music and higher volume for the party crowd. They also serve lunch during the week.

3. Bar: X Bacco (Piazza S. Croce, 3r. - Firenze) Drink: Caipirinha (Traditional Brazilian drink- not Italian- but, oh, soooo good. Made with fresh limes crushed with cane sugar and Cachaca).

X Bacco is unique because of its privileged location: Piazza Santa Croce. With plenty of seating outside, it's a great place to meet with friends and enjoy the gorgeous facade of S. Croce church. Sine one of the owners, Toto, is Brazilian,he knows how to make the BEST Caipirinha cocktail in town (if you have not tried one of these, you should). Inside, there is plenty of room and two bars. During the day, people can enjoy drinks and snacks outside and relax. At night, it becomes a trendy disco with high energy music, promotional event parties and live DJ sets.

Ok, all this writing about drinks has made me thirsty. I think I'll suggest an aperitivo to my husband now...Let me know if you go and how you like it! Thanks for reading!

Coming to Florence? VISIT: www.florenceinsider.com

xoxo, C