Italy is home to some of the world’s favourite food and beverages, with amazing non-alcoholic and alcoholic Italian drinks to sample. From amazing wine to creamy hot chocolates, strong espresso coffees and classic cocktails, there’s so much to sip on here!
If you can’t visit here right now, you can still learn more about how the must-try coffee styles, tea, sodas or what cocktails locals are ordering in bars – and maybe even try making some of these authentic tipples at home!
Popular Italian Drinks
1. Campari
Campari is a mixture of herbs, spices, fruits, and alcohol and it’s famous for its bitter taste. It can take a while for some people to get to like its unusual flavour, but once you do, you’re a Campari fan for life!
It’s also an excellent refreshing boost for digestion. You can also serve this famous Italian drink with citrus juice or soda. Campari spritz are the perfect sundowner drink.
2. Bellini
Bellini is a classic Italian cocktail: it’s a combination of Prosecco and white peach nectar or white peach purée.
Outside of Italy, Bellini recipes often call for champagne, but any sparkling wine will do! Bellini cocktail gets its name after the famous Italian painter Giovanni Bellini.
Recipe is by Leite’s Culinaria.
3. Ristretto
Ristretto is half of a single shot of espresso. When prepared in an espresso machine, the regular amount of coffee is extracted with half the amount of water used for a classic espresso.
The result is a more concentrated beverage with a different balance of compounds than in standard espresso.
4. Negroni
The popular Italian cocktail is one part gin, one part vermouth rosso, and one part Campari, with orange peel to garnish.
A delicious apéritif, a traditional Negroni is stirred, not shaken, and served over ice in an old-fashioned or rocks glass. It’s a strong drink that really packs a punch.
Recipe by Deborah Mele.
5. Italian Hot Chocolate
Italian hot chocolate is a mug full of creamy deliciously thick hot chocolate. With real chocolate and milk, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Some locals even call it chocolate soup!
It’s almost as thick as pudding; make sure to use the baby spoon and for an extra treat spoon in dollops of the sweet panna! You can make this indulgent drink at home.
Recipe is by An Italian in my Kitchen.
6. Limoncello
This Italian liqueur gets its flavour from lemon zest that infuses in a neutral spirit such as vodka. It is mixed with sugar and water and then filtered after a resting period.
Usually enjoyed as an aperitif or a digestif, always well chilled and sometimes served in ice-cold glasses. You can also find it in many Italian desserts. Want to make it at home? It’s easier than you think!
Recipe is by Love and Olive Oil.
7. Grappa
Italian grappa is made from the remainder of grapes that are left after the juice has been pressed. Grappa is a popular digestif; you usually serve it straight in shot glasses. Grappa is a classic Italian drink that most locals enjoy after dinner.
Through history, grappa was mainly associated with northern parts of Italy. Today, producers make it throughout the country.
