Italian co*cktails: 15 Drinks Recipes Inspired by Italy (2024)

Italian co*cktails are classics anywhere you go. The Spritz, the Negroni, the Bellinithey’re all here in this collection of 15 Italian-inspired co*cktails!

Italian co*cktails: 15 Drinks Recipes Inspired by Italy (1)

Aperitivo is the word used in Italian to both describe a co*cktail and the Italian happy hour. The purpose of l’aperitivo is to tease your stomach into what’s coming next (dinner!). A happy hour designed to make you hungry—how perfect is that?

You’re probably familiar with some ultra-popular, classic Italian co*cktails: the Spritz, the Negroni, and the Bellini need no presentation. But, as you’ll see, there are many other delicious Italian-born and Italian-inspired options as well! Once you’ve mastered the classics, you can always experiment and try your own creative twists!

Italian co*cktails are the perfect summer drinks. I can personally hardly think of a more satisfying sip than an Aperol Spritz enjoyed on a sunny patio!

But don’t drink on an empty stomach! Remember to have delicious finger foods to nibble on while you and your friends sip your drinks. You could, for example, try some easy Spicy and Sweet co*cktail Pecans for a little crunch. Or, pair up some with a chunky Romesco Dip. These bites are just what you’ll all need to whet your appetite for what’s to come!

Classic Italian co*cktails

Let’s start with the classics…

1. Spritz Veneziano co*cktail

by Bacon is Magic

The Spritz co*cktail is one of the most well-known Italian co*cktails, mixing Prosecco with either Aperol or Campari and club soda. It’s a light, refreshing mix of sweet and bitter—perfect for your summer patio. In Venice, it’s often served with white wine instead of Prosecco. Venetians also top it with the traditional slice of orange and an olive to make it a Spritz Veneziano.

Italian co*cktails: 15 Drinks Recipes Inspired by Italy (2)

2. The Classic Negroni co*cktail

by Xoxo Bella

A negroni co*cktail is a classic Italian co*cktail that’s richly flavored and so delicious. Learning how to make the best negroni is quick and easy. In fact, it’s so easy that you only need three ingredients, some ice, and a slice of orange to garnish each drink.

Italian co*cktails: 15 Drinks Recipes Inspired by Italy (3)

3. Negroni Sbagliato

by Sidewalk Shoes

In the Negroni Sbagliato, the classic Campari and gin co*cktail gets a twist with sparkling wine! Switching up gin for sparkling wine or champagne gives this pretty red co*cktail a fun bubbly flare. Sparkling wine, Campari and vermouth make an amazingly refreshing co*cktail!

Italian co*cktails: 15 Drinks Recipes Inspired by Italy (4)

4. Americano co*cktail

by A Couple Cooks

Here’s how to make the very best Americano co*cktail! This classic three-ingredient co*cktail is bubbly and refreshing, starring Campari and vermouth.

Italian co*cktails: 15 Drinks Recipes Inspired by Italy (5)

5. Bellini co*cktail

by How Sweet Eats

Create a DIY Bellini bar for your next brunch and let every customize one of the most popular summer brunch co*cktails.

Italian co*cktails: 15 Drinks Recipes Inspired by Italy (6)

6. Garibaldi co*cktail

by A Couple Cooks

The Garibaldi co*cktail is an Italian drink with only 2 ingredients: Campari and orange juice! It’s a surprisingly balanced combination.

Italian co*cktails: 15 Drinks Recipes Inspired by Italy (7)

7. Gin and It

by The Spruce Eats

An Italian take on the popular Gin and It that combines sweet red vermouth and gin. Enjoy as a pre-dinner co*cktail!

Italian co*cktails: 15 Drinks Recipes Inspired by Italy (8)

8. Sgroppino Al Limone (Lemon Prosecco Float co*cktail)

by Vikalinka

Lemon sorbet drowned in fizzy Prosecco is what makes this Italian classic co*cktail, Sgroppino, absolutely delightful when served on its own or as a palate cleanser at the end of a dinner.

Italian co*cktails: 15 Drinks Recipes Inspired by Italy (9)

9. Homemade Limoncello

by Hilda’s Kitchen Blog

If you enjoy lemony treats, you’ll love this Italian Limoncello Recipe. Italians consume this delicious drink as an after-dinner digestive.

Italian co*cktails: 15 Drinks Recipes Inspired by Italy (10)

Creative Twists on Classic Italian co*cktails

Once you have the classics under your belt, you can get creative with your co*cktails. Here’s some ideas to get you started:

1. Orange Spritz Aperitivo

by The Petite Cook

Super refreshing Orange Spritz is the perfect co*cktail for the summer weather. Serve this with an antipasto board for a true Italian aperitivo!

Italian co*cktails: 15 Drinks Recipes Inspired by Italy (11)

2. Kombucha Campari Spritz

by Simple Bites

Bitter Campari is combined with sweet kombucha and smoothed out by club soda in this Kombucha Campari Spritz. It makes for a refreshing, low-alcohol sip!

Italian co*cktails: 15 Drinks Recipes Inspired by Italy (12)

3. Strawberry Rosé Aperol Spritz

by My Kitchen Love

A blast of sweet strawberries, balanced with a touch of bitter Aperol, this Strawberry Rosé Aperol Spritz is perfect to start your evening.

Italian co*cktails: 15 Drinks Recipes Inspired by Italy (13)

4. Aperitini (Aperol and Tequila co*cktail)

by Super Golden Bakes

Need some new co*cktail inspiration? Meet the Aperitini: a refreshing but potent co*cktail made with Campari, Aperol, and Tequila. Try an optional sparkling Prosecco as a top-up! Lovers of the Aperol Spritz will enjoy this modern take on the classic co*cktail.

Italian co*cktails: 15 Drinks Recipes Inspired by Italy (14)

5. Venetian Blush (Campari and Orange co*cktail)

by A Taste For Travel

This pretty pink co*cktail, The Venetian Blush, features the classic crimson-hued Italian liqueur mixed with orange and pomegranate juices topped with sparkling soda.

Italian co*cktails: 15 Drinks Recipes Inspired by Italy (15)

6. Amalfi Martini Limoncello

by Three Olive Branch

This Amalfi Limoncello Martini uses lots of fresh lemon flavors with a hint of mint!

Italian co*cktails: 15 Drinks Recipes Inspired by Italy (16)

Italian co*cktails: 15 Drinks Recipes Inspired by Italy (2024)

FAQs

What is Italy's most famous co*cktail? ›

Whenever anyone mentions classic Italian co*cktails, the Aperol Spritz is usually the first one that comes to mind. Perfect for those hot summer months, sitting outside and socialising with friends with a cool drink in hand, the Aperol Spritz is sweet, vibrant and refreshing.

What drink is associated with Italy? ›

Campari - Characterized by its dark red color and bitter flavor, Campari is the National Drink of Italy. Born in the Piedmont city of Novara, this distinct Italian alcoholic liqueur is made from the infusion of herbs and fruit in alcohol and water. It's an acquired taste for sure, but it's ever-present in Italy.

What is the summer drink of Italy? ›

Summer Spritz

The original spritz comes from Veneto in Italy, where Prosecco was also born. It's believed that the drink originated during the 1800s when Austrians visiting Italy would dilute Italian wines with a 'spritz' ('splash' in German) of soda water, to make it more to their taste.

What Italian co*cktail has gained worldwide popularity as a drink to stimulate your appetite before a meal? ›

The Navy Negroni is a riff on the classic Negroni, an Italian aperitif co*cktail that has gained worldwide popularity as a drink to stimulate your appetite before a meal.

What is the top 3 drinks in Italy? ›

In conclusion, the Margarita, Gin Tonic, and Negroni have earned their place as Italy's top three co*cktails, each showcasing unique flavors and ingredients that are deeply rooted in the nation's rich mixology heritage.

What co*cktail is Rome known for? ›

Aperol Spritz – An aperol spritz is a beautiful orange drink that you'll see all over Rome at this time. It is made up of aperol, prosecco, and soda, and often there are fruits that are added for garnish to the drink. Negroni – If you're wanting something a little more bitter, this could be for you.

What co*cktails is Italy known for? ›

Campari and Aperol are among the most common apéritifs in Italy, serving as main ingredients in classic Italian co*cktails like the Aperol Spritz and Negroni. We've rounded up a few of our favorites, so you can bring Italy home, one delicious sip at a time.

What is the pink drink in Italy? ›

The Bellini consists of puréed white peaches and Prosecco, an Italian sparkling wine. Marinating fresh peaches in wine is an Italian tradition. The original recipe was made with a bit of raspberry or cherry juice to give the drink a pink glow.

What is the red Italian drink? ›

Campari was invented in 1860 by Gaspare Campari in Novara, Italy. It was originally coloured with carmine dye, derived from crushed cochineal insects, which gave the drink its distinctive red colour.

What is the Sicilian drink? ›

Exotico® Blanco Tequila, mixed with limoncello, pomegranate juice, and fresh lime. Perfect for a crowd or sipping on your own.

What is the yellow drink in Italy? ›

Italian digestif: Strega

' This yellow liqueur originates from Benevento, Campania, a city in Italy famous for its many legends about witches. The distinctive yellow color comes from saffron, although it contains a whopping 70 ingredients.

What is the strongest Italian drink? ›

Grappa is an alcoholic beverage: a fragrant, grape-based pomace brandy of Italian origin that contains 35 to 60 percent alcohol by volume (70 to 120 US proof). Grappa is a protected name in the European Union.

What co*cktail was invented in Italy? ›

Often described as an Italian sunset in a glass, the Aperol Spritz originated in the city of Padua and has become one of the most famous co*cktails from Italy. The Aperol liqueur became a beloved apéritif in Padua and out of its rising popularity the Aperol Spritz was born during the chic 1950s in Northern Italy.

What do Italians drink every morning? ›

However, coffee in the morning is something that almost all Italians agree on! A cappuccino for breakfast is one of the most popular ways to start the day in Italy. The large cup and foamy top are both recognizable and beloved.

What is the Italian co*cktail after dinner? ›

Over time, Italians began to serve amari after meals; it was thought that the bitter taste cued the body to accelerate digestion. And thus, the delicious Italian digestivo tradition was born.

Do Italians actually drink Aperol Spritz? ›

Often described as an Italian sunset in a glass, the Aperol Spritz originated in the city of Padua and has become one of the most famous co*cktails from Italy. The Aperol liqueur became a beloved apéritif in Padua and out of its rising popularity the Aperol Spritz was born during the chic 1950s in Northern Italy.

What is an Aperol Spritz called in Italy? ›

The Aperol Spritz aka the Spritz Veneziano originated in Venice and is made with Prosecco, soda water, and Aperol.

What is the most famous co*cktail in Rome? ›

A typical drink in Rome is the Aperol spritz and it usually comes with a snack of some sort. These are just some of the most common co*cktails Romans drink. Along with prosecco of course.

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