Italy’s Most Delicious Cocktails


 

Most people associate Italy with its authentic wine brands.  And not many people know about the unique flavors of classic Italian cocktails. From the refreshing orange favor of Campari to the peachy scent of Bellini and the bittersweet  limoncello,  traditional Italian cocktails have no equals in terms of flavor and style.

What are some of Italy’s best and most delicious cocktails?

The Italian cocktail experience starts with aperitivo, the Italian version of a happy hour.  An aperitivo typically involves some of Italy’s most delicious cocktails and light appetizers and takes place at the end of the work day. The Italian happy hour experience typically leads to a generous Italian dinner, including pizza, pasta, red meats and fish.

Bellini Cocktail

Our cocktail presentation experience starts with the world- famous Beillini.

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Bellini is the Italian morning drink. It has become associated with a worldwide brunch experience.  It has been originally introduced to the world by Giuseppe Cipriani in 1948, the founder of the iconic Harry’s Bar in Venezia, located just a few steps away from the Grand Canal.

Due to its prime location, the locale was frequently visited by the likes of Truman Capote and Earnest Hemingway, who quickly spread the word about the magical cocktail and its popularity quickly reached the upscale circles of New York, Paris and London.

The magical elixir has become a favorite summer-style cocktail for numerous light drink lovers.  Bellini’s creator named the cocktail after the color of a Bellini painting that depicts the golden sunset over Venezia.

Bellini is made of a teaspoon of peach puree mixed with an abundant prosecco dose. The drink is served chilled in an elegant champagne glass.

Campari-Orange

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Another one of Italy’s most delicious cocktails is the renowned Campari-Orange drink which marks the unification of the south and the north as it combines Sicilian oranges with Milanese Campari, and creates a delicious mix of orange flavor and the iconic Campari, resulting in a refreshing citrus flavor. The cocktail was created first by Garibaldi.

Being both sweet and tingly, this drink is the perfect addition to vegetarian dishes and pasta meals.

L’Americano

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The place of origin of the L’americano is Caffe Campari in Milan. With its unique mixes of sweet vermouth, Campari and club soda, this drink type suits almost every occasion and style, and is another one of Italy’s most delicious cocktail drinks.

L’americano is also known as one of James Bond’s drinks favorites in the highly publicized novel Casino Royale.

Another story tells us that the drink was created in 1930s in the name of the  Italian boxer Primo Carnera,  who practices in the United States, and was also called the “Americano.”

Negroni

Launched in Caffe Casoni in Florence in 1919 this famous Italian drink is a successful combo of dry gin, sweet vermouth and Campari, and features orange flavor and refreshing bitter citrus taste. The Negroni drink is the subtler version of the L’Americano cocktail.

Pirlo

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The Pirlo cocktail is a delicious combination of bitter and sweet flavors. With its mix of sparkling water, sparkling wine and Campari, this drink is the perfect ‘’go-to’’ choice for pre-dinner activities. It’s typically served in a wide wine glass, and gets garnished with an orange slice.

The first city where Pirlo was introduced was Brescia, Italy, and its name translates into ”fall” in Brescian’s dialect. Perlo is an aperitivo drink that is the perfect addition to light meals and pasta dishes.

Sbagliato Milan

Sbagliato Cocktail

Sbalgiato is known as an evening drink, though some people gladly order it as a part of their brunch, instead of a mimosa.  The drink has been created for the first time in the chic Bar Basso in Milan, by mistake, like its name says. Prosecco, Campari, sweet Vermouth, and an orange twist make up for a magical universal flavor.

Sbagliato ‘’the cocktail created by mistake’’ is the result of a busy bartender’s effort to create a Negroni, while using sparkling wine instead of a gin splash.

After the lucky accident, Sbagliato has become a favorite for both tourist and locals alike who frequently add the cocktail to their aperitivo or brunch experience.

The Sgroppino al Limone Cocktail

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Among all-time Italian favorites, such as the Bellini and Aperol Spritz, there is another fancy cocktail gem almost always present in the menus of Italians who name is sgroppino.

This drink has been made of vodka, lemon sorbet and prosecco. The drink was popular among aristocrats and nobility all over Europe in the past, and numerous restaurants feature it for free after a meal, or is in their dessert menu.

Limoncello Cocktail

Limoncello is a well-known Italian elixir, ”the nectar of the  Gods”.  It’s a cultural tradition to serve limoncello at the table after a meal, and its purpose is to ease digestion and also provide an aromatic after-flavor following a substantial meal.

Limoncello is made of fresh lemons and is one of the most delicious and iconic Italian cocktails.

Italian cocktails have an universal purpose. They can accompany light meals or generous feasts; they can be featured in dessert, brunch and lunch menus at the same time. They can have a light citrus flavor, or a stronger alcoholic tone. They are a classy addition to every party or dinner, and are the preferred choice of both curious tourist and sophisticated locals.

And more importantly, all have a rich history behind them, and refreshing effect on anyone who is curious to join the Italian cocktail-tasting experience.

Italian cocktails have different serving styles, and most can be teamed up from any type of cuisine and ingredients, including meats, pasta, bread, and even dolci. Every Italian region has its own favorite drinks and tourists are encouraged to research the specific area and what’s typical for it.

 

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