What to drink in Italy

Coffee in Italy is a true art form. Locals gather in cafes (called bars in Italian) throughout the day, standing at the counter for a quick espresso. While cappuccino is on the menu, it’s customary to drink milky coffee only in the morning – order one after lunch and you might get a strange look from the barista.

Wine flows like water in Italy. From bold Barolo and Chianti to crisp Franciacorta and Prosecco, Italy produces some of the world’s best drops. With so many varietals, it can be overwhelming, so look for DOC (Controlled Designation of Origin) or DOCG (Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin) classifications, which guarantee quality. Or ask your waiter for recommendations – they’ll know what pairs best with your meal.

Named after its namesake village, Prosecco is a crisp sparkling wine made from the Glera grape. Expect light floral notes with hints of summer fruits. It’s a popular aperitivo on its own or in cocktails such as the Venetian sgroppino – made with vodka, Prosecco and lemon sorbet.

Bold and intense, Campari is a deep crimson liqueur with a bitter, herbal punch. A staple on aperitivo menus, it can pack up to 28% alcohol content, so a little goes a long way.

This iconic Florentine cocktail is a perfect combination of gin, Campari and vermouth, served on an ice block with an orange garnish. Legend has it that a bar patron once asked a bartender to swap the soda in an Americano for gin – they must’ve needed a stiff drink that night!

You might not recognise the name Veneziano, but you’ve probably heard of Aperol Spritz. While there are many types of spritz cocktails, the classic mix of Prosecco, a splash of soda water and Campari or Aperol is the go-to on a balmy Italian evening. 

What do the people of Campania do when life gives them lemons? They make limoncello! This sweet, citrusy liqueur is crafted from lemon zest, alcohol, water and sugar. Served ice-cold, it’s the perfect post-dinner sip.

One of Italy’s most famous non-alcoholic Italian aperitivos, Crodino is a vibrant orange drink infused with botanicals, herbs and spices. It’s slightly sweet and bitter with a subtly spicy finish, usually served over ice with a splash of soda.

Dessert or drink? Well, it depends on whether you use a straw or a spoon! This semi-frozen Sicilian slushie comes in all sorts of flavours – berry, lemon and coffee to name a few.  Eat it as is, with whipped cream or stuffed in a fluffy brioche bun.

Another non-alcoholic favourite, Chinotto is a dark, bittersweet soft drink made from the chinotto citrus fruit – also known as myrtle-leaved orange. With a spicy, aromatic taste, it's Italy's answer to cola and a great thirst-quencher on a hot day.

Italy's cuisine is world-renowned, but we've got the low-down on all of the regional specialties to add to your list of authentic meals.

Italy is a stylish place, but your packing list may change depending on the time of year and which region you're visiting.

From Italy's major cities to coastal regions, learn when the weather is most pleasant, prices are lowest and tourist crowds are thin.