Welcome to the first installment of our “Cocktails Around The World” series, where we’ll be exploring the world of Italian cocktails. Italy isn’t just about pasta and gelato—it’s also home to some cocktails that are guaranteed to elevate your happy hour game. If it’s sipping on a Negroni after a long day or enjoying a Limoncello Spritz with friends, no one can deny the joy that comes from trying an Italian cocktail. With that, get ready to mix, mingle, and make some memories—Italian style!

History: 

The cafes and bars of Renaissance-era Italy are said to be the birthplace of the enjoyment of cocktails in Italy, and therefore the beginning of cocktail culture in Italy. Here, artists, writers, and intellectuals alike would come to exchange ideas while sipping on their favorite drinks. Then in the late 19th century, Italian mixology came in swinging with liqours like Campari and Aperol becoming more popular. As the country entered the “Dolce Vita” era of the 1950s and 60s, Italian cocktails were paired with glamour and sophistication, as iconic drinks like the Negroni and the Bellini took center stage. 

Our Favorites: 

Bellini:

• Ingredients:
  1. 2 oz peach purée or peach nectar
  2. Prosecco
• Instructions:
  1. Pour peach purée into a chilled flute.
  2. Top with chilled Prosecco.
  3. Stir gently and serve immediately.
• Garnish with a peach slice or raspberry.

Limoncello Spritz:

• Ingredients:
  1. 2 oz Limoncello liqueur
  2. 3 oz Prosecco
  3. Splash of soda water
• Instructions:
  1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
  2. Add Limoncello and Prosecco.
  3. Top with a splash of soda water.
  4. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Sgroppino:

• Ingredients:
  1. 2 oz Prosecco
  2. 1 oz vodka
  3. 1 scoop lemon sorbet
• Instructions:
  1. In a blender, combine Prosecco, vodka, and lemon sorbet.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Pour into a chilled glass and serve immediately.

Italian cocktails offer a delightful journey through centuries of culture, creativity, and sophistication. From the vibrant cafes of the Renaissance to the glamour of the “Dolce Vita” era, each sip tells a story of Italy’s rich mixology heritage. Salute!