The Italian aperitivo is a beloved ritual. A moment to pause, unwind, and enjoy good company before dinner. These 5 classic Italian aperitivo drinks are simple to make, low in alcohol, and perfect to pair with salty snacks, olives, or small bites.
What Is Aperitivo?
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In Italy, the aperitivo is a pre-dinner tradition designed to stimulate the appetite and ease into the evening. It's typically enjoyed between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m., and it includes a light drink-often slightly bitter, never too strong-paired with simple nibbles like chips, nuts, or crostini.
For more details, check out this Ultimate Guide to Italian Aperitivo (also at home).
5 Classic Italian Aperitivo Drinks
1. Aperol Spritz
The undisputed queen of the aperitivo hour, the Aperol Spritz is bright, bubbly, and beautifully orange.
Ingredients:
- 3 parts Prosecco
- 2 parts Aperol
- 1 part soda water
- Orange slice for garnish
Why You'll Love It:
It's slightly bitter, lightly sweet, and incredibly refreshing-perfect for sipping on a warm evening.
➡️ [Get the full Aperol Spritz recipe here]
Check out also the other popular variant: the Campari Spritz!
2. Negroni
A bold, bittersweet classic with a beautiful ruby hue, the Negroni is simple and perfectly balanced.
Ingredients:
- 1 part gin
- 1 part Campari
- 1 part sweet vermouth
- Orange peel for garnish
Why You'll Love It:
It's strong, elegant, and complex. Serve it over ice for a slow-sipping experience.
➡️ [Get the full Negroni recipe here]
3. Americano
Lighter than a Negroni but just as stylish, the Americano is one of Italy's oldest aperitivo drinks.
Ingredients:
- 1 part Campari
- 1 part sweet vermouth
- Splash of soda water
- Orange slice or lemon twist
Why You'll Love It:
Effervescent and slightly bitter, it's a low-alcohol option that's easy to love.
➡️ [Get the full Americano recipe here]
4. Negroni Sbagliato
Born from a happy mistake ("sbagliato" means "mistaken" in Italian), this twist on the classic Negroni uses sparkling wine instead of gin.
Ingredients:
- 1 part Campari
- 1 part sweet vermouth
- 1 part Prosecco
- Orange slice for garnish
Why You'll Love It:
It's bubbly, bittersweet, and a touch lighter than the original Negroni-great for brunch or summer evenings.
➡️ [Get the full Negroni Sbagliato recipe here]
5. Hugo Cocktail
A refreshing Northern Italian spritz made with elderflower and mint, the Hugo is a newer favorite.
Ingredients:
- 3 parts Prosecco
- 2 parts elderflower syrup or liqueur (like St-Germain)
- 1 part soda water
- Fresh mint leaves and lime slices
Why You'll Love It:
Floral, fruity, and irresistibly fresh-like a sparkling garden in a glass.
➡️ [Get the full Hugo recipe here]
Aperitivo Snacks to Pair With
No aperitivo is complete without a few snacks on the table! Here are some Italian favorites:
- Tarallini
- Marinated olives
- Potato chips
- Prosciutto-wrapped grissini
- Goat cheese crostini
- Roasted almonds
- Caprese bruschetta
- Tomato bruschetta
- Mini Pizza Bites
- And more...Check out our full Aperitivo category for more recipes!
FAQs
Do I need fancy ingredients for these drinks?
Not at all! Most aperitivo cocktails use basic spirits and simple mixers. Prosecco, Campari, Aperol, and sweet vermouth are staples that go a long way.
Can I make them alcohol-free?
Yes! Use non-alcoholic spirits or spritz-style soda alternatives to create a similar flavor profile with less alcohol.
What's the best time for aperitivo?
Typically between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m.-before dinner but after work. It's the perfect bridge between the busy day and the relaxing evening.
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