A Renaissance of the Senses: Inside the Four Seasons Firenze’s Transportive New Cocktail Experience
Edo Sandri and Paolo Lavezzini
In Florence, where every cobblestone is steeped in history, true luxury lies in the ability to be continually surprised. Nowhere is this more palpable than at the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze—recently ranked No. 9 among the World's 50 Best Hotels. Housed within a 15th-century palazzo bordered by the city’s largest private botanical garden, the hotel is a sanctuary of Renaissance grandeur. Yet, beneath the spectacular glass skylight of the Atrium Bar, a decidedly modern alchemy is taking place
The bar has just unveiled The Tasting Globe, an avant-garde menu that dismantles the boundaries between haute cuisine and high-end mixology. Far from your standard spritzes, this is a liquid memoir.
A Dialogue Between Kitchen and Shaker
The Tasting Globe serves as an intimate autobiography of Executive Chef Paolo Lavezzini, drawing on the profound culinary encounters and professional milestones that have defined his global travels. It captures the visceral emotions of flavor that linger long after a journey ends.
To translate this vision into the glass, Chef Lavezzini partnered with Edoardo Sandri, the Atrium Bar’s Assistant Bar Manager. Since joining the Four Seasons in 2008, he has earned the prestigious "Bartender of the Year" title at the 2022 Bar Awards.
“We wanted to create a cocktail list that bridges cuisine and mixology in a meaningful way,” Sandri explains. “Each drink originates from a dish that shaped Chef Paolo’s palate. It’s not a literal interpretation, but a translation of its identity—the emotion, the memory, the flavor profile—into a contemporary cocktail.”
The Itinerary
The presentation is pure theater. Guests are presented with a bespoke, interactive globe at their table. Tracing the five countries that shaped the chef’s voyage, the globe features hidden drawers that unveil the secret botanicals anchoring each drink.
Two undeniable standouts from the journey include:
France: Crêpe Suzette Evoking the polished charm of a dimly lit Parisian bistro, this cocktail masters the delicate interplay of bright citrus and rich, burnt caramel. It provides subtle warmth with a remarkably elegant finish.
Diplomatico Planas Rum, Ferrand Dry Curaçao, Fusetti Cocoa Bitter, Salted Caramel Butter, and Ex-Vin Santo Cask Aged by Winestillery.
The United States: Bagel & Lox A daring transatlantic leap, this creation captures the sensory overload of a New York City morning. It is a masterclass in savory mixology, distilling creamy, smoky, and lightly pickled nuances into a highly sophisticated sip.
Siete Misterios Mezcal, Salmon Redistilled Altamura Vodka, Cadello 88, Pickled Cucumber and Sour Cream, Acid-Adjusted Agave, Celery Bitter, and Sesame Essence.
The Final Destination
Ultimately, The Tasting Globe is a highly curated sensory passport. Whether designed to spark curiosity or surprise the palate, each drink serves a purpose. Born from a joyful exchange between Chef Lavezzini’s culinary mastery and Sandri’s precise approach to mixology, it is an invitation to travel the world from the comfort of Florence’s most glamorous room.