Gucci Giardino 25

Inaspettato – Cachaça infused with Basil, liqueur and fig, vanilla, soy, black pepper, and black tea

In 2022, I stumbled upon a video of mixologist Martina Bonci preparing two signature cocktails on YouTube, sparking my interest. It was my first encounter with Gucci Giardino 25, which had just opened. A few months later, we returned to Florence, and naturally, the bar overlooking the beautiful Piazza della Signoria was at the top of our priority list.

The bar is part of the Gucci Garden, the iconic brand’s creative and multicultural space, housing not only a bar but also a store, a museum, and the Michelin-starred Gucci Osteria restaurant.

The decor respects the image of the historic florist that once existed there and combines the Florentine atmosphere with the brand’s identity, resulting in a sort of Tuscan café with a bistro feel.

Gucci Giardino 25 embodies not only this duality of ambiance but also one of identity. It is a space that opens up to the city throughout the day, from morning coffees and breakfast to afternoon tea and, of course, lively evenings that attract both fashionistas and cocktail enthusiasts.

The menu reflects this, offering various options throughout the day, from Italian pastries to pasta and the finest charcuterie cuts selected with the guarantee of Massimo Bottura and his Gucci Osteria.

Mémoire di Negroni – gin, white vermouth, Luxardo bitter bianco, yuzu sake, grapefruit bitter

As mentioned earlier, the bar is led by Martina Bonci, whose signature is easily found throughout the menu. Her cocktails are like authentic and colorful works of art, full of identity, vibrant colors, balanced and fresh flavors with layers, served in elegantly minimalist glasses.

Elisir D’Elicriso – a special cocktail made in partnership with Giorgio Bargiani of The Connaught Bar

Despite its short life, Giardino 25 has gathered applause from all corners, from enthusiasts to critics, including guides and awards that Martina and her team have received, such as the No. 50 position in the Top 500 Bars or the recent 50Best Discovery (between us, and given the quality of their offerings, they very much deserve to be among the winners of the 50Best Bars).

Ricordo della nonna – bulleit infused with chestnuts, peanut butter, pear liqueur, and Adriatico amaretto

Among the various cocktails we’ve tried on our visits, two classics always win me: the Mémoire di Negroni and the Chi Si Ferma è Perduto. The former is obviously a riff on the iconic Florentine cocktail, even incorporating the city’s color, and the latter is like an improved and refined version of a Spicy Margarita.

Chi Si Ferma è Perduto – Casamigos, Italicus, Ancho Reyes verde, mint, and lime

Despite these two loves that become indispensable with each return, on this last visit, we were surprised by some innovative creations from the new menu, such as the fantastic Inaspettato, which combines the unusual Cachaça (in Italian bars, obviously) infused with Basil, liqueur and fig, vanilla, soy, black pepper, and black tea, which was then served with thin slices of Parmigiano Reggiano. A cocktail that provided us with an explosion of umami flavors, with all kinds of sweet and salty notes, further enriched when paired with cheese. A true pairing!

Let’s play dirty – Tanqueray Ten, Noilly Prat, black pepper, and brine

Few things discourage me more than a bar whose team does not embody the true spirit and art of being behind the counter. More than mixology, chemistry, and even a bit of haute cuisine, the bartender is a listener, a natural communicator, and a master of hospitality. That’s what makes us return to Gucci Giardino 25, a young team that knows how to face challenges (including a demanding 3-year-old customer!) who smiles, talks, suggests, and understands the customers’ tastes.

What can be said when elegant and surprising signature cocktails are paired with genuine hospitality?

The toughest customer approved her mocktail.

Here’s to many more trips to Florence and to this Gucci Giardino 25.

Prices from 19€
Piazza della Signoria, 37r – Florence

Photos: Flavors & Senses
Text: João Oliveira
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