Cin Cin! 14 Classic Italian Cocktails You Need to Try
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Italian cocktails are deeply (and deliciously) rooted in Italy’s aperitivo culture, where the pre-dinner sip is as iconic as the meal. Just like Italian food and wine, they’re all about flavour, vibe, and tradition, but the scene isn’t stuck in the past.
Classics like the Aperol Spritz share the spotlight with new-school twists and low-proof serves that are trending everywhere. The best part? You don’t need to fly all the way to Venice to get the vibe; you can shake up Italian clinkers at home and make them your own.
Brief history of Italian cocktails
It all started way back in the 19th century, when aperitivo culture first took off in Northern Italy. Locals in cities like Turin and Milan would gather in cafés to sip light, bitter drinks designed to “open” the appetite before dinner. That’s where legends like Cinzano vermouth and Campari came into play, laying the foundation for classics that still headline drinks menus today.
Over time, these rituals shaped global drinking culture. The Negroni was born in Florence in the early 1900s, and the Italian spritz scene exploded in popularity thanks to the Veneto region’s love of Prosecco mixed with bitters. By the mid-20th century, Italy’s bar scene was exporting not only drinks, but a whole lifestyle—casual, stylish, and centred around community.
Fast-forward to today, and Italian cocktail recipes are trending worldwide. They balance old-school tradition with modern low-proof vibes, making them as perfect for rooftop parties as they are for a laid-back Sunday lunch.
Essential ingredients in Italian cocktails
What makes these drinks so special? It all comes down to the bottles behind the bar. Italian aperitifs like Campari and Aperol are at the heart of countless classics, adding that signature bittersweet kick to everything from a Negroni to a spritz. Vermouth also deserves a shout, bringing balance and depth with its blend of herbs and spices.
For after-dinner pours, Italian digestifs take centre stage. Amaro Averna is a go-to, offering a rich, bittersweet complexity that rounds out the night perfectly. These sippers aren’t just about tradition; they’re about ending a meal on a high note.
Of course, it’s not all bitters. Sparkling Prosecco keeps things light and bubbly, while Grand Marnier adds a luxe citrus edge that plays beautifully in modern riffs. And if you’re aiming for a next-level spritz, a splash of Lallier Champagne gives it that premium sparkle. Together, these bottles show how Italian liqueur culture blends heritage with flavour in a way that still feels fresh today.
Classic Italian cocktails
1. Aperol Spritz
The low-alcohol Aperol Spritz comes in at only 11% ABV, which it is ideal for days when you want to keep things nice and light.. Bittersweet, botanical, and bubbly, these easy summer cocktails are vibrant and delicious. It’s no wonder they are part of one of the most famous after-work cocktail traditions in Italy.
2. Sarti Spritz
The Sarti Spritz is a classy Italian aperitif that has been gaining serious popularity. Made with Sarti Rosa, Prosecco, and club soda, it’s fruity and floral with just the right hint of bitterness. Pair it with light bites like bruschetta or a fresh Caprese salad, and you’ve got aperitivo hour sorted.
3. Negroni
The Negroni is an iconic Italian drink that’s taken the world by storm. Made with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, served on ice with a twist of orange, this red-hued drink is loved by many. So loved, in fact, that we have a whole week dedicated to the Negroni. Keen to try some spinoffs? How about the sparkly Negroni Sbagliato or the inventive White Negroni?
Learn more: The Complete History of the Negroni Cocktail You Should Know
4. Americano
Much like Ferraris and Neapolitan sauce, the Americano cocktail recipe is a true red-blooded Italian classic. It’s a fusion of the bittersweet orange flavour of Campari and the herbaceous character of rosso vermouth, spiked with the effervescence of soda water to create the perfect sipping cocktail. And the best part is it’s low in alcohol—perfect for lazy days around the pool.
5. Martini
From one classic to the next, the Martini will forever (and ever) be one of the best Italian cocktails you can serve. It’s sophisticated but simple to make with only two ingredients, so there’s not a lot of room for error. Make sure you get the best dry gin (like Bulldog London Dry) and top-tier dry vermouth (we suggest Cinzano Vermouth Extra Dry).
6. Bellini
Dainty, a little daring and completely fruity, the Bellini is a famous brunch cocktail with flavours that capture the essence of summertime in Italy. Think long and lazy meals, witty conversation, and beautiful sips. Put this fruity fizz on your drinks menu for authentic Italian flair. Life doesn’t get peachier than this!
Also see: What is Aperitivo Hour?
7. The Hugo
This spritz-style elderflower liqueur cocktail is light, floral, and Insta-ready, perfect for summertime get-togethers by the pool. Originally from Northern Italy, the Hugo has become a global favourite thanks to its easy mix of Prosecco, soda, and mint that keeps the vibe effortlessly cool.
Read next: 15 Delicious Spritz Cocktails to Sip On This Summer
Modern Italian cocktail riffs & twists
8. Italian Manhattan
The OG Manhattan is made with bourbon, vermouth, and bitters and is a popular choice for cocktail connoisseurs. This version is the Manhattan’s dapper Italian cousin. While it’s still bourbon-based, the Italian Manhattan swaps out the vermouth for Cynar (an Italian amaro made from artichokes). Slightly bitter, with added sweetness from cherry juice, it makes a superb pre-dinner sip.
Also see: Discover the Best Cynar Cocktails: Sip & Savour the Unique Flavour
9. Garibaldi
Another popular two-ingredient cocktail is the Garibaldi, made with a super-easy blend of fresh orange juice (blitzed until frothy) and Campari. Served on ice in a highball glass and garnished with a slice of orange, things couldn’t get any simpler.
10. Italian Breeze
Learning how to make this pretty drink is an absolute breeze (wink wink) and the perfect choice for novice cocktail makers. This low-prep cocktail is ideal for balmy afternoons that call for a tropical twist. It’s made using rum and amaretto along with pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and ice. Tart, sweet, and super cute in pictures, it’s the only drink you’ll want this summer.
11. Italian Job
The star of this drink is Campari, as is the case with many of our favourite Italian sippers. What sets it apart is the gutsy addition of SKYY Infusions Blood Orange vodka. Mixed with bitter grapefruit juice and sweet vermouth, this one is a big win for all the sweet-and-sour enthusiasts out there.
12. Italian Gentleman
Combine bitter, crimson-red Campari, sweet bourbon, a dash of lemon juice, and a smidge of sugar syrup, and you get the dapper Italian Gentleman. This cocktail’s distinctive flavour makes it an excellent aperitif to serve before a long, lingering dinner with good conversation and mischievous friends.
13. Italian Sunrise
SKYY Vodka, Campari, and limoncello come together in a sultry Italian Sunrise cocktail. These star ingredients are shaken with ice, fresh orange juice, and sweet-and-sour bitters, then strained into a chilled glass. For a more authentic sunrise, we suggest adding the Campari to the glass first and then pouring in the rest of the shaken ingredients. Garnish with a sliced orange and serve during your next brunch.
14. Limoncello Martini
Every great beginning should have an equally great end, and there’s no better way to end your evening than with a classic Limoncello Martini. Made with sweet (and quite potent) Italian lemon liqueur, this cocktail is an excellent digestif after a heavy meal. It is the perfect drink for citrus-loving friends and after an evening of indulging in pizza and pasta.
Also try: Limoncello Spritz | Lemon Drop Martini
Modern trends in Italian mixology
Italian cocktails are having their main character moment, and the trends are straight fire. Low-ABV drinks are also the move right now—light on the booze, heavy on the flavour. Bars are dropping tropical infusions like mango, pineapple, and passionfruit into the mix, giving classic bitters a glow-up.
On the flipside, non-alcoholic aperitifs like Crodino mean everyone gets to flex their spritz game, no FOMO. And the vibe? Pure Amalfi Coast energy: sun-soaked, colourful, and made for golden-hour hangs. It’s about keeping Italy’s roots while serving up the kind of cocktail culture that feels fresh, fun, and totally now.
There you have it, besties—14 Italian cocktail recipes that are sure to add a touch of la dolce vita to any party. Visit the Campari, Aperol, Crodino, Sarti, and Grand Marnier websites to stock up on the essentials to whip up these gorgeous clinkers. In the meantime, sign up for our newsletter to stay in the mix.
