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10 Italian Aperitivo Drink Cocktail Recipes

The Italian summer holiday, Ferragosto, is one of our favorite times of the year, and we like to toast it with these Italian aperitivo drink recipes!

Italian Aperitivo Drink Cocktail Recipes For Ferragosto

Ferragosto is one of the summer Italian national holidays, celebrated every August 15th, and even when we’re not in Italy, we observe it. Like the 4th of July in the United States, the whole country of Italy seems to take the day off to celebrate Ferragosto.

For most people, that means escaping the summer heat and heading to Italian beaches with friends and Italian cocktails.

Italian Happy Hour

The reality is that we do not wait for our annual Ferragosto celebration to enjoy classic Italian cocktails. Rather, we turn to these classic Italian cocktail drinks whenever we want to channel aperitivo (aka Italian happy hour) vibes.

To be honest, if there’s an excuse for Italian aperitivo cocktails, we’re all about it. And we’re fairly certain we’re not alone, as one of the most popular activities on our boutique group trip to Italy is the classic Italian cocktail class, time and again.

Ten Italian Aperitivo Drink Cocktail Recipes

Here are 10 Italian cocktails that are perfect for aperitivo drinks. They’re a mix of classic Italian cocktails and some modern ones, but they’re all cocktails we love and that you should enjoy, even if you’re not traveling to Italy anytime soon.

Classic Aperol Spritz Cocktail Recipe

The Classic Spritz Cocktail Recipe

It’s essentially illegal to discuss Italy in the summertime without mentioning the classic Spritz. Though this popular Italian drink was created in Northern Italy, you now find it all over, made with either Campari (our personal favorite) or Aperol.

The White Spritz Recipe

The Hugo Cocktail Recipe

As known as a white Spritz, this super light Spritz combines elderflower, bubbly wine, and lots of citrus and herbs. It’s a true Italian classic you can’t miss this summer.

Watermelon Ginger Aperol Spritz Cocktail Recipe

Watermelon Ginger Spritz Cocktail Recipe

We’re always on the hunt for the perfect summer cocktail to fight off the August heat and this variation on the classic Aperol Spritz cocktail adds in fresh watermelon juice and some ginger juice for a super refreshing twist.

Watermelon Campari Cocktail Recipe

Campari Watermelon Cooler Cocktail Recipe

Seriously though, both Aperol and Campari go really well with fresh watermelon juice, which is why we also use it here in this Campari Watermelon Cooler cocktail that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

Classic Negroni Sbagliato Cocktail

Negroni Sbagliato Cocktail Recipe

To be honest, the classic Negroni cocktail —  a mix of equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari — is too strong for us in the summertime. Instead, we opt for a Negroni Sbagliato cocktail where the gin is swapped out for another one of our favorite mixers: bubbly Prosecco wine!

Classic Americano Cocktail Recipe

Classic Americano Cocktail Recipe

Speaking of Campari, our other favorite twist on the Negroni is the Americano. A bit lighter than the traditional recipe, this version swaps out the gin for soda water.

Italian Sangria Cocktail Recipe

Italian Summer Sangria Cocktail Recipe

Made with Italian rosé wine, orange liqueur, and the bittersweet Cocchi Americano, this is the way we do Sangria with Italian vibes.

Paloma With Aperol

Aperol Red Grapefruit Margarita Cocktail Recipe

Sure, this is not your classic Italian cocktail,, but the tinge of bitter makes it one of our favorite ways to serve Aperol.

Frozen Peach Bellini Cocktail Recipe

Frozen Peach Bellini Cocktail Recipe

When it’s too hot to think, we make our drinks frozen! And one popular drink that is particularly delicious frozen is this Bellini.

Lavender Bellini Cocktail Recipe

Lavender Bellini Cocktail Recipe

And when we do take our Bellinis unfrozen, we like to add a bit of lavender for a floral twist on the popular Italian summertime drink.

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Mandilli Pasta with Creamy Pesto Sauce

Classic Italian Recipes

Dreaming of eating classic Italian food now that you read all about aperitivo cocktails? Here are some classic Italian recipes to make at home:

Italy Travel Guide

Italy Travel Guide

Are you thinking of heading to Italy soon? Check out our Italy travel guide with travel tips, where to stay, and more!

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Did you know we’re also a boutique travel agency specializing in Italy travel planning? If you’re looking to plan one of the best trips to Italy, our Italy trip planner services are here to help you plan your perfect itinerary.


Photo Credit: Liubov Burakova

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3 thoughts on “10 Italian Aperitivo Drink Cocktail Recipes”

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