A drink in the Medici garden: Florentine stories in a glass

Not through monuments or museums, but through simple, unhurried gestures that capture the city’s most authentic essence. And there is one special place we hold dear, where time slows down and history comes to life in a glass.
It is the bar at Hotel Orto de’ Medici, where every cocktail tells a story rooted in the Florentine Renaissance, between the genius of Lorenzo the Magnificent and the branches of the ancient garden where a young Michelangelo began to shape his destiny.

Our garden is not just a green space in the heart of the historic center. It is what remains of the ancient Garden of San Marco, where in the second half of the 15th century Lorenzo de’ Medici established a School of Art and Sculpture. Here, young talents were trained, including a promising Michelangelo Buonarroti, who met the Magnificent in this very place, forming a bond that would change the course of art history.
Today, nothing remains of that school, yet its spirit lives on in our carefully tended and elegant garden, dominated by the ancient chinaberry tree, which blooms with unique beauty in spring. It also lives on in the captivating stories our bartender Alessandro shares with guests, turning every drink into a fascinating journey through the centuries.

Alessandro is not just a talented bartender: he is a storyteller. His ability to weave together the history of the Medici, the garden, and Florence with the art of mixology has captivated our guests, who find themselves enchanted not only by the taste of the cocktails, but by the stories behind them. For this reason, we have reimagined our bar menu, creating a selection of Signature Cocktails that celebrate Florence, the garden, and the Medici dynasty through local ingredients and recipes inspired by Florentine tradition.
The Medici Garden Tonic, for example, is inspired by Alchermes, the historic Florentine liqueur beloved by the Medici. Made with Peter in Florence Gin, a Tuscan craft gin infused with Florentine iris, premium tonic and orange peel, this cocktail is a direct tribute to the family that made Florence the capital of the Renaissance.
The Giardino dei Medici, on the other hand, celebrates the greenery that surrounds us: Tuscan gin, fresh rosemary, lemon sour mix and soda water come together in an aromatic and refreshing drink that seems to capture the very essence of our corner of nature.
And if you prefer a spritz, the Tuscan Spritz, with Venturo Aperitivo, Prosecco, soda water, lemon and fresh basil, brings the freshness and modern spirit of contemporary Tuscany into your glass, while staying firmly rooted in tradition.

From May to October, the bar opens onto a charming terrace overlooking the garden. Enjoying a cocktail here means immersing yourself in an atmosphere suspended between past and present: before you, the greenery of the Medici garden; around you, the branches of the chinaberry tree; and in your hands, a glass that tells centuries of Florentine history.
Alessandro will recommend the perfect drink for any moment of the day, but he will also share an anecdote about Lorenzo the Magnificent, recount the legend of Michelangelo in the garden, or explain why the Florentine iris became the symbol of the city.
Staying at Hotel Orto de’ Medici means experiencing Florence as a privileged guest, guided by the beauty of its most authentic places. And our bar is an integral part of this experience.

Book your stay at Hotel Orto de’ Medici and treat yourself to a drink in the garden that once nurtured Renaissance genius. Discover how a simple aperitif can become an unforgettable journey through art, history, and tradition.