When you think of Italy, you probably think of delicious cuisine, award-winning wines, world class art, but what about cocktails? Some of your favorite cocktails – like the classic negroni or the Aperol Spritz – all hail from Il Belpaese. If you’re looking for some of the very best Italian cocktails, we’ve found a few of the very best that will transport you to the Amalfi Coast!
Put away those glasses of Pinot Grigio – tonight’s celebration calls for mixing up some fun Italian cocktails!
Italian Cocktail Recipes
Italian Mule
The Italian Mule is nothing short of flavorful and refreshing – making it the perfect summertime cocktail! You can serve them in the traditional mule glass, but personally, since it’s already a twist on a “classic” cocktail, I prefer serving them up in cute high ball glasses!
The fun twist, in this case, is the generous splash of limoncello. It’s a nice addition to the vodka and ginger beer you’d find in a traditional mule.
Instructions & inspiration here
Limoncello Sunrise
Personally, I’ve never been a huge fan of Tequila….but I do love the look of a Tequila Sunrise! It’s an impressive gradient of colors – not too much unlike the beautiful sunsets you might experience on your next trip to Italy.
In the meantime, though, you can still enjoy a Limoncello Sunrise! Instead of Tequila, you’ll be swapping in Limoncello – which is still a beautiful compliment to the Grenadine and orange juice. You can even garnish with a slice of orange and a maraschino cherry before serving.
Limoncello Spritz Cocktail
For those of you already intimately familiar with Italian drinks, you know how popular spritz cocktails are in southern Europe. Spritz cocktails have been all the rage since the 19th Century, but this Limoncello Spritz is a much more recent invention.
For the most part, spritz cocktails follow a 3-2-1 ratio – three parts prosecco, two parts bittersweet liquor – like Limoncella, and one part soda water. It’s a super quick and easy cocktail to whip together, and the perfect addition to an evening of al fresco dining.
A Classic Bellini
The only cocktail in this roundup that predates the spritz is the Bellini – believed to have been invented during the 15th Century at Harry’s Bar in Venice. If you’ve never had one before, you’re in for quite the treat!
A Classic Bellini calls for peach puree – preferably white peaches if they’re in season and available – topped with prosecco. It’s deliciously light and refreshing, and will make you feel oh so fancy while sipping it from a champagne flute.
Limoncello Prosecco Floats
Prosecco and sorbet? Say less! This Limoncello Prosecco Float – perhaps better known as a Sgroppino al Limone – is a fantastic boozy dessert drink. If you hadn’t already guessed, the recipe will include Prosecco and Limoncello, along with a scoop of lemon sorbet.
If you like your desserts on the tart side, you’ll absolutely love this recipe! It’s a great after dinner drink recipe to break out on hot summer nights.
Italian Sgroppino
Believe it or not, a classic Italian Sgroppino doesn’t actually call for Limoncello. Instead, it’s made with chilled vodka! You’ll still add in a scoop of lemon sorbet, but the vodka does help to balance things out a bit more, in my opinion. If you’re on the fence about which one you’ll like better, you could always try both!
Frangelico Espresso Martini
You’ll need to play part barista and part bartender when you mix up this delicious concoction. The Frangelico Espresso Martini will take a little more finesse and equipment to whip together, but the final product is well worth the effort.
Anyone can have a regular ‘ol espresso martini, but the Frangelico – a golden hazelnut flavored liqueur from Italy – brings this cocktail to a whole other level! If you don’t have any on hand, go get some! Or use Amaretto as an acceptable substitute if you must.
Italian Campari Spritz
The Italian Campari Spritz is something of a contemporary classic. You’ll instantly recognize it for its distinctive red coloring, and be able to pick it out thanks to its unique, multilayered and bitter profile. Personally, I think it’s great all on its own (once you add in the sparkling wine, or course!) but there’s plenty of variations to be made to this spritz cocktail.
One popular variation calls for campari and sweet vermouth!
Instructions & inspiration here
>> Related: Explore the Best Prosecco Cocktails here
Tiramisu Martini
One of my favorite desserts is Tiramisu, so being able to enjoy it in cocktail form is a dream come true! The ingredients aren’t exactly Italian so to speak – Kahlua, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Vodka, – but holy cow, they taste just the classic Italian dessert.
Most classic italian cocktails are known for being slightly bitter, and can be very citrus forward – think campari orange juice, limoncello, slices of orange as garnish. If that’s not exactly your speed and you’re looking for something a little sweet, the Tiramisu Martini is for you!
Raspberry Limoncello Prosecco
This sparking summertime cocktail is so delicious you’ll want to enjoy it year round! It’s a huge crowd pleaser among anyone who loves Prosecco, but you’ll love it for how easy it is to whip together. All you’ll need is four simple ingredients.
Because it’s an Italian cocktail afterall, you’ll need some limoncello. You’ll also need some freshly squeezed lemon, mulled raspberries, and sparkling white wine to bring all those sweet and tangy flavors together.
Amalfi Martini
If a trip to the Amalfi Coast isn’t in the budget this Summer, drown those sorrows in an Amalfi Martini. Nothing can really top the feeling for lounging along the stunning coastline of Italia, but this cocktail is pretty darn delicious.
This recipe calls for a near equal parts gin and limoncello, a splash of fresh lemon juice, and mint leaves for garnish. Technically a martini can be made with gin or vodka, but the gin helps to provide an earthy balance to the strong lemon flavors found in this cocktail.
Italian Margarita
If tequila is your poison of choice, you need to check out this recipe for Italian Margaritas! You’ll need tequila and fresh lime juice, of course, along with some generous splashes of limoncello and soda water. If it’s in season, you’ll also add in some freshly squeezed blood orange – which gives the entire batch a stunning depth of color.
If it’s not the season to be dining al fresco and you can’t find any blood oranges at the supermarket, pomegranate juice also works! Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, or just making one for yourself, this recipe is sure to impress!
Common Italian Cocktail Questions
What are the most popular cocktails in Italy?
While Italy is known for its incredible food and delectable wines, it’s also home to some classic cocktails (most you’ll find in this blog post!). Some of those classic cocktails include the Negroni, Bellini, and Aperol Spritz.
What is an Italian cocktail?
While there’s many different Italian cocktails out there, many of them call for a simple 3-2-1 ratio – three parts prosecco, two parts bittersweet liquor (think Limoncello, Aperol, Campari), and one part soda water.
Are cocktails popular in Italy?
While you might assume that Italy is just for wine, some of the world’s oldest and most popular cocktails actually hail from Venice! Hundreds of years after it was first invented, the classic Bellini is still a popular aperitif in Italy!
How do you say cocktail in Italian?
It’s the same in English and Italian, though the enunciation is slightly different.
How to use Italian bitters in a cocktail?
A general rule of thumb when mixing Italian cocktails is to do three parts prosecco, two parts bitters, and one part soda water to top off.
The blog was very insightful and fun to read, Thank you for sharing it with us wine lovers.
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