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The kitchen

Italian Cocktails

Aperitivo and aperitif, measured and repeatable — the drinks Italy actually pours.

The canon

Learn the classics

Five bottles and a hundred years of bar history — start here.

BombardinoCocktailsBombardinoCook it
  1. Espresso with SambucaThe classic Italian after-dinner pick-me-up: a hot shot of espresso spiked with anise-sweet sambuca, often served con la mosca with a few coffee beans floating on top.
  2. Affogato al Caffè Corretto (Espresso-Drowned Gelato with Amaro)A scoop of cold vanilla gelato drowned in hot espresso and spiked with a splash of amaro. It is dessert and after-dinner drink in one glass, and it takes about a minute to make.
  3. Sgroppino al CaffèA Venetian after-dinner classic with a coffee twist: lemon sorbet whipped with prosecco and vodka, then spiked with cold espresso. Light, frothy, and just bittersweet enough to wake you up.
  4. Shaken Espresso with AmarettoItaly's foamy iced espresso, shaken hard with ice and a little syrup, then nudged with amaretto for a smooth almond finish. The perfect cool pick-me-up on a hot afternoon.

Behind the bar

The amari, liqueurs and bitters that build the Italian back-bar.

The whole larder

CampariAperolCynarAmaro AvernaAmaro MontenegroFernet BrancaSelect AperitivoLuxardo BitterVermouth RossoVermouth BiancoLondon Dry GinOrange Bitters

Garnishes & mixers

Finish the drink

Cherries, olives, citrus and the bubbles — the small things that close the glass.

  1. Maraschino Cherries
  2. Green olivesBrined green olives; with capers, the saline chord of Sicilian agrodolce.
  3. Lemon zestThe fragrant yellow skin only, no pith; the lift in gremolada and a hundred dolci.
  4. Lemon JuiceFreshly squeezed juice of Italian lemons.
  5. Blood Orange Juice
  6. Fresh MintFresh mint leaves add a cooling, aromatic dimension to cocktails.
  7. Soda WaterSoda water (or seltzer) is simply water that has been carbonated.
  8. Tonic WaterTonic water adds a bitter, floral quality to cocktails.
The whole larder

The bar book

Every cocktail

  1. CocktailsBombardino
  2. CocktailsEspresso with SambucaThe classic Italian after-dinner pick-me-up: a hot shot of espresso spiked with anise-sweet sambuca, often served con la mosca with a few coffee beans floating on top.
  3. CocktailsAffogato al Caffè Corretto (Espresso-Drowned Gelato with Amaro)A scoop of cold vanilla gelato drowned in hot espresso and spiked with a splash of amaro. It is dessert and after-dinner drink in one glass, and it takes about a minute to make.
  4. CocktailsSgroppino al CaffèA Venetian after-dinner classic with a coffee twist: lemon sorbet whipped with prosecco and vodka, then spiked with cold espresso. Light, frothy, and just bittersweet enough to wake you up.
  5. CocktailsShaken Espresso with AmarettoItaly's foamy iced espresso, shaken hard with ice and a little syrup, then nudged with amaretto for a smooth almond finish. The perfect cool pick-me-up on a hot afternoon.
  6. CocktailsCaffè CorrettoA shot of hot espresso "corrected" with a splash of grappa or sambuca. It is the quick, no-fuss Italian way to round off a meal or warm up at the bar.
  7. CocktailsEspresso MartiniA cold, coffee-forward cocktail with vodka, coffee liqueur, and a shot of fresh espresso, shaken hard so it pours with that signature silky foam on top.
  8. CocktailsNegroni SourA modern citrus-forward variation. The classic Negroni formula with fresh lemon juice added.
  9. CocktailsCampari SpritzThe original bitter spritz. Campari, Prosecco, and soda create a more assertive alternative to Aperol.
  10. CocktailsSbagliato RosatoA summer variation of the Negroni Sbagliato using rosé wine and Prosecco.
  11. CocktailsAmericano HighballA taller, more refreshing version of the Americano using tonic water instead of soda.
  12. CocktailsLucianoA sophisticated amaro cocktail combining Fernet-Branca, Amaro Averna, and Prosecco.
  13. CocktailsContessaA variation on the Cardinale using Aperol instead of Campari. Lighter, fruitier, and more approachable.
  14. CocktailsFerrariA Milanese digestif of Fernet-Branca and cola. Simple, bitter-sweet, and surprisingly refreshing.
  15. CocktailsSelect SpritzA Venetian alternative to the Aperol Spritz. Select Aperitivo offers a more herbal, artichoke-forward profile.
  16. CocktailsCardinaleA drier variation of the Negroni using dry vermouth instead of sweet. More herbaceous and crisp.
  17. CocktailsLimoncello SpritzA sweet, citrusy spritz from the Amalfi Coast. Limoncello, Prosecco, and soda create summer in a glass.
  18. CocktailsMilano-TorinoThe original name for the Americano, before soda water was added. Pure Campari and sweet vermouth.
  19. CocktailsBiciclettaA lighter alternative to the Americano using white wine instead of vermouth. Perfect for afternoon aperitivo.
  20. CocktailsSgroppinoA Venetian palate cleanser of lemon sorbet, Prosecco, and vodka. Light, refreshing, and elegant.
  21. CocktailsGaribaldiA vibrant Roman cocktail of Campari and fresh orange juice. Simple, refreshing, and visually stunning.
  22. CocktailsCynar SpritzA savory, herbal alternative to the Aperol Spritz using artichoke-based Cynar.
  23. CocktailsPucciniA bright, citrusy Bellini variation using fresh mandarin juice.
  24. CocktailsTintorettoA winter Bellini variation using tart pomegranate juice and Prosecco.
  25. CocktailsRossiniA spring variation of the Bellini using fresh strawberry purée and Prosecco.
  26. CocktailsHugo SpritzA floral, refreshing spritz from South Tyrol. Elderflower syrup, Prosecco, soda, and fresh mint.
  27. CocktailsNegroni BiancoA clear, floral twist on the classic. Gin, white vermouth, and a clear bitter liqueur (like Suze) create a sophisticated aperitivo.
  28. CocktailsNegroni SbagliatoThe "mistaken" Negroni created at Bar Basso in Milan. Prosecco replaces gin for a lighter, bubbly aperitivo.
  29. CocktailsClassic NegroniThe definitive recipe for the iconic Florentine aperitivo. Equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, stirred to perfection.
  30. CocktailsClassic AmericanoThe precursor to the Negroni. A refreshing blend of Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water.
  31. CocktailsClassic BelliniGiuseppe Cipriani's original recipe from Harry's Bar in Venice. Fresh white peach purée and Prosecco.
  32. CocktailsClassic Aperol SpritzThe quintessential Venetian aperitivo. Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water combine for a refreshing, bittersweet sunset drink.
  33. CocktailsHanky PankyCreated by Ada Coleman at the Savoy. Gin, sweet vermouth, and a hint of Fernet-Branca.
  34. CocktailsOld PalA Prohibition-era cocktail of rye, dry vermouth, and Campari. The drier, spicier cousin of the Boulevardier.
  35. CocktailsBlack ManhattanA dark, herbal twist on the Manhattan using Amaro Averna instead of sweet vermouth.
  36. CocktailsPaper PlaneA modern classic created by Sam Ross. Equal parts Bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice.
  37. CocktailsBoulevardierThe rich, whiskey-based cousin of the Negroni. Bourbon replaces gin for a warmer, deeper flavor profile.