Cocktails are delicious year-round, but nothing says summer like a classic Italian cocktail. When the temperature rises and the humidity sets in, there’s nothing more refreshing than a typical tangy Italian summer cocktail such as a Bellini, spritz, or limoncello.

So next time you’re looking to cool down with a summer Italian drink be it at lunch, aperitivo hour, or dinner, impress your guests (or indulge on your own!) with one of these traditional—yet super-simple—recipes.

Each Italian drink hails from a different region, from the Veneto (that would be the Bellini, of course) down to the south (where you’ll find plenty of limoncello)—so if you’re planning an Italian summer cocktail party, serve them all for a near-effortless “tour of Italy”! (Speaking of

Whether you’re dreaming of an Aperol Spritz by the sea or a Negroni on a rooftop terrace, we’ve rounded up the best Italian drinks to cool down with this summer – with recipes! 

You have to try these Italian summer cocktails, which, honestly, all delicious at any time of the year.

The Best Italian Cocktails for Summer

Must-Try Italian Summer Cocktails

Bellini

We begin our “cocktail tour” in the Veneto, a region in northern Italy—and the home of the world-famous Bellini drink. In 1948, the head bartender at Harry’s Bar in Venice invented this simple (yet heavenly!) cocktail. It soon hit the lips of celebrities vacationing in Venice before making its way to New York, where it joined its fans in international stardom. (Do you know what else Venice is famous for? Enjoying cicchetti at the bàcari.)

There are, of course, lots of ways to spike a glass of fruit juice. But the Bellini is a true classic—not to mention, in its simplicity and freshness, the perfect Italian cocktail for summer.

Ingredients

• two parts Prosecco
• one part fresh white peach purée

Method

1. Chill a flute glass
2. Pour the Prosecco over the purée 
3. Serve! (Told you it was easy).

The Bellini, a popular and very simple cocktail from Venice. Photo by John Phelan

Aperol Spritz

This red-tinted cocktail also originates from Venice, but don’t be surprised if you see locals sipping their Spritzes in Florence, or even as far south as Capri! It just speaks to the fame of this beloved cocktail, and how easy it goes down… no matter where in Italy (or the world) you are.

The most famous version of a Spritz? The Aperol Spritz. Aperol is similar to Campari, and due to its slightly bitter kick—and the sense of refreshment Aperol brings under the afternoon sun—it’s the perfect accompaniment to the Prosecco, soda water and orange that round out the Spritz recipe.

Ingredients

• three parts Prosecco
• two parts Aperol
• one part soda water
• orange slice

Method

1. Pour Aperol into a white wine glass, lowball, or highball glass, with ice
2. Add the Prosecco and soda water
3. Garnish with a slice of orange

An Aperol Spritz, is one of the best Italian cocktails for summer.

Insider’s tip: Looking for some more tips on Italian eating and drinking? Check out our recommendations for How to Drink Like an Italian: Traditional Italian Beverages and Customs

Classic Italian Cocktails

Negroni Sbagliato

Campari is one of the most famous Italian liquor companies, and its wide assortment of cocktails please most palates. This version, the Negroni Sbagliato, is a top-notch choice for summer, thanks to the splash of Spumante, a sparkling wine. “Sbagliato“—meaning “wrong”—refers to the fact that in this recipe, the original Negroni cocktail’s gin is swapped out for Spumante, making it a summer-ready Italian drink!

Although it’s thought that the Negroni originated from Florence, the Negroni Sbagliato is said to have been invented in Milan (where Campari comes from) back in the 1960s.

Ingredients

• one part Campari
• one part Martini Rosso
• one part Spumante
• orange slice

Method

1. Pour all ingredients into a highball or lowball glass with ice and mix
2. Garnish with a slice of orange
   

   A refreshing Negroni Sbagliato is one of the most beloved Italian drinks. Photo by Wine Dharma

Caffè Shakerato

One of the latest rising stars of Italian cocktails, the  Caffè Shakerato is, believe it or not, virgin. “Shakerato” stems from the English work “shake”—a key part of the drink-making process.

The Caffè Shakerato’s sole purpose is to boost your energy with espresso, while simultaneously lowering your body temperature with its cool frothiness. So make sure to include indulging in one on your to-do list while in Italy, where you will find locals clambering for them during the warm afternoons.

Trust us: Iced coffee just got so much better.

Ingredients

• one shot of fresh espresso
• 2-3 tablespoons of sugar (optional)
• ice cubes

Method

1. Add all ingredients into a shaker and shake uncontrollably for 30 seconds
2. Drain it without the ice into a maritin or white wine glass

Garnish as you please: coffee bean, orange peel, sugared rim (optional)

A caffè shakerato is a refreshing Italian summer cocktail for someone looking for a little late-day pick-me-up. Photo by Takeaway

Rubino

A Rubino is a very traditional Italian cocktail that is made with a Martini & Rossi Rubino vermouth. It’s named “Rubino” for the Italian word for ruby due to its rich red color. This is a great Italian cocktail for someone who prefers a bitter-sweet taste.

Its a classic cocktail with quite a few variations depending on the region, but the recipe below is our favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Martini Riserva Speciale Rubino Vermouth
• 1 oz London dry gin or aged gin
• 1 oz Amaro (like Averna or Montenegro)
• Orange twist (for garnish)

Method

1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass over a large cube.
4. Garnish with an orange twist.

Traditional Italian Drinks Beyond Cocktails

Limoncello

The tart taste of limoncello is always a great way to end a meal on the Amalfi coast—or an excellent way to transport you back there! This lemon liqueur originates from Capri, and, today, is Italy’s second most popular liqueur. Traditional limoncello is made from lemons specifically from Capri and Sorrento, thanks to the fruits’ large size and thick peel. Locals enjoy limoncello most often between May and mid-September. (Here’s more about limoncello and its history!).

This digestivo is served best when extremely chilled. And, traditionally, it requires at least 80 days of fermentation. Didn’t plan that far in advance? Don’t worry—four days can suffice, too.

Ingredients

• zest of 10 organic lemons
• 1 (750ml) bottle of vodka or pure grain alcohol
• 3 1/2 cups water
• 2 1/2 cups sugar

Method

1. Remove the lemon peel with a vegetable peeler and trim off the white from the peels
2. Place peels in a 2-quart pitcher where they will swim in the vodka
3. Cover the pitcher for at least four days at room temperature
4. Dissolve the sugar in water over medium heat for 5 minutes, let cool
5. Add the sugar syrup over the peels and vodka
6. Cover and seal at room temperature overnight
7. Strain the limoncello through a strainer and discard peels
8. Transfer the limoncello to bottles and seal the bottles
9. Refrigerate until cold, at least 4 hours and up to 80 days

A (tall!) shot of limoncello is perhaps the most popular summer Italian cocktail. Photo by Tiana Kai

Negroni

Amaro is a bitter-sweet Italian herbal liqueur that is incredibly versatile in cocktails. It’s quite popular for people who don’t like the sugary taste found in a lot of Italian summer cocktails. Perhaps the most classic recipe that uses Amaro is called Negroni.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Gin
• 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 1 oz Amaro (specifically Campari, a bitter-style amaro)
• Orange peel for garnish

Method

1. Pour and mix ingredients over ice in a mixing glass.
2. Stir until well chilled (about 20–30 seconds).
3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
4. Garnish with an expressed orange peel.

A Negroni is about as classic of an Italian cocktail as it gets. Photo by Geoff Peters

Italian Cocktails FAQs

What is the difference between an Aperol Spritz and a Negroni Sbagliato?

An Aperol Spritz is made with Aperol, Prosecco, and a splash of soda water, resulting in a lighter, slightly sweet, and citrusy drink. A Negroni Sbagliato, on the other hand, swaps gin for sparkling wine in a traditional Negroni, making it bubbly but still rich with bitter and herbal flavors. 

Are there non-alcoholic Italian drinks for summer?

Yes! Popular non-alcoholic Italian summer drinks include Crodino (a bitter, herbal soda), Sanbittèr (a non-alcoholic aperitif), and classic Italian sodas flavored with blood orange, lemon, or chinotto. You can also enjoy mocktails inspired by Italian spritzes. 

What is the traditional way to serve Italian cocktails?

Italian cocktails are traditionally served in elegant glassware, often with a large ice cube or two to keep the drink chilled without dilution. Garnishes like citrus twists, olives, or herbs such as rosemary add aroma and visual appeal. Aperitivo hour typically involves small bites alongside the drinks. 

 Well, now that you’ve got quite a list of Italian drinks to try on your next Italian adventure, why don’t you join us in Rome for a food and wine tour? Our Rome Food Tour with Rooftop Aperitivo includes stops at various local restaurants and tavern in Rome’s Jewish Quarter, finished with the opportunity to make your own spritz atop a private rooftop in Trastevere.