An Indulgent Guide to Popular Italian Drinks

Italy can be discovered in countless ways, from traversing its historic landmarks, like the Colosseum or the Leaning Tower of Pisa, to feasting on the tastiest local delicacies. But there’s no better and more unique way to uncover the finer points of Italian style than by trying Italian drinks.

Being home to incredible food, wine, art, and architecture, it shouldn’t be surprising that Italy’s drinking culture is in a class of its own. Whether locally produced sparkling wine, refreshing cocktails, or the country’s distinctive take on coffee, each drink tells its story through bold flavors and unique ingredients.

However, the massive variety makes it easy to miss out on the best, even if it isn’t your first introduction to Italy’s drinks. So, stick around to find out which popular Italian drinks to treat your tastebuds.

Exploring Italy’s Coffee

Many people hear “Italian coffee” and immediately think of strong, flavorful espressos. While there is no denying its popularity, dozens of other coffee varieties across the country exist.

These range from black brews, including the Americano or Lungo, to bubbly and milky cappuccinos and macchiatos. Those with a sweet tooth and a love for caffeine can enjoy the best of both with options such as marocchinos or correttos.

Classic Italian Coffees

As much as coffee varieties and brew styles have evolved over the years, a few have stood the test of time and remained absolute classics in Italy.

• Espresso – A staple of the Italian coffee world, a “caffè” or espresso, sharing the same name the country has for the word coffee itself, is enjoyed all day. It consists of a single shot of espresso, which can be doubled by ordering a “doppio”.
• Cappuccino – Second only to espresso, the cappuccino is an Italian classic. It is served as a morning refreshment before 11 am. Following a 1:1:1 ratio, the cappuccino consists of one shot of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
• Macchiato – Savored throughout the mornings and as an afternoon energy booster, the macchiato is a perfect mix of a caffè and cappuccino. Translated as “spotted,” this drink is a single shot of espresso with a drop or two of hot milk “spotted” on top.
• Caffè Americano – A variation of the standard caffè, the Americano is simply one shot of espresso with a dash of water added after brewing, making the intense flavor less strong. It is enjoyed at any time of the day.

Other Must-Try Italian Coffee Drinks

Showcasing the diversity of Italian coffee culture, here are some other coffees worth a try, each with its own unique taste and experience.

• Caffè Corretto – This variation of a typical espresso translates to “corrected coffee” or “coffee with a shot of spirits” and is achieved by adding a few drops of alcohol to a shot of espresso. Spirits of choice include either grappa, Baileys, Sambuca, or rum. A caffè corretto should be had after 5 pm, ideally as an after-dinner drink.
• Caffè Shakerato – Considered a seasonal drink, a caffè shakerato is an ideal cooler on a hot day in Italy. It’s usually served in a martini glass and made by adding ice to a shot of espresso and shaking it in a cocktail mixer.
• Crema Di Caffè – Another standout iced Italian coffee treat is crema di caffè or coffee cream. By combining a shot of espresso, sugar, and cream, you get a delicious, slowly melting coffee gelato.
• Bicerin – A traditional hot coffee drink native to Turin, one of Italy’s chocolate cities, bicerin is made using a shot of espresso, Italian drinking chocolate, and milk, layered and served in a small glass.

Italian Wines

You can’t discuss famous Italian drinks without mentioning the country’s rich wine legacy and its continued influence on the local drinking culture. Italians take their wine seriously, and considering it’s one of the world’s top wine producers, the amount of varieties available is staggering.

Each of Italy’s 20 regions produces wine – Sicily, Tuscany, Lombardy, Veneto, Lazio, and Piedmont are synonymous with world-class wine excellence. When faced with so many possibilities, you should focus on regional varieties when choosing a glass of wine that ideally matches local cuisine.

Red wine lovers should try a full-bodied Barolo in Piedmont, a Chianti in Tuscany, or a slightly sweeter Primitivo from the Puglia region. On the other hand, white wine enthusiasts can opt for a zesty Pinot Grigio, a Soave from the Veneto region, or a Gavi out of Piedmont. Of course, you can’t go wrong with a bottle of Italian sparkling wine or Prosecco.

The Italian Aperitivo

Italy’s version of happy hour, an aperitivo hour, starts around 6 pm and ends at 9 pm. It involves paying a flat rate for a drink and having all-you-can-eat access to various appetizers offered at the bar.

The aperitivo is a tradition born in northern Italy that encourages you to rest and unwind after a long day. During an aperitivo, the drink of choice is an aperitif or pre-meal drink, and several popular options are most common in bars around the country.

• Vermouth – Originating from the Turin region, vermouth is a popular aperitif. It is an aromatically fortified wine flavored with various herbs and spices. Traditionally, there are two styles: dry or sweet vermouth (or red vermouth). 

• Campari – The national drink of Italy, Campari comes from the Piedmont city of Novara and the mind of Gaspare Campari. Easily recognized for its dark red color and bitter flavor, it’s made from an infusion of herbs and fruit and is the ideal sipping aperitif.

Popular Italian Cocktails

Among the most famous Italian drinks, you’ll find a vast collection of refreshing cocktails. Combining distinctly Italian ingredients with creativity, these are not to be passed on. Let’s take a look at some of the top ones to try.

• Negroni – The exact origin of the legendary Negroni is a bit debated. Its first appearance was around 1919, and its birth is attributed to Count Camillo Negroni. It’s made from equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, with an orange slice, and served on ice. A famous variant is the Negroni Sbagliato, “sbagliato” meaning mistake. The gin is replaced with Prosecco and was historically invented by accident, hence the name.
• Americano – Believed to be the precursor to the Negroni, the Americano dates back to the 1860s and was first served at Gaspere Campari’s bar in Milan. The drink’s bitter taste is heavily reduced by altering the recipe for a regular Negroni and switching gin out for sparkling water.
• Campari Spritz – Designed for sipping, the Campari Spritz puts a spin on the classic Aperol Spritz and does so with only three ingredients. The popular drink consists of three parts: Prosecco (or any other sparkling white wine), two parts Campari, and one part soda water.
• Aperol Spritz – Distinguished as one of the most popular Italian cocktails, the iconic orange-hued Aperol Spritz was first created by two brothers, Silvio and Luigi Barbieri. In an effort to create an aperitif unique to Padua, they made one of the most beloved classic cocktails by mixing Aperol with Prosecco and sparkling water.
• Limoncello Spritz – This Prosecco-based cocktail adds a zesty infusion to traditional spritz by blending Limoncello, prosecco, and soda water. It uses the strong, lemon-flavored liquor native to the Amalfi Coast and creates a lovely contrast between tangy and sweet. It certainly makes for a great summer cocktail.
• Bellini – The Bellini is another Prosecco-based drink which bursts with a fruity vibrancy. First introduced to the world at the renowned Harry’s Bar in Venice by Giuseppe Cipriani in 1948, the cocktail is a celebration of the city. Named after Venetian Renaissance painter Giovanni Bellini, it requires only two ingredients: peach purée (preferably white peaches) and Prosecco.

After Dinner Digestivo

Whereas a pre-dinner aperitivo readies your palette and heightens your appetite before eating, a digestivo is appreciated after meals to aid digestion. Many Italians have their take on what popular drinks in Italy are or aren’t a digestif, but there are a handful that most agree on:

• Amaro – Amaro is perhaps the most renowned digestivo in Italy and consists of alcohol infused with various herbs and spices, often aged in wood casks. The end product is an intriguing and bitter liquor, usually finished with flavorings such as dried orange peel.
• Limoncello – An upliftingly tangy, lemon-flavored digestivo, Limoncello is typically served ice-cold and in small glasses, making it ideal for summertime. The blend of citrus and sweetness creates what can only be called an Italian summer in a glass.  
• Nocino – A bittersweet, dark brown liquor, Nocino is made using underripe walnuts, picked right before their hard shells begin to develop. Coming from the Emilia-Romagna region, it’s a little sweet, spicy, and bitter and can be enjoyed on its own or as a dessert topping.
• Amaretto – Decisively sweeter than typical digestivos, Amaretto is an almond-flavored liquor with roots dating back to the 16th century. Usually made from apricot kernels, peach stones, or almonds, it is one of the most popular Italian beverages relished after dinner.
• Grappa – Often considered the ultimate digestivo, Grappa is a highly fragrant elixir made from pomace or the leftovers of wine production. There are dozens of variations of Grappa, either young or aged in casks, infused with herbs and spices, or blended with fruits and honey, and recipes differ from brand to brand.

Alcohol-Free Drinks from Italy

Indulging in the best Italian drinks doesn’t have to involve caffeine or alcohol, and there are plenty of possibilities to go alcohol-free. This is fantastic if you aren’t a big alcohol drinker and still want to experience the atmosphere of an aperitivo. Pretty much every bar has a unique list of fresh and flavorful non-alcoholic options.

Italy knows how to do justice to the mocktail by replacing the alcohol with interesting alternatives – ranging from different fruit juices to curated blends of herbs and botanicals.

• Chinotto – Chinotto appears similar to Coca-Cola but differs vastly in taste. Made from chinotto fruit juice, the soft drink is a complex balance of sweet and bitter flavors. It’s also a splendid alternative to traditional sodas if you’re in the mood.
• Aranciata – Combining fresh orange juice with soda water, Aranciata is a quintessential citrus soda, ideal for hot summer days. Think of it as Italy’s answer to Fanta without added sugars and preservatives, with San Pellegrino being a favorite.
• Limonata – Alongside Aranciata, Limonata is Italy’s other much-loved citrus-based soda. It’s essentially a lemon soft drink made with real lemon juice, soda water, and other flavor pairings, resulting in a refreshing thirst quencher during summer. 
• Crodino – Created as the non-alcoholic version of a spritz cocktail, the pre-packaged Italian drink is what many Italians drink instead of a regular spritz due to its very similar taste and look. Boasting a distinctively bittersweet citrusy flavor, the Crodino is a standout non-boozy option. 
• Spuma – If you’re looking for Italy’s take on the secret recipe to Coca-Cola, look no further than Spuma. Made from sparkling water, sugar, caramel, and other “secret” ingredients, there are two variants: a bionda or blonde, flavored with rhubarb, and a darker bittersweet version.

The Most Famous Italian Drinks – Wrapped Up

The love affair that Italy has with delicious drinks is something that you should explore one sip at a time. Whether simply spending time with family and friends or celebrating holidays and memorable moments, there’s no denying that there’s an Italian refreshment for every taste. All that’s left to do is decide which to try first. Alla tua salute!

Italy City Guides

Latest Italy Travel Podcasts and Articles

Disclosure: Untold Italy assists our readers with carefully chosen product and services recommendations that help make travel easier and more fun. If you click through and make a purchase on many of these items we may earn a commission. All opinions are our own – please visit our disclosure page for more information.

Please share if you found this article useful