Travel Journal

Italy is not only the land of wonderful food and wine, but also a place with a rich tradition of fantastic Italian cocktails that reflect the deep love for sharing moments with friends and loved ones.  From busy bars in big cities to quiet cafés in small villages, Italian cocktails offer a unique taste experience that you can easily replicate at home. In this article, we explore some of the most famous and best-loved Italian cocktails, perfect to try during your trip to Italy and to recreate at home to impress your friends or simply to enjoy a little of the dolce vita.  Many of these drinks are still rooted in the rituals of the aperitivo, where simple ingredients and a strong sense of occasion come together naturally.

Italian cocktail recipes: make these delicious cocktails at home 

Wondering what to impress your guests with at brunch? Or perhaps you want to indulge with your partner in intimate tipple or two. With this collection of delectable beverages, you are sure to find something that tickles the taste buds. Here are 10 of the best Italian cocktails to try at home: Here are 10 of the best Italian cocktails to try at home: a selection that includes easy Italian cocktail recipes to make at home, refreshing summer serves and some of the country’s best-known aperitivo classics.

Negroni: The classic Italian aperitif 

This delicious beverage was born in Florence in the 1920s, when Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender to make his Americano stronger by replacing soda with gin. The result is a robust and balanced Italian cocktail that has become an aperitif classic. 

Ingredients: 1 part gin, 1 part red vermouth, 1 part Campari. 

Preparation: Pour the ingredients directly into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice, stir gently and garnish with an orange slice. If you are looking for an original Italian aperitivo, the Negroni remains one of the most recognisable and enduring choices.

Aperol Spritz: a midsummer’s dream 

Originating in the Veneto region, the Aperol Spritz has become synonymous with relaxation and sharing good times with the ones you love on those hazy summer evenings. Easy to prepare and pleasantly refreshing, it is the perfect Italian spritz cocktail. 

Ingredients: 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part soda. 

Preparation: Fill a wine glass with ice, pour in the Prosecco, add the Aperol and top with the soda. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice. For a more bitter variant, try the Spritz with Campari instead of Aperol. 

Among the easiest Prosecco cocktail recipes, this is still one of the most popular for warm-weather gatherings.

Bellini: the elegance of Prosecco and peaches 

Created by Giuseppe Cipriani in Venice's famous Harry's Bar in the 1940s, the Bellini is an elegant and delicate famous Italian cocktail, perfect for brunch or a special occasion. 

Ingredients: 2 parts Prosecco, 1 part white peach puree. 

Preparation: Pour the peach puree into a flute, slowly add the Prosecco, and stir gently. 

Its light texture and fruit-forward character make it one of the best Italian drinks for summer parties, especially daytime celebrations.

Americano: the predecessor of the Negroni 

The Americano is a light and refreshing Italian old-fashion cocktail that originated in Milan in the late 19th century. It is the cocktail from which the Negroni was born, and is perfect for those seeking a lower-alcohol drink but still richly flavoured drink. 

Ingredients: 1 part red vermouth, 1 part Campari, soda to taste. 

Preparation: Pour the vermouth and Campari into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice, add soda to taste and garnish with a lemon slice. 

Add an orange peel for a more intense citrus flavour. 

It is often one of the best starting points for anyone who wants classic Italian drinks explained through simple, balanced recipes.

Limoncello Spritz: a touch of the Amalfi Coast 

This classic Italian cocktail is a variation of the well-loved Spritz, using limoncello, the sumptuous lemon liqueur typical of the Amalfi Coast. This cocktail is ideal for those who love fresh, citrusy flavours. 

Ingredients: 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts limoncello, 1 part soda. 

Preparation: Fill a wine glass with ice, pour in the Prosecco, add the limoncello and top with the soda. Stir gently and garnish with a lemon slice. 

For anyone searching for bright and easy Prosecco cocktail recipes, this is one of the most immediate options to try.

Hugo: a fresh and sparkling aperitif 

Originating in South Tyrol, the Hugo is a light and refreshing cocktail, the perfect Italian cocktail drink for summer days. Characterised by its floral and citrus flavour, thanks to the elderflower syrup, this sparkling cocktail is a true delight.Ingredients: 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts soda, 1 part elderflower syrup, mint leaves. 

Preparation: Fill a wine glass with ice, add the Prosecco, soda, and elderflower syrup. Stir gently and garnish with mint leaves and a lime slice. 

It also works beautifully when you need Italian aperitif ideas for guests and want something fresh, floral and easy to serve.

Sgroppino: the liquid dessert 

If you are after an Italian cocktail with vodka, then the Sgroppino might be just the ticket. Originating in the Veneto region of Italy, traditionally served between courses of a meal to cleanse the palate. It is a delicious mix of lemon sorbet, Prosecco, and vodka, which also makes it a great dessert. 

Ingredients: 1 scoop of lemon sorbet, 2 parts Prosecco, 1 part vodka. 

Preparation: Mix the sorbet with the vodka until creamy, then slowly add the Prosecco. Serve immediately in a flute or a cocktail glass. 

Rossini: Prosecco and strawberries 

This divine variation of the Bellini replaces peach with strawberry. This fruity and fresh Italian cocktail is perfect for summer or a refined brunch.  

Ingredients: 2 parts Prosecco, 1 part fresh strawberry puree. 

Preparation: Pour the strawberry puree into a flute, slowly add the Prosecco, and stir gently. 

Because of its colour and flavour, it is often considered one of the most appealing Italian drinks for summer parties.

Negroni Sbagliato: an unexpected twist 

An Italian martini cocktail brimming with sophistication, just like its birthplace, Milan. The Negroni Sbagliato replaces gin with Prosecco, creating a lighter but equally tasty cocktail.

Ingredients: 1 part red vermouth, 1 part Campari, 1 part Prosecco.

Preparation: Pour the vermouth and Campari into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice, add the Prosecco, and stir gently. Garnish with an orange slice. 

Milan-Turin: the best of two cities 

An elegant and balanced drink, represents the two amazing Italian cities with a blend of Campari and vermouth, creating the perfect Italian sunset cocktail, adding more than a touch of elegance to any al fresco dining experience.  

Ingredients: 1 part Campari, 1 part red vermouth. 

Preparation: Pour the ingredients into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice, stir gently and garnish with a lemon or orange peel. 

Enjoy a cocktail at Fiumicino Airport 

At Fiumicino airport you will also have the opportunity to savour some fantastic Italian cocktails. Head over to Berlucchi for a moment of calm in a sophisticated oasis or make your way to La Terrazza and sip away on a cocktail surrounded by  lush greenery. 

You can recreate a glamourous Italian aperitif or a late-night tipple with any one of these Italian cocktail recipes. Why not recreate some of those memories of Italy and indulge in a tipple from the classic negroni to the light and bubbly Rossini. Take your pick and enjoy! 

FAQ

What are the easiest Italian cocktails to make at home?
Among the easiest to prepare at home are the Aperol Spritz, the Americano, the Negroni and the Limoncello Spritz, all of which rely on a few ingredients and simple mixing techniques.

What ingredients are essential for an original Italian aperitivo cocktails?
A good Italian aperitivo usually starts with a few key elements: bitter liqueurs such as Aperol or Campari, vermouth, Prosecco, soda, ice and citrus garnishes. Depending on the recipe, gin, limoncello or elderflower syrup may also play an important role.

Which Italian cocktails are best for summer parties?
The Bellini, Rossini, Hugo and Aperol Spritz are among the best options for summer parties, thanks to their light texture, refreshing profile and easy preparation.

Find out more about Shop&Fly