Aperitivo Cocktails: The Italian Art of Pre-Dinner Drinks

Aperitivo cocktails are more than pre-dinner drinks; they’re a whole mood straight out of Italy. Think friends catching up, golden hour energy, and easy eats alongside light cocktails. From timeless aperitivo cocktail recipes to new-school spins, here’s how to bring that Italian magic into your own evenings. 

The Italian tradition of aperitivo hour

Aperitivo hour kicked off in Northern Italy back in the late 1700s, when people started sipping before dinner drinks to spark their appetite. It was all about low-key, bittersweet pours with a few bites on the side—the OG pregame.  

Over time, that small ritual blew up into a nationwide hangout and eventually a worldwide vibe. Now, Italian aperitivo cocktails carry the same roots but with way more reach, giving you a reason to slow down, link up, and enjoy the moment. 

What is Aperitivo Hour? Discover & Enjoy Italy’s Happy Hour 

1. The Aperol Spritz: a symbol of summer

At the heart of aperitivo culture lies the Aperol Spritz, a cocktail that has become synonymous with a truly Italian aperitivo experience. This iconic drink, with its bright color, lashings of club soda and sparkling wine, and jaunty orange slice garnish, is a symbol of the carefree summertime spirit of Venice.   

The Aperol Spritz is actually a hometown hero that went on to become a worldwide legend. Its story kicked off in the Veneto region, where locals started mixing Prosecco with a bitter liqueur, accidentally creating a combo that would later pop off across the globe. 

Tasty pairings for your Aperol Spritz

• Bruschetta with tomatoes and basil: The fresh, tangy flavors of this classic Italian starter pair beautifully with the bright citrus notes of an Aperol Spritz.  

• Arancini: These crispy, stuffed rice balls offer a savory contrast to the drink’s bittersweetness.  

• Lemon sorbet: A refreshing and light dessert that harmonizes with the zesty notes that underpin the drink.   

Also try: Negroni Sbagliato | Hugo Spritz | Americano 

2. Sarti Spritz: a modern Italian comeback

The Sarti Spritz is having its glow-up moment. Built on the bold red Sarti Rosa aperitivo, this cocktail balances vibrant citrus with a subtle herbal kick, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.  

It’s lighter than the Campari Spritz but still carries that unmistakable Italian flair—think easygoing afternoons that turn into long, chatty evenings. If you’re looking for a spritz that feels both classic and fresh, the Sarti Spritz deserves a spot in your aperitivo lineup. 

Gorgeous food pairings for your Sarti Spritz

• Prosciutto and melon: The salty-sweet combo highlights the citrusy lift of the drink. 

• Parmesan crisps: Crunchy, savory bites that echo the aperitivo’s sharp citrus-herbal edge. 

• Olive tapenade crostini: Bold, briny flavors stand up beautifully to the aperitivo’s bittersweet backbone. 

3. Campari Spritz: bitter elegance in a glass

The Campari Spritz is another classic aperitivo, a symbol of Milanese style and sophistication. This vibrant red cocktail is a harmonious blend of bitter Campari aperitivo, bubbly Prosecco, and a splash of soda water.  

Its bold flavor and striking appearance have made it a global sensation. Whether you’re sipping on a terrace overlooking a canal or enjoying a rooftop view, these easy aperitivo cocktails are the quintessential accompaniment to your golden hour.  

Mouth-watering pairings for your Campari Spritz

• Grilled asparagus: The slightly charred, earthy taste of asparagus is a great match for the complex, herbal notes in a Campari Spritz.   

• Polenta fries: These crispy, golden fries offer a savory pairing that complements the drink’s bold flavor.  

• Orange and almond cake: The citrusy, nutty flavors of this dessert echo Campari’s bitter orange notes, making for a harmonious pairing.  

Also see: The 9 Best 3-Ingredient Cocktails to Try at Home 

4. Cynar Spritz: bold bitterness and big flavor

Made with Cynar, the distinctive artichoke-based amaro, this cocktail comes to the party with a complex and intriguing flavor profile. Sweet, bitter, and herbaceous notes intertwine to create a truly unique taste sensation. If you’re an amaro lover or simply enjoy trying interesting aperitivo drink ideas, the Cynar Spritz will hit the spot.  

Food pairings to upgrade your Cynar Spritz

• Focaccia with rosemary: The aromatic, herb-infused bread highlights the herbal notes in the spritz.  

• Stuffed mushrooms: These savory bites enhance the cocktail’s deep, bittersweet profile.  

• Dark chocolate: The rich, slightly bitter taste of dark chocolate provides a delightful contrast to the herbal bitterness at the heart of this interesting drink.   

Cheers, dears! A Beginner’s Guide to Cynar & the Best Cynar Cocktails 

5. Crodino: the non-alcoholic spritz

Crodino is a bussin’ non-alcoholic aperitif that hits hard with the sober-curious crowd. With its complex blend of herbs and citrus, the Crodino cocktail is the perfect choice for those days when you want to sip summer aperitivo drinks without any ABV in the mix.   

Food pairings to enhance your Crodino

• Pinzimonio with balsamic vinaigrette: Fresh vegetables with a tangy balsamic dip enhance the alcohol-free drink’s herbal and citrus notes.   

• Cauliflower and corn fritters with minty yoghurt dressing: The earthy sweetness of the vegetables, combined with the fresh herbs and zesty, creamy dip, makes the herbaceous notes shine.   

• Edamame and sesame salad: The nutty, slightly sweet flavors of sesame and the freshness of edamame are beautifully offset against a citrus backdrop.   

6. Picon Bière: A French-Italian fusion

Picon Bière is the unsung hero of aperitivo recipes. Hailing from France, this unique blend of bitter orange liqueur and beer eventually found its way to Italy and quickly became a local favorite.  The bitterness of the Picon liqueur balances perfectly with the crispness of the beer, setting the scene for a complex and invigorating sip.  

Ingredients 

• 1 oz Amaro Averna 

• 1 oz Grand Marnier 

• 6–8 oz Light lager, pilsner, or Kölsch 

• Ice (optional) 

• Orange slice to garnish 

Method 

1. Add the Amaro and orange liqueur to a pint or Collins glass 
2. Top gently with beer to preserve the fizz 
3. Add ice if you like it chilled 
4. Garnish with an orange slice 

Delicious food pairings for your Picon Bière

• Fries with aïoli: Crispy fries with a garlic aïoli dipping sauce offer a delicious counterpoint to the drink’s bitterness.  

• Quiche Lorraine: This hearty, savory dish complements the robust flavors of Picon Bière.  

• Apple tart: The sweet and tart flavors of this dessert pair nicely with the bitter-orange notes of Picon Bière.  

Read next: The Best 28 Aperitif Cocktails for Any Occasion  

Modern twists on the aperitivo

The beauty of aperitivo culture is that it’s always evolving. While classics like the Aperol Spritz or Campari Spritz never miss, bartenders and home hosts are shaking things up with seasonal spins. Picture a grapefruit spritz in the heat of summer, or a rosemary-infused Americano that brings cozy, aromatic vibes to a fall evening. 

Infusions and flavored syrups are also having a moment. A quick DIY hibiscus syrup or a thyme-infused simple syrup can completely flip the mood of your drink without losing that aperitivo essence.  

And if you’re mixing outside of Italy, don’t be shy to lean into local ingredients. A dash of tequila in place of gin, or a swap to sparkling cider instead of Prosecco, can give your aperitivo a global accent while keeping the ritual alive. 

Also see: Oaxacan Negroni | Gin Rickey 

Hosting your own aperitivo hour at home

Recreating aperitivo hour at home isn’t about being fancy; it’s about setting a vibe. Start with the basics: good glassware that makes every pour feel intentional, a playlist that says golden-hour cool, and lighting that’s warm enough to make people want to linger. 

If you’re hosting a crew, batch cocktails are your best friend. A big jug of spritz or a pitcher of Americanos saves you from playing bartender all night and keeps the glasses clinking.  

Think of your aperitivo hour as a bridge to dinner—give it 60 to 90 minutes so guests can snack, sip low ABV cocktails, and unwind before the main meal. By the time you sit down at the table, everyone’s already in the perfect mood. 

Loved this article? Read these next!

Lean into la dolce vita by learning more about the art of aperitivo and how you can enjoy it at home:  

What is an Aperitif? When Should You Drink One?  

21 Aperol Cocktails You Need to Try: The Best Recipes to Sip and Enjoy 

12 Classic Italian Cocktails You Need to Try 

16 Spritz Cocktails to Sip On this Summer  

15 Vermouth Cocktails for Sophisticated Sipping 

13 Elderflower Liqueur Cocktails that Are as Pretty as a Picture 

There you have it – six amazing Italian drinks to try if you want to enjoy the delicious tradition of the Italian golden hour at home. For more inspiration, visit the Campari, Crodino, Cynar,  Aperol, and Sarti websites, and remember to sign up for our newsletter to stay in the mix.