Manifattura is a cocktail bar in Florence specialising in all the best Italian spirits and liqueurs from across the country. The bar serves ONLY Italian products, so if you want a Margarita cocktail, you’ll have to go somewhere else. Manifattura has been open since 2017. It has been a few years since my last visit, so it was about time I went back to test their Negroni.
The bar is based in the city centre not too far from Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, making it a great place for pre- or post-dinner cocktails. If you are interested in Italian drinks, Manifattura is a must-visit.
We usually sit at the front of the bar, which is partly outside, but as there were a few of us and the weather was cooler, we decided to sit at the back of the bar, which, in my opinion, lacked a little atmosphere. Note to self, dress warmer and sit at the front! Also, if you are on your own or with a friend, the bar counter is a nice place to sit and admire all the interesting bottles.
Cocktails
The cocktail menu consists of many variations of classic cocktails and some of their own creations, all of which come with a little quote card that has the ingredients included on the back. A nice little memory to take home. As you might expect, there are many bitter cocktails on the menu, but also more floral and lighter options for those not into the classic Italian aperitivo bitters.
The staff were very friendly and happy to answer any questions and offer suggestions. A friend of mine wanted something similar to Amaretto Sour and they created their own take on it with slightly more interesting ingredients. My friend loved it and ended up drinking a few of those during the evening.
I tried their classic Negroni (obviously!), Conte Camillo, which was made with Occitan Gin, Bitter Fusetti, Bitter Operarossa and Vermouth Rosso Carlo Alberto.
As I prefer my Negroni a bit more on the bitter side (I think I’m too accustomed to Campari) and the classic didn’t quite get there – it was enjoyable but a bit too mellow, the bartender recommended I try their Negroni Calabrese. Once I heard it was made with nduja-infusion and a peated gin, I was all in. It sounded intriguing and different.
The full ingredients list included nduja-infused Occitan Gin, Gin Gil Torbato, Bitter Gagliardo and Vermouth Rosso Carlo Alberto Riserva (it’s an excellent vermouth). Nduja is a spicy, red, spreadable Italian salami made using different parts of pork and spiced with Calabrian red chillies. So, if you are fully veggie, this Negroni is not for you.
The Gin Gil Torbato is also from Calabria. The juniper gets its smoky flavour from peat smoke. The gin is made with ‘low altitude’ juniper, wormwood, elderberry, and angelica. It is then flavoured with infusions of lemon, bergamot, bitter orange, oregano, and aloe. These are left to macerate for three to four months. The result is filtered through a simple linen cloth and therefore the spirit maintains its original colour.
Negroni Calabrese was definitely bitter, at first almost sharp with the chillies and the peat. But once the ice began to dilute it and my palate got used to it, it was quite a pleasant experience. Unfortunately, it is quite pricey at €18, so not something you will enjoy too often.
I also tried Gorilla, which is basically a Gibson martini made with Gin Arte, Baldoria Vermouth, and sweet and sour onions. The vermouth adds nice savoury note to the cocktail.
If you are curious about the various Italian spirits, amari and other liqueurs, Manifattura is the place to go. But if you are looking for the best Negroni in town, I don’t think you’ll find it here. The prices have increased a fair bit since the opening (everything used to be under €10), but I guess that’s the world we live in just now and the prices are climbing everywhere.
Manifattura, Piazza di San Pancrazio 1, 50123 Firenze
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