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Here are the best Italian cocktails to try! There’s something for everyone, from classics like the Americano and Negroni to unique spins using Italian ingredients.

Italian cocktails: Negroni Sbagliato
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Italy is home of some of most famous culinary inventions of all time, from pizza margherita to pesto to pasta marinara. So is it any wonder that this country is also home to some iconic classic cocktails, too? Without Italy, we wouldn’t have the world famous Negroni, or the bubbly and ubiquitous Aperol Spritz. Then there’s the Americano, with a history that stems back to the 1860’s. The Italians were early to the cocktail game!

Here are all the top Italian cocktails to try! They work whether you’re pairing them with Italian recipes or just looking for a Euro-style cocktail to drink on the patio. There are cocktails that are part of Italian cuisine, and some inspired spins using classic ingredients. As two cocktail experts who have more than 300 cocktail recipes in our library, these are our favorite ideas.

And now, our top Italian cocktails to try!

More Italian recipes

Love Italy? Us too! Here are some of our top posts about Italian travel and cuisine:

Frequently asked questions

What are some classic Italian cocktails?

Italy is home to a variety of classic cocktails, including the Negroni (gin, Campari, sweet vermouth), the Aperol Spritz (Aperol, Prosecco, soda), the Bellini (Prosecco, peach purée), and the Americano (Campari, sweet vermouth, soda).

What’s the difference between a Negroni and an Americano?

Both cocktails feature Campari and sweet vermouth, but a Negroni includes gin while an Americano is topped with soda water. This makes the Americano a lighter, less boozy option.

When are Italian cocktails typically enjoyed?

Italian cocktails are often enjoyed as aperitivi, pre-dinner drinks meant to stimulate the appetite. However, many are versatile enough to be enjoyed throughout the day or evening.

What are some modern Italian cocktails?

Modern Italian mixology is thriving, with innovative cocktails like the Sgroppino (lemon sorbet, vodka, Prosecco) and the Garibaldi (Campari, orange juice) gaining popularity.

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Prosecco Negroni & More Italian Cocktails!

Negroni Sbagliato
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The Negroni Sbagliato is a spin on the classic cocktail using sparkling wine instead of gin. It’s bitter, sweet and bubbly all at once: an improvement on the original! Also try: Classic Negroni, Americano, or Bellini.

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink 1x
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Poured
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) sweet or semi-sweet red vermouth
  • 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) Campari
  • 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) Prosecco, champagne or other sparkling wine
  • Ice, for serving (try clear ice!)
  • For the garnish: Orange peel

Instructions

  1. Stir the vermouth and Campari in a lowball glass. Add ice.
  2. Top off the glass with the sparkling wine. Garnish with an orange peel and serve.

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About the authors

Alex & Sonja

Hi! We’re Alex & Sonja Overhiser, authors of the acclaimed cookbooks A Couple Cooks and Pretty Simple Cooking—and a real life couple who cooks together. We founded the A Couple Cooks website in 2010 to share seasonal recipes and the joy of home cooking. Now, we’ve got over 3,000 well-tested recipes, including Mediterranean diet, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, smoothies, cocktails, and more!

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