Summary
While Italy isn’t exactly known as being a cocktail bar hotbed, there are a myriad of incredible drinks that were invented there. From the spritz and the famous Negroni to the Bellini and the Americano, there are plenty of original libations to try that showcase Italy’s vibrant cocktail culture, which stands aside from its renowned wine scene.
Hidden among coffee shops and wine bars, Italy boasts a rich cocktail culture with a long history and a promising future. Here’s a guide to some of Italy’s best, oldest, and coolest cocktail bars across the country.
Historic Cocktail Bars in Italy
Harry’s Bar
Known for the invention of the Bellini cocktail by the estimable Giuseppe Cipriani (yes, the Cipriani), Harry’s Bar has been serving exquisite cocktails to a sophisticated clientele since 1931. Situated at a corner location overlooking the Grand Canal in Venice, Harry’s has attracted luminaries, including the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote, and Orson Welles.
Bar Basso
Opened in 1947, Bar Basso is a staple in Milan, credited with the creation of the Negroni Sbagliato (the mistaken Negroni). This delightful variation is made with prosecco instead of gin, allegedly discovered by a distracted bartender who grabbed the wrong bottle. Today, Bar Basso offers an extensive menu of over 500 drinks to satisfy every cocktail lover’s palate.
Al Brandisi
Primarily known as a wine bar, Al Brandisi in Ferrara holds the Guinness World Record as the oldest wine bar in the world, dating back to the Renaissance. Famous patrons have included astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus and painter Titian, making this historical bar a remarkable destination.
Obscure Cocktail Bars in Italy
1930
Shhh, this Milan cocktail bar is a secret. It’s difficult to get into and even harder to discover. This hidden speakeasy evokes the prohibition era, yet its drinks taste futuristic. Unique concoctions like the Llorona, which blends Casamigos tequila, vodka, vanilla, lemon, and lime yogurt, and salted chocolate air, will surely impress. Alternatively, their Old Fashioned combines Michter’s bourbon, pulled pork spirits, smoked gum syrup, and chimichurri crusta.
Drink Kong
Ranked No. 45 on the World’s 50 Best Bars list, Drink Kong in Rome is a vibrant oasis of cocktails. The ambiance is reminiscent of Tokyo’s Akihabara and an ’80s sci-fi flick. Their drink menu, which intertwines flavors intricately, categorizes drinks into intriguing sections such as Newmami (fifth flavor), Holus (green), Kudamono (fruits), and Herbs & Herbs (botanical).
BackDoor43
Measuring only 43 square feet and equipped with three seats, BackDoor43 is among the world’s tiniest bars. Hidden away in Milan, it specializes in rare whiskeys and creative cocktails, maintaining an air of secrecy that invites only the most daring cocktail enthusiasts.
Classic and Cool Cocktail Bars in Italy
Bar Quanto Basta
Located in the town of Lecce, Bar Quanto Basta stands as a tribute to the art of cocktails. Housed amid beautiful historic architecture, this bar showcases skilled mixologists and a chilled ambiance that feels effortlessly cool.
Il Locale
Nestled on a narrow side street in Florence, Il Locale resides in an 800-year-old Renaissance palace. Visitors are greeted with lush greenery and stunning cocktails, all crafted with artisan serving bowls and unique glassware, creating an enchanting experience.
Franco’s Bar
Offering breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast, Franco’s Bar at Le Sirenuse is a must-visit. With innovative cocktails like the Back to Black and La Vie En Rose, this bar perfectly complements its spectacular vistas, ensuring that the experience is unforgettable.
Freni e Frizioni
If you’re unfamiliar with aperitivo, it is essentially Italy’s take on happy hour. The tradition begins in the early evening with drinks and savory snacks that whet the appetite before dinner. Freni e Frizioni in Rome is a leading spot for this experience, offering a vibrant atmosphere, clever cocktails, and a delightful buffet spread that makes it easy to enjoy the moment.
