17 November 2024

Grab your glass and cheers! It’s time to celebrate the vast and exciting cocktail culture in Italy. 

The Italian experience is of COURSE so full of incredible food and wine, BUT what you may not know is that their cocktail scene is just as strong. During your travels around Italy, you’ll come to discover that alcohol culture in Italy is not one of quick fixes and fleeting moments – it is an art, and treated as such. The social nature of sitting and sipping, one ingrained in every Italian, is designed to inspire you in more ways than what it may seem on the surface level. The same passion and artistry that lives within Italy’s historic cities can also be found inside your next drink – after all, Aperitivo, the OG Happy Hour, is so ingrained in daily Italian life that the image of people-watching with a spritz in hand as the sun sets below the auburn rooftops of 17th century buildings is iconic enough to sway even the most reluctant of homebodies. However, even Aperitivo is really be just a jumping off point – speakeasies, grungy cocktail bars and many more have evolved the art and craft of this cocktail scene to become a natural part of the tradition. 

Picture this: enjoying a beautiful aperitivo stop (fun fact – aperitivo is derived from the verb “aprire” which means “to open” – thus, “aperitivo” is meant to “open” your stomach for – you guessed it – dinner and drinks!), followed by a delicious dinner and ending the night with an incredible cocktail. Sounds like a perfect Italian evening, right? Additionally, the wonderful social energy of these great bars might even make you feel like a local –  in fact, some of my favorite memories since being in Italy are sitting at the bar, meeting new friends, learning great tips from the awesome local bartenders and giving me nights out in Italy I’ll never forget. And to think I found all of that in the search for a great Negroni.

Now let’s be real – it would be impossible for me to share every single bar with fantastic cocktails across the entire country of Italy, because let’s face it – you’d be reading for days if I did (which like…I’m also not mad about but I do recognize you may have other things to do), so instead, let me break down some fantastic places to take you on a cocktail journey if and when you find yourself in the iconic cities of Milan, Florence, or Rome for now, with the full promise that there will be plenty more where that came from.

If you’re looking for something tasty to follow that iconic spritz, then pull out your notepad and let’s great crackin’.

Ok I lied – before jumping in to WHERE to get a good cocktail in Italy, it’s first important to know WHAT cocktails you should try here:

Spritz: 

Made with the base ingredients of Prosecco and a Liqueur of choice and brought to you by every Instagram influencer’s trip to Italy feed (Including myself, lol), a spritz is the defining cocktail of Aperitivo. Possibly the most iconic of Spritz among the bunch is the Aperol Spritz, made with equal parts Aperol and Prosecco with a splash of club soda. It’s the most classic of all the spritz in Italy, however I’ll be honest…I am not a massive fun of Aperol Spritz. *cue the gasps*

If you’re like me, never fear – did you know that there are many different types of Spritz’s in Italy where Aperol is no where to be found? Some classic Spritz cocktails to try on your next Aperitivo 

• • Select Spritz: Made with Select and Prosecco. Slightly more bitter and less sweet than Aperol, and is served with an olive (yes, an olive!) inside. Fun fact – Select Spritz originates from Venice and is what you will most likely be served in Venice. It’s also what most (if not all) Venetians will tell you is the classic, OG spritz, NOT Aperol. If you disagree…don’t shoot the messenger. 

• • Campari Spritz: If Select Spritz is the cousin or slightly jaded aunt of Aperol Spritz, Campari Spritz is the older and more wise brother of Aperol Spritz. Made with Campari and Prosecco, Campari Spritz is more bitter, darker in color, has more depth, and most importantly, has about 2-3x the ABV (Alcohol by Volume) than Aperol Spritz does.

• • Hugo Spritz: If you really don’t like any of the above Liqueurs and really can’t do bitter in any sense of the word, then a Hugo Spritz is for you. Made with Elderflower Liqueur (like St. Germain), Prosecco, club soda, and served with mint and lime slices, a Hugo Spritz is gentle, sweet, and very easy to suck down quickly if you’re not careful. You’ve been warned. 

• • Limoncello Spritz: I saved my personal favorite for last – the Limoncello Spritz. Made with Limoncello and Prosecco and most commonly found in Southern Italy due to the vast amount of lemons grown there, the limoncello spritz is tangy but gentle, sour but sweet, and is my personal favorite aperitif cocktail. 

It’s likely you’ll see many other variations of Spritz around Italy – passionfruit spritz, pomegranate spritz, etc – as well as per bar depending on what creations they personally like to whip up. The above are the most classic variations you’ll find throughout Italy, but let your heart lead you to whatever spritz you feel is best for you <3  

Negroni:

Negroni’s is another typical aperitivo cocktail and famously was created in Florence! With the idea to enhance a refreshing drink, the Negroni adds in Gin with Campari and sweet vermouth to make a delicious cocktail
that’s great to drink not only at Aperitivo, but at anytime during the night. Similar to the Spritz, you’ll find many bars throughout Italy playing on different variations of a Negroni, such as substituting with Mezcal for a fantastic smokey experience. There is also a Negroni Sbagliato (🎵 A Negroni…with Prosecco…Sbagliato…🎵), which is, as you guessed, made with Prosecco instead of gin. There’s a fascinating story behind how this drink came to be – check out the video I made on it on it here)

Americano: 

The cousin of a Negroni, an Americano simply adds gin in with the Negroni recipe – you know, just to give it a little something extra. Whether it’s for Aperitivo or after dinner, an Americano is good at any point in the festivities. 

Amaro:

This famous Italian herbal liqueur is really used as a digestive (better known as a digestif). Sometimes you can get it in a small glass, usually after a meal or for a nightcap. It’s smooth, sometimes bitter or sometimes sweet with many types to choose from. The biggest thing to remember is to NOT SHOOT IT. Slowly enjoy your amaro and feel just like a local. 

In Rome, Milan, & Florence

Just to really drive the point home – there are SO many amazing cocktail bars all over Italy making it quite impossible to list them in total. BUT – we have to start somewhere, right?! Here, I want to focus on some of my favorite bars in Rome, Florence, and Milan: places where Italy’s art and hospitality come together to create an unforgettable cocktail moment.

Freni e Frizioni,  Via del Politeama, 4, 00153 Roma RM

Rome has a thriving cocktail scene and so many awesome bars but I think starting off with aperitivo at Freni e Frizioni in Trastevere is a great option. This grungy spot serves up all kinds of creative cocktails (the Montagna Spritz is a refreshing alternative choice) while hosting a whole buffet of snacks which as we’ve concluded, nothing says aperitivo more than small bites and refreshing sips. They have more liquor-forward drinks when compared to other aperitivo cocktail bars as well, so there’s plenty to try. This paired with the bar’s  overall vibe, accompanied with great 90’s music, makes for an awesome visit.

Jerry Thomas Speakeasy, Vicolo Cellini, 30, 00186 Roma RM

Italy’s nightlife is full of crowded streets with people catching up and socializing late into the evening so after dinner is perfect for a speakeasy moment. There are some great speakeasies in Rome, but Jerry Thomas Speakeasy is hands down the best. After you’ve made a reservation and obtained the password, venture down this quiet street to find its door. Buzz in and enter a jazzy cocktail world where there’s no WiFi because drinking and socializing are the main event. This bar is serving up signature drinks, fantastic classics and some of the best old fashioneds and Negronis in Italy. Before you know it, it’s 3am and you’re leaving the bar with new friends and lots of memories.

Wisdomless Club, Via Sora, 33, 00186 Roma RM

Wisdomless in Rome is an exciting and eclectic cocktail bar. Classic, vintage sitting rooms fill this two story space while being accompanied by its own in house tattoo parlor (making those tipsy spontaneous decisions so much easier huh). The space feels like a library, cigar room and tattoo shop all in one. If you’re not looking for some new ink, simply sit and savor one of these distinct and beautifully crafted cocktails.

Drink Kong, Piazza di S. Martino Ai Monti, 8, 00184 Roma RM

This fun and eclectic cocktail bar located in the hip neighborhood of Monti is made extra unique by its Japanese street style themed food and drinks. Simple cocktails packed with flavor and skillfully crafted, make sure to save room for the great food they’ve got pumping out of the kitchen to pair with. 

Manifattura, Piazza di S. Pancrazio, 1, 50123 Firenze FI

In Florence there are all types of different cocktail bars to choose from, from grungy study-abroad bars (IYKYK) to classic, old-style cocktail spots. Personally, I’m partial to the fantastic Manifattura, a stylish cocktail bar serving ONLY Italian liquors. They’re whipping up creative drinks with some fun theming and the local products make for some unique cocktails. Plus, the team here is a blast! 

Rasputin, Borgo Tegolaio, 21R, 50125 Firenze FI

There are great speakeasy moments to be had in Florence, such as Rasputin, a hidden speakeasy where you can enjoy a dark, cozy cocktail in an
underground bar. As like all speakeasies, the door is unmarked and requires you to channel your inner Sherlock to figure out exactly where the door is. But hey, what’s a little mystery-solving when you know there’s a cocktail at the end of it waiting for you? 

Gucci Giardino, P.za della Signoria, 37r, 50122 Firenze FI

Or if you’re looking for some style inspo, try Gucci Giardino, a beautiful cocktail bar connected to the Gucci store and restaurant that’s offering up some high end mixology. Speaking of aperitivo, Gucci’s delicious purple Memoire di Negroni is a total standout.

Locale Firenze, Via delle Seggiole, 12r, 50122 Firenze FI

Possibly one of the most popular cocktail bars in Florence due to the fact that it was once ranked #36 in Top 50 bars in the entire world, Locale is a must-visit for any cocktail enthusiast. Located in a stunning medieval villa in the center of Florence with a rich history (ask to see the cellar, if you can), the 20 Euro minimum cocktails you will find at Locale are well worth the price point. Although the bar begins as a restaurant early in the evening, serving up elegant and creative dinner and aperitivo dishes, around 10pm the bar begins to transform into a bumpin hotspot with lights and cocktails being shaken to the beat of the live DJ. Definitely make a reservation in advance as the line outside to enter without one gets long. Little tip: go for aperitivo or dinner  and simply stay through the evening if you wish to enjoy the nightlife here in the later hours! 

Djaria American Bar, Via dei Serragli, 100r, 50124 Firenze FI

I know I know – you may be scuffing at me for including an American Bar in the list of bars serving up great Italian cocktails, but in my personal opinion, Djaria may be serving up some of the best cocktails in all of Florence. Run by Florence-born Nicolo and New Jersey-born Sarah, the couple run this bar with sleek efficiency of their individual skills. While Sarah is cooking up the best American food you’ll find in all of Italy (I said what I said), Nicolo is a skilled mixologist, changing the menu often with his new creations that will knock your socks off. The precision of care he takes into creating each individual cocktail is not to be missed. 

Bitter Bar, Via di Mezzo, 28/30r, 50121 Firenze FI

Lowkey, chill, and filled with comfy mismatched couches and bar stools, this easy 1920’s themed cocktail bar just off the main roads serves up great cocktails with skill, creativity, and a little jazz on the side. If you’re feeling daring, ask to have them whip you up whatever cocktail they’re feeling like making that evening. Definitely make a reservation in advance, as the spot is small and once you’re in, there’s no time limit to how long you can stay! 

Tripstillery, Piazza Alvar Aalto, 20124 Milano MI

Listen – being the economic city of Italy, you’ll be pressed to find a bad place to grab a cocktail in the bustling city of Milan, however Tripstillery is one of my favorites. Beyond the vibe being very inviting, they’re set on crafting their own gin and amaro in house, which feels as contemporary as the city around it. 

Camparino in Galleria, P.za del Duomo, 21, 20121 Milano MI

Camparino, the home of Campari, is a whole institution right in the center of Milan. Do like the locals do and grab a cocktail at the bar and stand outside with your spritz or Negroni basking in the view of the Duomo. Make sure to try the Campari Shakerato. It’s fantastic!

Mag Cafe, Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 43, 20143 Milano MI

Located in the lively nightlife neighborhood of Navagli, Mag Cafe is a cozy, intimate spot that is great not only aperitivo, but for after-dinner cocktails as well. The cocktail list is large and inventive, but the plus is that while you sip and snack, you also have a great view of one  of the many canals typical of this neighborhood. Make sure to get the Negroni here – it’s top-tier.

While traveling all over Italy to these historic cities and towns, you can always find something great to drink. A cocktail with a view can be grabbed at Il Tridente inside the Hotel Poseidon in Positano, a breathtaking view over the Amalfi Coast that’s perfect for sunset. In the magical city that is Venice, Il Mercante is crafting up specialty drinks with all sorts of different local ingredients. If you’re still hungry from all that walking around, they can even heat up a little panini to enjoy with your, wait for
it…old fashioned. And speaking of old fashioned, Harry’s Bar near St. Mark’s square, a classy bar where Hemingway used to frequent and the home of the iconic Bellini, is an institution in Venice. 

Truly, this list can go on and on. If you’re like me and really enjoy the artistry and experience of a craft cocktail bar, Italy offers up so much. In these places where they are mixing and stirring, you can learn so much more about this incredible country.

It’s a sip that can feel good. A sip that feels special. And maybe a sip that becomes unforgettable.

Salute!