Italian co*cktails are classics anywhere you go. The Spritz, the Negroni, the Bellini—they’re all here in this collection of 15 Italian-inspired co*cktails!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
6. Amalfi Martini Limoncello
by Three Olive Branch
This Amalfi Limoncello Martini uses lots of fresh lemon flavors with a hint of mint!
