Italian cocktails are classics anywhere you go. The Spritz, the Negroni, the Bellini—they’re all here in this collection of 15 Italian-inspired cocktails!

Aperitivo is the word used in Italian to both describe a cocktail and the Italian happy hour. The purpose of l’aperitivo is to tease your stomach into what’s coming next (dinner!). A happy hour designed to make you hungry—how perfect is that? 

You’re probably familiar with some ultra-popular, classic Italian cocktails: the Spritz, the Negroni, and the Bellini need no presentation. But, as you’ll see, there are many other delicious Italian-born and Italian-inspired options as well! Once you’ve mastered the classics, you can always experiment and try your own creative twists!

Italian cocktails are the perfect summer drinks. I can personally hardly think of a more satisfying sip than an Aperol Spritz enjoyed on a sunny patio!

But don’t drink on an empty stomach! Remember to have delicious finger foods to nibble on while you and your friends sip your drinks. You could, for example, try some easy Spicy and Sweet Cocktail Pecans for a little crunch. Or, pair up some Homemade Savory Crackers with Nuts & Herbs with a chunky Romesco Dip. These bites are just what you’ll all need to whet your appetite for what’s to come!

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Classic Italian Cocktails

Let’s start with the classics…

1. Spritz Veneziano Cocktail

by Bacon is Magic

The Spritz cocktail is one of the most well-known Italian cocktails, mixing Prosecco with either Aperol or Campari and club soda. It’s a light, refreshing mix of sweet and bitter—perfect for your summer patio. In Venice, it’s often served with white wine instead of Prosecco. Venetians also top it with the traditional slice of orange and an olive to make it a Spritz Veneziano.

2. The Classic Negroni Cocktail

by Xoxo Bella

A negroni cocktail is a classic Italian cocktail that’s richly flavored and so delicious. Learning how to make the best negroni is quick and easy. In fact, it’s so easy that you only need three ingredients, some ice, and a slice of orange to garnish each drink.

3. Negroni Sbagliato

by Sidewalk Shoes

In the Negroni Sbagliato, the classic Campari and gin cocktail gets a twist with sparkling wine! Switching up gin for sparkling wine or champagne gives this pretty red cocktail a fun bubbly flare. Sparkling wine, Campari and vermouth make an amazingly refreshing cocktail!

4. Americano Cocktail

by A Couple Cooks

Here’s how to make the very best Americano cocktail! This classic three-ingredient cocktail is bubbly and refreshing, starring Campari and vermouth.

5. Bellini Cocktail

by How Sweet Eats

Create a DIY Bellini bar for your next brunch and let every customize one of the most popular summer brunch cocktails.

6. Garibaldi Cocktail

by A Couple Cooks

The Garibaldi cocktail is an Italian drink with only 2 ingredients: Campari and orange juice! It’s a surprisingly balanced combination.

7. Gin and It

by The Spruce Eats

An Italian take on the popular Gin and It that combines sweet red vermouth and gin. Enjoy as a pre-dinner cocktail!

8. Sgroppino Al Limone (Lemon Prosecco Float Cocktail)

by Vikalinka

Lemon sorbet drowned in fizzy Prosecco is what makes this Italian classic cocktail, Sgroppino, absolutely delightful when served on its own or as a palate cleanser at the end of a dinner.

9.  Homemade Limoncello

by Hilda’s Kitchen Blog

If you enjoy lemony treats, you’ll love this Italian Limoncello Recipe. Italians consume this delicious drink as an after-dinner digestive.

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Creative Twists on Classic Italian Cocktails

Once you have the classics under your belt, you can get creative with your cocktails. Here’s some ideas to get you started:

1. Orange Spritz Aperitivo

by The Petite Cook

Super refreshing Orange Spritz is the perfect cocktail for the summer weather. Serve this with an antipasto board for a true Italian aperitivo!

2. Kombucha Campari Spritz

by Simple Bites

Bitter Campari is combined with sweet kombucha and smoothed out by club soda in this Kombucha Campari Spritz. It makes for a refreshing, low-alcohol sip!

3. Strawberry Rosé Aperol Spritz

by My Kitchen Love

A blast of sweet strawberries, balanced with a touch of bitter Aperol, this Strawberry Rosé Aperol Spritz is perfect to start your evening.

4. Aperitini (Aperol and Tequila Cocktail)

by Super Golden Bakes

Need some new cocktail inspiration? Meet the Aperitini: a refreshing but potent cocktail made with Campari, Aperol, and Tequila. Try an optional sparkling Prosecco as a top-up! Lovers of the Aperol Spritz will enjoy this modern take on the classic cocktail.

5. Venetian Blush (Campari and Orange Cocktail)

by A Taste For Travel

This pretty pink cocktail, The Venetian Blush, features the classic crimson-hued Italian liqueur mixed with orange and pomegranate juices topped with sparkling soda.

6. Amalfi Martini Limoncello

by Three Olive Branch

This Amalfi Limoncello Martini uses lots of fresh lemon flavors with a hint of mint!