10 Italian Cocktails Worth Making

Arguably the most iconic of Italian cocktails is the Negroni! It’s equal parts refreshing, bitter, and complex: a drink that you’ll want to sit with and savor. This three ingredient cocktail was invented back in the 1920’s by Count Negroni in Florence, Italy, or so the story goes. He ordered an Americano cocktail but wanted it with a little more kick. He asked for it with gin, and the Negroni was born.

Here's another bubbly Italian cocktail: the Negroni Sbagliato! It's a "mixed up” version of the classic cocktail using sparkling wine instead of gin. This modern spin on the classic was invented in the 1980’s in Milan. The lightly sweet Prosecco against the bitter Campari and sweet vermouth makes for a better balanced flavor than with gin. We like this bubbly version better than the classic.

The Americano is the oldest known Italian cocktail, and pre-dates the Negroni: it was invented in the 1860's in Italy. The Americano, named as such for being popular with American tourists, is bitter, complex and bubbly all at once! Starring Campari and vermouth, it’s both sophisticated and carefree at the same time. 

Bubbly, citrusy, herbal, subtly bitter and lightly sweet, it’s another one most classic Italian cocktail of them all. Meet the Aperol spritz, aka spritz veneziano! This drink is renowned the world over, reaching max popularity in the 2000’s. But did you know it’s actually a classic cocktail from the 1950’s? This Italian cocktail has been capturing hearts and minds for years.

Here’s a sparkling Italian cocktail that’s full of beautiful fresh flavor: the Bellini! The bellini is a classic cocktail created in the 1940's in Venice. The combination of bubbly Prosecco and sweet peach puree is natural for brunch like its cousin the mimosa. Luckily, you can use either fresh or frozen peaches: so you can make it any time of the year!

If you love bubbly spritzes, run don’t walk to try the Hugo Spritz! This Italian cocktail is a spin-off on the Aperol spritz and even better, in our opinion. It’s made with delicate floral elderflower liqueur and bubbly Prosecco, which compliment each other perfectly. The bubbly combination transports you right to Northern Italy, where this cocktail was born and is popular to this day. 

Here’s a unique drink to whip up at home: the Garibaldi! This Italian cocktail has so much going for it. It’s got only two ingredients, which makes it supremely easy to mix up. There’s a little textural flair with a foamy topping. And the flavor is balanced and refreshing, with bitter, sweet and tangy notes all intermingling in the perfect sip.

Here's an Italian cocktail that's Italian only in name! This drink is a fusion of the best of Italian and Mexican cuisines, blending a classic margarita with Italian amaretto liqueur. This Mediterranean spin swaps out the Cointreau for amaretto, and the almond essence adds a distinctly Italian vibe. Blood orange juice gives a distinct red hue, but you can use standard orange juice too.

Here’s an Italian cocktail that’s bubbly and flavored with pure lemon: the Limoncello Spritz! Limoncello is an Italian liqueur that’s often sipped for after-dinner shots, but it works in cocktails too like a limoncello mojito and limoncello martini. This spin on the Aperol spritz is full of bright lemon flavor and even better than the original, we think. It’s bubbly and effervescent, with a searing citrus bite.

Last up, another Italian cocktail that's Italian in name: the Godfather! It's a two-ingredient cocktail made with Scotch whiskey and Italian amaretto. It became popular in the 1970’s with the rise of amaretto. It's believed to be named after the 1972 Godfather movie with Marlon Brando. Brando’s character often drank Scotch in the movie, so the Godfather name could be referencing the addition of the Italian liqueur. Either way, it's an easy mixed drink with an ode to Italian heritage.