12 Italian cocktails

Learn about Italian coffee culture with our expert barista Celeste Wong's guide, including traditional rituals, how to order it and the perfect recipe for at-home brewing.

12 Italian cocktail recipes

Negroni

Want to know how to make the best negroni? Check out our quick and easy recipe for this punchy Italian cocktail. It takes just three main ingredients and can be mixed up in a flash. This is a slow sipper, perfect for a relaxed evening with friends.

Negroni sbagliato

Swapping gin for prosecco makes for a lighter negroni and softens the bitterness, an ideal aperitif for those who find the classic Italian cocktail a bit strong. This professional-looking cocktail is deceptively simple to make – serve with a slice of orange for an extra hint of citrus.

Classic bellini

An easy and quick cocktail to whip up while entertaining – our recipe uses peach purée and chilled prosecco, and is an instant winner.

Aperol spritz

Whip up this classic Italian aperitif in minutes, then try our clever twists on the spritz for summer drinking. This ever so slightly bitter drink has grown in popularity in recent years and is simple to make. Use good-quality prosecco and a dash of soda water to your taste.

Venetian spritz

Try this take on the classic Italian cocktail, flavoured with Select Aperitivo and sparkling wine. Finish with a green olive for an extra pop of colour and briny flavour. Capture the spirit of Venezia with just three key ingredients and one simple step. We simply can't resist a sophisticated spritz.

Paper plane cocktail

Try this Italian cocktail from Maria G’s restaurant in Kensington. It features bourbon and amaro, which is a bitter-sweet herbal liqueur.

Italicus spritz

With hints of lavender, rose and ripe citrus, this refreshing floral cocktail is an easy summer party drink. You'll be the envy of aperitivo hour with this beautifully simple tipple, which showcases the delicate bergamot and fabulous garden-inspired flavours.

Bicicletta spritz

A sophisticated take on a classic cocktail, this recipe uses dry white wine (a light Italian variety) in place of the usual prosecco. This bright orange drink is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Limoncello spritz

Make your spritz a zesty one with this refreshing idea. You'll need limoncello, sparkling wine, sparkling water and a little fresh thyme to create a dreamy citrus drink. One sip and you'll be transported to a fragrant Italian lemon grove.

Campari spritz

Mix yourself an absolute classic – the Campari spritz. Not as sweet as Aperol, Campari joins sparkling wine, sparkling water and a big wedge of orange in this winning cocktail. Make this simple drink in minutes with just a handful of ingredients.

Hugo spritz

A deliciously delicate cocktail, The Hugo calls for elderflower liqueur, sparkling wine, sparkling water and a sprig of fresh mint. Bring the flavours of summer to your glass with this fabulous floral drink.

Limoncello negroni

Try this zesty riff on a classic – limoncello makes a surprisingly good alternative to vermouth.