Visiting Manifattura Cocktail Bar in Florence – All About Italian Spirits

manifattura bar entrance

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, […]

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In Search of the Best Negroni in Lucca

Negroni

My Negroni search continues… This time in the beautiful city of Lucca, which is known for its medieval city walls, a hundred churches, Puccini, Boccherini, Paolini and many other famous artists. Located close to Pisa and near the Ligurian Sea, Lucca is a must-visit town in Tuscany. There are, of course, many bars and restaurants […]

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Where to Enjoy an Aperitivo in Lucca

I have researched the best aperitivo places in Lucca within the city walls. It gets pretty hot in Tuscany during the summer months, so I don’t always feel like eating much or cooking at home. Therefore, aperitivo is ideal as you can choose how much to eat, the food seems lighter, and it is complemented […]

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Spritz Recipes for Summer

Summer spritz cocktail

Whether you are starting to feel the strain of the quarantine restrictions or just fancy something fizzy to match the season, these spritz recipes will bring a smile to your face!

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Living in Lockdown – Tips for Keeping Sane

View over Florence

“No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” – John Donne With the current climate of uncertainty and restrictions, the best advice is to stay at home as much as possible. If you are able to work from home, do so. Some […]

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The End of Aperitivo – How Coronavirus Is Affecting the Drinks Industry

river arno in florence

This year has been something of a disaster so far, from flooding to bushfires to coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading across the globe. When it comes to the virus, you could argue the panic it has created is worse than the virus itself, with a lot of misinformation on social media and incredibly selfish behaviour in the […]

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Where to Drink in Florence in Winter?

River Arno Florence

If you are travelling to Florence in winter, the weather might not always be nice enough to sip wine outdoors. Below I have listed some cosy venues across town to enjoy a Spritz or other drinks. Many of these venues also have daily aperitivo, which a great alternative for dinner, especially if you’re travelling on […]

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The Ultimate Guide to Hosting an Aperitivo

Aperol Spritz

Italians really know how to eat well. They appreciate food a lot, and on a good day the whole dining experience may include some five to six courses starting with an aperitivo. Bring a little bit of Italy to your friends this summer and host an aperitivo at home. What is aperitivo? Aperitivo is an […]

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Where to Enjoy an Aperitivo in Florence

View over Florence

Aperitivo is a huge part of the Italian lifestyle, yet many visitors seem to miss this fun experience. Italians love to socialise and enjoy a good cocktail, but they rarely drink without food. That’s where aperitivo comes in handy. It’s also a great way to enjoy delicious Italian foods if you’re on a budget. What is […]

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