If you want to enjoy traditional Italian cocktails at home but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered! We’ve rounded up 23 classic Italian cocktails that are perfect for any occasion. If you’re looking for a way to spice up your Italian alcohol cocktail game, Italy is the place to be. The country has been producing some of the most iconic and delicious drinks in history.
Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a big party, Italian alcoholic drinks will have everyone feeling like they’re sitting on the Amalfi Coast without even leaving their living room. So get out those shakers and mixers because tonight there’s no better excuse than to have an Italian one!
How Italy Has Contributed to Italian Cocktails We Simply Love!
Italian cocktails are a thing of beauty. Italy is the birthplace of many classic cocktails, including the Negroni and Aperol Spritz.
But did you know that Italy has also contributed to other popular drinks like the Bellini, Vesper Martini, and Americano? Join us as we explore how these popular Italian cocktails came about.
You’ll be able to make some of your favorite Italian-inspired cocktails at home with this handy guide! We’ve included recipes for classics like Negroni and Aperol Spritz, as well as lesser-known but equally impressive concoctions like the Bellini or Vesper Martini.
Plus, we’ve got tips on how to find authentic ingredients in your local grocery store so you can enjoy these drinks anytime you want! So what are you waiting for? Get ready to shake things up with an Italian cocktail tonight.
Italian Cocktail Recipes For You to Try at Home
Prosecco
Spritz Veneziano (Aperol Spritz)
The Italian classic, the Aperol spritz, is a refreshing drink popular in northern Italy and has come to be associated with summer.
The recipe for an authentic Aperol Spritz entails using a bitter orange-flavored spirit called Aperol, which gives it its beautiful sunset color and bittersweet flavor profile.
It’s made by mixing dry sparkling wine such as Prosecco, but many variations exist depending on personal taste preferences, like adding more or less of your favorite mixer (like soda).
Ingredients
- 2 oz Prosecco
- Aperol
- 4 oz Club soda or seltzer
Instructions
- Pour the ingredients into your glass over ice cubes.
- Stir gently before serving.
If you want to get fancy, garnish with an orange slice on top.
Sgroppino al Limone
The Sgroppino al Limone is a delicious Italian dessert cocktail that features lemon sorbetto, Prosecco, and vodka. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, acidic, and robust flavors to end your meal on an indulgent high note.
Make this in bulk for four servings (the recipe makes enough), freeze it for a few hours before you’re ready to indulge, or serve as party favors at your next birthday gathering!
Ingredients
- Lemon sorbetto
- 1 cup of dry prosecco
- 2 oz vodka
- Mint leaves
Instructions
- Soak the sorbet in a bowl to soften.
- Pour in the prosecco and vodka, whisking until smooth.
- Freeze for at least two hours before pouring into four glasses with mint leaves on top.
Hugo
This drink is a classic Italian cocktail that will amaze your taste buds with subtle flavors. The Hugo combines elderflower spritz, dry sparkling white wine, and soda water for an easy-to-drink beverage. With its subtle but fantastic flavors that make it one of the best Italian cocktails for summer, there is no better time than now to give it a taste!
Ingredients
- 4 oz Prosecco
- 1 oz Soda Water
- 1 oz Elderflower cordial
- ½ Orange wheel
- Fresh mint leaves
- Lime wedge
Instructions
- Fill a wide brim wine glass with prosecco, then top it off with some fresh ice.
- Add in elderflower and soda water to combine.
- Add an orange wheel, mint leaves, and lime wedge for garnish.
- Serve!
Puccini
The Puccini is a refreshing cocktail that will be perfect for winter. This drink has variations from the Rossini and substitutes mandarin juice with peaches or strawberries and orange liqueur in place of champagne to make it more festive yet still nice and refreshing!
Ingredients
- 3oz Chilled prosecco
- 1oz Mandarin juice
Instructions
- Squeeze the mandarin juice into a champagne glass.
- Add prosecco gradually until it reaches the desired taste.
Italicus
This delicious Torino liqueur is perfect for a festive evening. It has hints of earl grey tea, lavender, and citrus that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to party. Italians have been drinking this since 1906, so it’s safe to say they know their stuff!
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Italicus
- Prosecco
- 3 pitted green olives
Instructions
- Start by filling a glass with ice, then pour over the Italicus and top it off with prosecco.
- Add olives on a cocktail stick to serve yourself (or your guest) this delicious drink!
Sparkling Wine
Bellini
The Bellini is a classic brunch drink that originated in Italy. The original recipe includes peach puree and prosecco wine, but variations now also include vodka or champagne.
Whether you prefer it with alcohol or without, the sweet flavor of peaches pairs well with either option for an unforgettable taste experience any time of day!
Ingredients
- 1 Bottle prosecco (or champagne)
- 2 Tablespoons of peach puree
- 3/4 oz Vodka
- Ice cubes (to chill your drink if needed)
Instructions
- Pour the champagne into a wine glass.
- Add the peach puree and vodka to taste.
- Stir gently with a spoon or straw until well blended.
- Add more peach puree for sweeter flavor or less for drier flavor, depending on preference.
- Serve chilled over ice cubes if desired!
Sweet Vermouth
Negroni
The Negroni is the perfect drink for a chilly evening. It’s like drinking an Italian sunset in liquid form, with notes of bitterness and sweetness balanced by gin and vermouth. If you’re intent on sitting out under the stars this winter while sipping something warm to take off those cold chills – look no further!
Ingredients
- 1 oz Gin
- ½ oz Campari
- ½ oz Sweet vermouth
Instructions
- Mix all three ingredients over ice.
- Stir well and strain into a chilled glass filled with ice cubes or crushed ice.
- Garnish with an orange twist or slice if desired.
Milano-Torino
The Mi-To is a popular Italian drink that was invented in the 1860s. It contains equal parts of Campari and sweet vermouth for an ideal balance between bitterness and sweetness, making it perfect to sip on while people watch outdoor cafes during sunny afternoons.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Campari
- Ice
- 1.5 oz Sweet vermouth
- Orange slice
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with crushed ice.
- Pour in Campari and sweet vermouth.
- Add an orange slice to garnish.
Gin and It
The Italian Gin and It is a drink with an interesting origin. If you replaced the dry vermouth in a martini, it would turn into this cocktail that tastes like sweet wine on ice.
Ingredients
- ¾ oz Sweet vermouth
- Ice
- 1.5 oz Gin
- A cherry
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add gin and vermouth.
- Stir.
- Garnish with the cherry.
Americano
An Americano is a delightful, fizzy cocktail that will introduce you to the world of so-called “Italiano aperitivo hour.” Served in highball glasses and combining Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water, this Italian aperitif combines two worlds for one spectacular taste sensation!
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Campari
- 1.5 Sweet vermouth
- Seltzer water or club soda
- Orange twist
Instructions
- Mix Campari and sweet vermouth into a highball glass filled with ice.
- Top with club soda.
- Add an orange twist for garnish.
Campari
Pirlo
The Pirlo is a creative and delicious Italian apéritif. It was invented in Brescia, Italy, and contains Campari instead of Aperol, making it more bitter with hints of rhubarb that make the drink perfect as an appetizer or after-dinner treat (aperitivo in Italian).
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Campari
- Fresh orange peel
- 3 oz prosecco
- Ice
- ¾ oz club soda
Instructions
- Pour the Campari, prosecco, and club soda into a wine glass filled with ice.
- Stir gently with a swizzle stick or bar straw until well combined.
- Garnish with an orange peel for flavor.
Garibaldi
Garibaldi is a refreshing and balanced drink with Italian ingredients. This delicious cocktail includes Campari, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and sparkling water for the perfect balance of citrusy sweetness with just enough bitterness to create your sunny afternoon in a glass.
Ingredients
- Orange wedge
- 1.5 oz Campari
- 4 oz Freshly squeezed orange juice
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Combine the Campari and orange juice in a mixing glass with ice cubes.
- Stir well for 30 seconds or until chilled.
- Add orange wedge for garnish.
Gin
Cardinale
The Cardinale is an excellent cocktail that can be made with any type of liquor. It’s perfect for the summer and winter seasons, as well as anytime you’re feeling adventurous. This recipe is easy to make and will impress your friends at your next party.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Gin
- 1/2 oz Dry vermouth
- 2 dashes of orange bitters
- Lemon peel
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice cubes.
- Stir until chilled.
- Strain into a martini glass or coupe (depending on preference).
- Garnish with an orange slice or twist if desired.
Buona Vita
The Buona Vita cocktail is not only refreshing but perfect for the literary elite. With a mix of gin and Campari with grapefruit juice, it’s sure to be your favorite drink.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Campari
- 1/2 oz Sweet vermouth
- 3/4 oz Fresh orange juice
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice cubes.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into an old-fashioned glass over ice cubes.
- Garnish with an orange slice (optional).
Brut
Rossini
Rosini is the perfect drink for any occasion. It’s easy to make, tastes delicious, and is sure to be a hit at your next party. This classic Italian cocktail has been around since the 1800s, and it’s still going strong today.
Ingredients
- 3 oz strawberry juice
- 2 oz Spumante Brut
Instructions
- Start by pouring 3 oz of strawberries into a glass (we recommend Nettare di fragole).
- Top it off with 2 oz Spumante Brut.
- Stir gently until well mixed.
Negroni Sbagliato
This cocktail is made with gin, Campari, and sparkling wine. It’s light but still packs a punch. You can make it in any glass you want, but we recommend using a champagne flute so that you can taste the bubbles of your favorite fizzy beverage.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz Campari
- Brut
Instructions
- Fill your glass with 2 oz of gin.
- Add 1 oz of Campari, then top off with brut.
- Gently stir until combined.
- Serve immediately while cold.
Dry Vermouth
Martini
Martinis are perfect for any time of day, but they’re especially good when you want something light and refreshing, like during summertime or after a heavy meal. They also go well with appetizers, seafood dishes, pasta dishes, salads, and desserts! You can even serve them as part of your signature cocktail menu!
Ingredients
- 3 oz gin
- Ice cubes
- 1 oz Dry vermouth
- Olive
Instructions
- Fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes, then add 3 oz gin.
- Top off 1 oz dry vermouth.
- Shake until cold.
- Strain into chilled glass.
- Garnish with olive.
Blue Curacao
Angelo Azzuro
Angelo Azzuro is a refreshing, fruity drink perfect for any time of year. This cocktail can be made with or without alcohol and is best served in an old-fashioned glass. It’s easy to make and tastes great!
Ingredients
- 1 oz Blue Curacao
- 2 oz Pineapple juice
- Ice
- Lime
Instructions
- Fill your glass with ice
- Add 1 oz of blue curacao
- Add 2 oz of pineapple juice
- Stir
- Garnish with lime
- Drink up!
Whisky
Godfather
The Godfather is one of the most popular Italian cocktails for winter. It’s made with vodka, Kahlua, and cream. This drink can be served on the rocks or straight up, depending on your preference. It tastes best when it’s cold outside, so make sure you’re drinking this during the winter months.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Vodka (or Rum)
- 1/2 oz Kahlua
- 2 Tsp Cream
- Ice Cubes (optional)
- Cocktail Shaker
Instructions
- Add ice cubes into the shaker if desired.
- Pour in vodka and Kahlua.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice cubes if desired.
- Garnish with whipped cream topping and serve immediately.
Brooklyn Reloaded
Brooklyn is the perfect cocktail to cool you down on a hot day. It’s also great for any time of year, but it’s delicious in the summer when you need something light and refreshing. This Italian drink has been around since Prohibition times, so it’s got some history behind it.
Ingredients
- 0.25 oz Amaro Lucano Anniversario
- 0.17 oz Luxardo Maraschino
- 1.5 oz Bulleit rye whiskey
- 0.5 oz Cocchi Americano Bianco
- Ice cube
- Slice of caramelized orange
Instructions
- Place the slice of caramelized orange in a mixing glass.
- Add all other ingredients (excluding ice) overtop while gently muddling them into perfection.
- Add ice cube as you stir.
- Strain into a tall glass.
- Add another ice cube.
Espresso
Spiked Affogato
Spiked Affogato is the perfect cocktail for any time of year. It’s made with espresso, vanilla ice cream, and Bailey’s Irish Cream. The ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store or liquor store. You can make this delicious cocktail in less than five minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream
- 2 shots of espresso
- 1 shot of Baileys Irish Cream
Instructions
- Put 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream in the bottom of your glass.
- Pour 2 shots (or about 4 tablespoons) of espresso over the top.
- Add 1 shot (or about 2 tablespoons) of Baileys Irish Cream on top.
- Mix everything together with a spoon.
Vodka
Sgroppino
Sgroppino is a refreshing Italian cocktail that’s perfect for the summer. It’s made with vodka, prosecco, and lemon juice. The name means “shaken” in Italian because it should be shaken before serving. This recipe will show you how to make one.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Vodka
- 3/4 oz Lemon juice
- 4-5 ice cubes
Instructions
- Put all ingredients into a shaker or mixing glass filled with ice cubes.
- Shake vigorously until chilled (about 30 seconds).
- Strain into an iced martini glass or wine goblet.
- Garnish with lemon peel if desired.
Limoncello
Limoncello Spritz
Limoncello Spritz is the perfect Italian cocktail with limoncello for any time of year. It’s light, sweet, and tangy with just enough alcohol to make you feel like you are on vacation. This cocktail has been around since the late 1800s, when it was originally made with limoncello liqueur from Sorrento, Italy.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Limoncello (or any other lemon-flavored liqueur)
- 1/2 oz Simple syrup or sugar
- 1/4 cup Club Soda
- 4 cups Ice cubes
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except the lemon slices into a shaker tin filled with ice cubes
- Shake well
- Strain into chilled glass
- Garnish with fresh lemon slice
One For The Road!
One thing is for sure–you’ll never drink the same way again. This article has opened up a whole new world of possibilities, and we can’t wait to see your classic Italian cocktails! So go ahead, pour yourself one more glass of that delicious Italian cocktail, and get ready to have some fun experimenting with these recipes at home.
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