Anyone who knows me knows that I am a sucker for a beautiful panoramic view of Florence. I am in love with my city and there is no better way to really revel in its marvelousness than by embracing its full glory on one of the many rooftop terraces around town. Last week, I joined my friend Alexandra Korey, Elena Farinelli, Kristina ‘Yelp’ community manager, The Florentine for a special event trying 27 different new cocktails on top of Hotel Minerva in Piazza Santa Maria Novella.

I have to say its a huge sacrifice to be forced to try different cocktails in a stunning location overlooking Florence but alas, I took that challenge with every ounce of energy I had ;-).

3 top reasons to visit Grand Hotel Minerva’s rooftop terrace. 

• Terrace view over-looking the city {duh – even Jesus would be impressed}.
• Cocktails & more cocktails — did I mention drinks? Oh yes, and real food. Not just salty nuts & the odd cheese cube.
• You can have a drink the same color as the pool water.

I have been up here last year during the season’s ‘Terrazza con vista‘ – {a really cool initiative involving hotel rooftop terraces open to the public around town.} The great thing about Minerva is that they have a pool {open only to hotel guests} and a decent aperitivo to accompany your drink!

We each chose a cocktail by surprise and mine happened to be titled ‘swimming pool’ and you can guess that indeed, it was the color of the hotel swimming pool. And it tasted like a pina colada. I did manage to take a sneaky sip of Marco’s pimped out ‘pims (have no idea the real name but you get the idea) which was very refreshing and rather large! I also had a sip of Kristina’s drink as well, ok well I know sound rather like a lush but they all looked so fantastic!

I really cannot get enough of these panoramic views, to think that when I was a student I used to avoid this piazza because it was ‘creepy.’ Ahh naive Georgette. They have put a lot of work and effort into this area in Florence and honestly, it shows. Pretty flowers, benches and often enough market & exhibitions. I am a fan.

Back to drinks — you can pretty much get anything you want. I ended up ordering my favorite Moscow Mule off the menu since I am going through a less-sugary-mojito phase. From a Florentine negroni to a very American cosmopolitan – you can even stick with un bel prosecco or spritz.

Aperitivo ranges from about 8 euros to 12 (depending on what drink you get and it does include the buffet) which is pretty awesome since normally you pay about 5 euros an ice cube for a view like this in the center of Florence. I recommend making reservations either by emailing or calling 055 – 27230, [email protected]. The aperitivo is every day from 7-9pm. Grand Hotel Minerva facebook page.

I’ll leave you with one last sunset, because after all – a blog based in Florence deserves a minimal amount of cheesy tramonte shots!

Until then… cin cin {Italian for cheers} 

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