One of the first images that come to mind when thinking about the perfect drink for your Italian meal is wine. Swirls of red hues around a beautiful glass is the common beverage of choice. However, you can’t miss out on the magical hours before dinner known as aperitivo, where Italian cocktails truly shine.
Italian cocktails are a source of pride as much as the food is a cornerstone of the culture. Most Italian cocktails contain about three ingredients, which is a testament to the quality and flavor of Italian spirits and liqueurs.
Whether you want an aperitif or a digestif, Italians have mastered the perfect cocktail to pair with a long, multi-course meal. You may have heard of the Negroni, Aperol Spritz or even Bellini which have become staples on any bar menu. For your next dinner party, impress your guests by serving up some classic Italian cocktails that will make you seem like the newest mixologist in town.
Here are 4 Italian cocktails you can make at home right now or order on your next trip to the bar:
Americano
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Originating in a Milan bar during the 1860s and the ancestor of the Negroni, the Americano uses Milan’s most famous liqueur, Campari. Gaspare Campari, the liquor’s namesake, invented the Americano. The recipe of an Americano includes Campari, red vermouth, soda water, and lemon peel as a garnish. The Americano gained worldwide fame when it was featured in Ian Fleming’s James Bond series as the secret agent’s go-to cafe cocktail. To make it yourself, mix one part Campari, one part sweet vermouth, and a splash of soda water in a glass, and serve with a lemon slice.
Hugo Spritz
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Aperol or Campari Spritz are not the only famous spritzes on the cocktail scene. For an alternative spritz, a newcomer called the Hugo Spritz comes from the Northern Italian region of South Tyrol. Created by a mixologist in 2005, this spritz has Prosecco and sparkling water, but the star ingredients are elderflower syrup and mint leaves. Both ingredients are prominent in the Italian Dolomites. These cooling flavors are made even more refreshing on ice and with the optional addition of lime.
Garibaldi
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Like the Negroni, another classic use of Campari is in the Garibaldi. Italians love their history and this cocktail was named after Giuseppe Garibaldi, the beloved war hero who is considered one of the fathers of modern Italy. The 3 to 1 ratio of orange juice to Campari makes for a perfect brunch or afternoon cocktail, mimicking the colors of a gorgeous Italian sunset.
Rossini
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The Bellini is everywhere so naturally there are many spin offs such as the Prosecco-based cocktail named after the composer Giachino Rossini. If you’ve ever dropped a strawberry into Champagne to bring out the fruity tones, the Rossini takes the concept a step further. The Rossini has 3 ingredients: strawberries, sugar, and Prosecco. Combine the strawberries and sugar in a blender or food processor to make a puree then combine with Prosecco. This go-to brunch cocktail brings out sweet, sour, fruity and floral notes and makes for a delicious dessert cocktail.
Arianna DiCicco
Arianna DiCicco is an educator and writer from California, born into an Italian American restaurant family with strong ties to her grandparents’ home in Abruzzo, Italy. She has lived in San Francisco, Rome and New York City where she’s made deep connections within the Italian communities and gained new perspectives about her own culture. With a Masters in International Education, Arianna has a love and passion for learning and educating others about Italian history & culture.