Italy is well known as a food destination, with many people making long pilgrimages just to try authentic iconic Italian dishes. But it’s not just the food that’s excellent – Italian wines are some of the finest in the world, and they pair wonderfully with many meals.
While the wines are fantastic enough on their own, they can also be used to make unique, delicious cocktails. If you are looking to try something new with your wine, consider making one of these Italian wine cocktails.
1. Spritz Veneziano Recipe (Simplest Cocktail Award)
This libation is light, refreshing, and bubbly, making it perfect to sip on before a meal. With Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water as the main ingredients, there isn’t much effort required to put this cocktail together. If you wanted to cut down on the sweetness, you could substitute Campari for Aperol for a more bitter profile, or you could go in the opposite direction, using Moscato instead of Prosecco to make the drink sweeter.
Get the full recipe and directions here.
2. Negroni Recipe (Most Classic Italian Cocktail Award)
The Negroni is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time since its invention in Florence in 1919. It has a floral flavor from the gin, which mixes with sweet Vermouth and bitter Campari to create what many consider to be a perfectly balanced drink.
Negroni cocktails are best served chilled in a rock glass. If you can make large ice cubes, it will help the presentation and prevent the drink from being watered down as it is consumed. You may also consider using Aperol or Cappelletti if you want something a little sweeter.
Get the full recipe and directions here.
3. Bellini Recipe (Fruitiest Italian Cocktail Award)
The Bellini is a favorite drink for many brunch lovers, and it’s easy to see why. Bubbly Prosecco and sweet peach puree work perfectly together, making a light, smooth beverage that tastes just as good when the sun is up as it does at night.
Making your own puree using fresh peaches is the way to go here, but store-bought puree will also work in a pinch. Feel free to swap out the Prosecco for your preferred sparkling wine. No matter how you choose to prepare a Bellini cocktail, you’ll be sure to enjoy it, especially when peaches are in season.
Get the full recipe and directions here.
4. Lambrusco Sangria Recipe (Stiffest Cocktail Award)
Despite being a stronger cocktail, a Lambrusco Sangria is still a refreshing and drinkable beverage. Featuring Lambrusco wine, brandy, and triple sec, this sangria showcases three kinds of alcohol. While Triple Sec is the most readily available and generally cheaper orange liquor, you can add a little more depth to this drink by using Cointreau or Grand Marnier.
While this may sound overwhelming at first, it is mellowed out considerably after soaking in plenty of blood orange juice and an optional mint garnish.
Get the full recipe and directions here.
5. Vin Brulé Recipe (Most Heartwarming Cocktail Award)
Vin Brulé is a mulled wine variation that makes for a warming treat during the cooler months, but it can be enjoyed at any time of year. While there are quite a few ingredients, it is easy to throw together in a pot and to heat over low. Just make sure you don’t bring it to boiling point.
You can use any red wine you have on hand to make mulled wine, but this recipe works best with richer, full-bodied wines such as Amarone or Ripasso. If you can’t find star anise, you can use regular anise or fennel or simply add more cloves in its place.
Get the full recipe and directions here.
6. Limoncello Spritz Recipe (Most Refreshing Italian Cocktail Award)
The cool and refreshing Limoncello Spritz is a favorite among tourists and natives alike in Italy. Luckily for us, this drink comes together quickly and is a tasty treat you can enjoy at lunch or dinner.
You can make your own Limoncello Spritz with Prosecco or another sparkling wine, but authentic Limoncello is the key ingredient for getting the flavors right in this recipe.
Get the full recipe and directions from Christina’s Cucina.
7. Hugo Spritz Recipe (Most Unique Cocktail Award)
Yet another spritz that can be enjoyed throughout the day, a Hugo Spritz uses elderflower liqueur as the main flavoring agent. St Germain is the most commonly known brand, but there are a variety of others available in any liquor store.
Mixed with Prosecco, soda water, and lime slices, you will end up with a lovely floral beverage that will taste different than anything you’ve had before.
Get the full recipe and directions from Casual Foodist.
Italian wine cocktails come in a wide range of flavor profiles, with some tasting light and refreshing and others with full-bodied, rich notes. If you are looking for something to complement your next Italian meal, you can’t go wrong with any of these Italian wine cocktail recipes. Let us know what your favorite Italian cocktail is in the comments!
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