Italy is a country of great diversity and culture, with a rich history dating back centuries. From its picturesque landscapes to its mouth-watering cuisine, Italy has something for everyone.
But what about its drinks? Italy is home to some of the world's most famous wines and spirits, but there is much more to explore.
Modern Italian cocktails have taken the world by storm, blending traditional Italian ingredients with contemporary techniques and flavors.
These cocktails are a celebration of Italy's vibrant culture, and they offer a new twist on classic drinks. Whether you're a fan of sweet, sour, or bitter flavors, there is a Modern Italian cocktail that will satisfy your taste buds.
Modern Italian cocktails are a fusion of traditional Italian ingredients and modern mixology techniques. Bartenders use everything from fresh herbs to house-made syrups to create unique and delicious drinks.
These cocktails are often inspired by the flavors of Italian cuisine, with ingredients like limoncello, amaretto, and Campari taking center stage.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the best Modern Italian cocktail recipes that you can make at home.
We'll show you how to combine traditional Italian ingredients with modern mixology techniques to create drinks that are both delicious and memorable. So, grab your shaker and let's get started!
1. The Lucky Lucano Cocktail
The Lucky Lucano Cocktail is a modern Italian cocktail that combines the bold flavors of Amaro Lucano, a robust bourbon, and the juice of a ripe plum to create a boozy and aromatic drink.
Amaro Lucano brings a slightly bitter and warm spice flavor, while the fresh plum gives a sweet fruity freshness. The cocktail is perfect for fans of classic old fashioned cocktails who want to try something new and exciting.
2. Aperitini
If you're looking for a refreshing and potent cocktail with a modern twist on classic Italian flavors, then the Aperitini is a must-try. Made with a combination of Campari, Aperol, and Tequila, this cocktail is perfect for lovers of the Aperol Spritz and Negroni. The addition of fresh orange or mandarin juice and a dash of sugar syrup balances out the bitterness of the Campari, while a top-up of chilled Prosecco adds a touch of fizz.
Garnished with a slice of orange and sprig of rosemary, the Aperitini is a perfect cocktail to enjoy on a warm summer evening. Whether you're a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or just looking for something new to try, the Aperitini is definitely worth a taste.
3. Garibaldi Cocktail
The Garibaldi Cocktail is a refreshing and balanced Italian drink that is perfect for any occasion. Named after Giuseppe Garibaldi, a general who contributed to the unification of Italy back in 1871, this cocktail is made with only two ingredients – Campari and fresh-squeezed orange juice.
The frothy foam on top of the drink adds a textural flair that makes it even more appealing. The Garibaldi is an aperitif, meant to be enjoyed before dinner. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves Italian flavors and wants to experience a unique and delicious drink.
4. Italian Old Fashioned
The Italian Old Fashioned is a delightful twist on the classic whiskey cocktail. This cocktail recipe incorporates traditional Italian ingredients such as Galliano or Meletti, which add a subtle sweetness and unique flavor to the drink.
The Galliano and Bourbon version complements the woody, citrusy notes of Galliano with the smoothness of Bourbon, while the Meletti and Bourbon version pairs the spicy, cola notes of Meletti with the richness of demerara syrup and a drop of soda. Whether you prefer a classic or modern take on the old fashioned, the Italian Old Fashioned is a must-try for whiskey lovers looking to add a little Italian flair to their cocktail repertoire.
5. Cynar Manhattan
The Cynar Manhattan is a modern spin on the classic Manhattan cocktail that features the trendy Italian liqueur, Cynar. This bittersweet liqueur adds notes of bitter herbs, caramel, and toffee to the traditional Manhattan flavors of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
The result is a sophisticated and intriguing cocktail that is sure to impress your guests. With its easy-to-find ingredients and simple preparation, the Cynar Manhattan is a perfect choice for a nightcap or a party drink. If you're looking for a unique and delicious Italian cocktail, the Cynar Manhattan is definitely worth trying.
6. Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz is a refreshing and bubbly Italian cocktail that has gained immense popularity in recent years. It is an aperitif-style cocktail that is perfect for those who prefer a milder taste. The cocktail is made with just three ingredients and is incredibly easy to make.
It has a citrusy flavor that is perfect for hot summer days or when you need a reminder of warmth on a cold day. The cocktail has become a favorite worldwide and was ranked among the top 10 most popular cocktails in 2019. If you're looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail, the Aperol Spritz is the perfect choice.
7. Negroni Sbagliato
The Negroni Sbagliato is a modern twist on the classic Negroni cocktail that has been around since the 1920s. This Italian cocktail is made by replacing gin with sparkling wine, resulting in a more balanced flavor that is less bitter than the original. The Negroni Sbagliato was invented in the 1980s in Milan when the owner of Bar Basso accidentally used Prosecco instead of gin in a Negroni.
This cocktail is perfect for those who love a Negroni or those who are looking for a refreshing and bubbly drink. The lightly sweet Prosecco complements the bitter Campari and sweet vermouth, making it a sophisticated and bubbly cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. If you're a fan of Negroni spin-offs, then the Negroni Sbagliato is a must-try.
8. The Siesta Cocktail
The Siesta Cocktail is a modern Italian cocktail that is sure to impress any cocktail connoisseur. This unique mixture of tequila, Campari, grapefruit juice, and lime juice creates a perfectly balanced and refreshing drink with a sweet tart body and a hint of bitter on the finish.
It was invented by New York mixologist Katie Stipe in 2006 and has since become a modern classic. The combination of Mexican and Italian liqueurs layers the flavors in a genius way that lets you enjoy the magic of both. If you're looking for a sophisticated and perfectly balanced drink to impress your friends, the Siesta Cocktail is the way to go.
9. Campari and Soda
Campari and soda is a classic Italian cocktail that is perfect for a hot summer day. Made with just two ingredients, Campari and club soda, this cocktail is a great aperitif to open up the palate before a meal. The bitter flavor of Campari is balanced by the bubbly notes of the club soda, making it a refreshing and easy-to-drink cocktail.
It has strong notes of citrus, including grapefruit, orange, and lemon, as well as mild herbs and light spice. The cocktail is garnished with a slice of orange, adding a pop of color and flavor. If you're looking for a simple yet sophisticated cocktail to impress your guests, Campari and soda is a great choice.
10. Sparkling Campari Orange
Sparkling Campari Orange is a refreshing and festive cocktail that is perfect for any party. The bright and complex flavor of this cocktail comes from the combination of bitter Campari, sweet orange juice, and bubbly sparkling water.
The cocktail is easy to mix and looks gorgeous with its red and orange hues and fizzing bubbles on top. It is a great choice for those who prefer more bitter and sour flavors in their drinks. If you are looking for a unique and refreshing cocktail to serve at your next party, Sparkling Campari Orange is definitely worth a try.
11. Jungle Bird Cocktail
The Jungle Bird Cocktail is a modern Italian cocktail that is perfect for those who love fruity drinks with a complex taste. The combination of dark rum, pineapple juice, and Campari creates a perfect balance of sweet, tart, fruity, and bitter flavors.
This cocktail is a great option for parties or a laid-back evening, and it's easy to make once you have all the ingredients on hand. The Jungle Bird Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves to experiment with different flavors and wants to experience the intriguing complexity of Campari in a tropical drink.
12. Paper Plane Cocktail
The Paper Plane Cocktail is a modern Italian cocktail with bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. It's a beautifully balanced drink with a touch of bitterness and sourness.
The Amaro Nonino liqueur adds a unique bittersweet flavor with notes of caramel, citrus, and herbs. Created by NYC bartender Sam Ross, the Paper Plane Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a complex and interesting cocktail.
13. Oliveto Cocktail
The Oliveto Cocktail is a unique and intriguing addition to any cocktail menu. This Modern Italian Cocktail combines gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, Licor 43, and extra virgin olive oil, with a frothy egg white to create a smooth and silky texture.
The use of olive oil in a cocktail may seem unusual, but it works surprisingly well, adding a subtle hint of flavor and brightness to the drink. The combination of vanilla and citrus notes make this cocktail a refreshing and sophisticated choice. The Oliveto Cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy trying new and innovative cocktails, and it is sure to impress any guest.
14. Gilded Vanilla Pear Sparkler
The Gilded Vanilla Pear Sparkler is a luxurious and opulent cocktail that's perfect for the holiday season. This French 75 inspired sparkling cocktail is made with premium ingredients, including 24 karat gold infused Christmas Gin, Brut Prosecco, Italian vanilla liqueur, bright lemon juice, and a stunning pear syrup made with Bosc pears poached in Canadian honey and Tahitian vanilla extract.
The result is a creamy, crisp, and refreshing cocktail that's perfect for toasting to the end of a challenging year. The cocktail is garnished with a pear fan and a sparkler, making it a glamorous and memorable drink to celebrate the New Year. If you're looking for a cocktail that's equal parts sophisticated and delicious, the Gilded Vanilla Pear Sparkler is definitely worth trying.
