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5 Italian Cocktails to Sip This Summer

Jul 31, 2025

When the summer heat settles in and the tomatoes are heavy on the vine, it’s hard not to dream of a long Italian afternoon: sun-drenched piazzas, slow meals, and a crisp, bittersweet drink in hand. Italy’s cocktail culture may be understated, but it’s rich with history, elegance, and a knack for balance—especially when it comes to warm-weather sipping.

Here are 5 Italian cocktails that bring the charm, the chill, and the flavor. They’re simple to make, beautiful to serve, and absolutely perfect for summer gatherings, aperitivo hour, or just a moment of indulgence at home.


1. Negroni

Bold, bitter, and effortlessly chic

Invented in Florence around 1919, the Negroni is a cocktail with serious backbone. Legend has it that Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender to stiffen his Americano by swapping soda water for gin—and the rest is history. It’s strong, bitter, and aromatic—perfect before dinner to open up your palate.

Recipe:

  • 1 oz gin

  • 1 oz Campari

  • 1 oz sweet vermouth

Stir with ice, then strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
Garnish with an orange twist or half-moon slice.


2. Aperol Spritz

Bright, bubbly, and low-alcohol

Originating in the Veneto region, the Aperol Spritz is Italy’s answer to summer's golden hour. It’s easy to love: vibrant orange in color, gently bitter, slightly sweet, and totally refreshing. Aperol was created in 1919, but the spritz didn’t take off until the 1950s—and now it’s become a global staple.

Recipe:

  • 3 oz Prosecco

  • 2 oz Aperol

  • 1 oz soda water

Build in a wine glass over ice.
Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.


3. Sgroppino

Citrusy, slushy, and elegantly playful

The Sgroppino (pronounced skroh-PEE-no) hails from Venice and blurs the line between cocktail and dessert. Traditionally served between courses or as a light after-dinner refresher, this frozen treat is made with lemon sorbet, vodka, and Prosecco. Think of it as an Italian adult slushie—fun, zesty, and so refreshing.

Recipe:

  • 1 scoop lemon sorbet

  • 1 oz vodka

  • 2–3 oz Prosecco

Whisk sorbet and vodka together in a chilled bowl until smooth.
Top with Prosecco and stir gently.
Serve in a coupe or flute. Garnish with a mint leaf or lemon twist. While the recipe calls for lemon sorbet, feel free to try it with other flavors!


4. Americano

Lightly bitter and beautifully balanced

Before the Negroni, there was the Americano. Originally called the Milano-Torino (referring to Campari from Milan and vermouth from Turin), it became popular with American tourists in the early 1900s—hence the name. It’s lighter than a Negroni, thanks to sparkling water, and perfect for slow sipping on a hot day.

Recipe:

  • 1 oz Campari

  • 1 oz sweet vermouth

  • 2–3 oz soda water

Build in a highball glass over ice.
Stir and garnish with an orange or lemon slice.


5. Bellini

Peachy, fizzy, and downright romantic

Invented at Harry’s Bar in Venice in the 1940s, the Bellini was a favorite of Hemingway and other well-heeled regulars. It combines fresh white peach purée with sparkling wine, and the result is soft, floral, and summer in a glass. It’s especially great for brunch, garden parties, or as a welcome drink.

Recipe:

  • 2 oz fresh white peach purée

  • 4 oz Prosecco

Pour peach purée into a flute or coupe.
Top slowly with Prosecco and stir gently to combine.
Garnish with a peach slice (optional).


Final Sips

Whether you lean bitter and bold or light and bubbly, Italian cocktails offer something for everyone—especially in summer. They’re built for conversation, good food, and warm evenings with the people you love.

So pick your favorite, grab a chilled glass, and raise a toast to summer—Italian-style. Salute!

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