Welcome back to Cocktails Around the World! In this article, we’re embracing the bold, bittersweet flavors of Italian cocktail culture. From the bubbly charm of an Aperol Spritz to the timeless sophistication of a Negroni, Italy offers a drink for every mood and occasion.
Join us as we sip our way through the sun-drenched piazzas of Rome, the romantic canals of Venice, and the bustling streets of Milan. Along the way, we’ll uncover the rich history and stories behind these iconic cocktails.
➐ Bellini
The Bellini is a classic Italian cocktail that embodies the charm of Venice. Its creation is credited to Giuseppe Cipriani, the mastermind behind the renowned Harry’s Bar in Venice.
Most sources agree that the Bellini was created in the summer of 1948. The cocktail is named after Giovanni Bellini, a 15th-century Venetian artist, inspired by the blush color of one of his masterpieces.
This delightful drink is made with just two main ingredients: Prosecco, a sparkling wine native to Italy, and white peach puree. The result is a refreshing, elegant cocktail perfect for any occasion, especially brunches and celebratory events.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Yakima Valley Peach Syrup
- ¼ oz lemon juice
- 3-4 oz prosecco
Instructions:
- Add the peach syrup and lemon juice to a shaker filled with ice
- Shake well and strain into a flute glass
- Top off with prosecco and garnish
➏ Rossini
Similar to the Bellini, the Rossini is another delightful cocktail that hails from Harry’s Bar in Venice. This variation is made with strawberry puree instead of peach, and it’s named after the famous 19th-century Italian composer Gioachino Rossini. The Rossini is vibrant, refreshing, and perfect for spring and summer.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Pacific Strawberry Syrup
- ¼ oz lemon juice
- 4-5 oz prosecco
Instructions:
- Combine the strawberry syrup and lemon juice in a shaker with ice
- Shake and strain into a flute glass
- Top with prosecco and garnish with strawberry
➎ Bicicletta
Next, we head to Northern Italy for the Bicicletta, a cocktail that embodies the essence of Italian aperitivo culture. Its name translates to "bicycle," inspired by the sight of older men swaying on their bikes after a few of these delightful drinks.
While it may not be as famous as the Aperol Spritz or Negroni, the Bicicletta holds a cherished spot in Italian culture, especially during the hot summer months.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz dry white wine
- 2 oz Campari
- 2 oz soda water
Instructions
- Fill a rocks glass with ice
- Add the dry white wine, Campari, and soda water
- Garnish with an orange slice
➍ Milano Torino
The Milano Torino cocktail dates back to 1860 at Milan’s Caffè Camparino, owned by Gaspare Campari, the originator of the Campari brand. Its name reflects its key ingredients: Campari from Milan (Milano) and sweet vermouth from Turin (Torino).
This simple yet sophisticated aperitivo blends equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth, served over ice with an orange garnish. Known for its bittersweet flavor, it’s designed to stimulate the appetite before dinner.
Modern variations experiment with different vermouths or bitter spirits, like Punt e Mes for extra bitterness or dry vermouth for a unique twist. As a foundational Italian cocktail, the Milano Torino paved the way for classics like the Americano and Negroni, securing its place in mixology history.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz Campari
- 1 ½ oz sweet vermouth
Instructions
- Combine the Campari and sweet vermouth in a rocks glass filled with ice
- Garnish with an orange slice
➌ Garibaldi
The Garibaldi cocktail is named after Giuseppe Garibaldi, a revolutionary general who played a crucial role in the unification of Italy.
At its core, the Garibaldi combines Campari, which hails from Novara near Milan, representing Italy’s northern region, with fresh oranges from the south. This vibrant mix creates a balanced and refreshing drink, both bitter and sweet, much like the struggles and triumphs of Italy’s unification.
Modern variations of the Garibaldi often include ingredients like grapefruit juice, orange bitters, or a pinch of salt to enhance the original flavor profile. A popular adaptation is the Garibaldi Spritz, which adds a touch of bubbly prosecco for a lively twist
Instructions
- Start by shaking the freshly squeezed orange juice
- In a highball glass filled with ice, add Campari followed by the orange juice
- Garnish with an orange slice
➋ Negroni
No exploration of Italian cocktails would be complete without the iconic Negroni.
Commonly credited to Count Camillo Negroni, who requested a stronger version of his favorite Americano cocktail in Florence around 1919, the Negroni has gained worldwide fame. Its distinct blend of bitter, sweet, herbal, and citrus flavors makes it a beloved choice among cocktail enthusiasts.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
Instructions
- Add the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a glass with a large ice cube
- Garnish with an orange peel
➊ Aperol Spritz
Finally, we can't talk about Italian cocktails without mentioning the ever-famous Aperol Spritz. The origins of this refreshing drink date back to the 1800s during the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s rule over Italy’s Veneto region. Austrian soldiers found Italian wines too strong, so they began adding a “spritz” (German for "splash") of water to dilute them.Over time, this evolved into adding soda water, giving birth to an early version of the spritz cocktail.
Aperol itself is a unique aperitif crafted from bitter and sweet oranges, rhubarb, and a blend of secret ingredients. The modern Aperol Spritz as we know it emerged in the 1950s when the Barbieri brothers mixed their Aperol liqueur with prosecco, soda water, and an orange garnish. This vibrant cocktail gained popularity as a social drink, becoming a staple of aperitivo culture.
Ingredients:
- 3 oz prosecco
- 2 oz Aperol
- 1 oz soda water
Instructions
- In a wine glass filled with ice, pour in the prosecco, followed by Aperol and soda water
- Garnish with an orange slice
From the Bellini to the Negroni, Italian cocktails offer a delightful array of flavors, histories, and cultural significance. Whether you're sipping on a refreshing Aperol Spritz on a hot summer day or enjoying a classic Negroni as the sun sets, these cocktails are sure to elevate your experience.
So gather your ingredients, shake up some cocktails, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Italian cocktail culture. Salute!
Curious to see how these cocktails are made? Watch our video to see the process in action!
