Italian Drinks Guide: 4 Spirits to Try Beyond Wine

Travel Guide

Italian Drinks Beyond Wine: What to Try

ⓒ Written & Photographed by Nomad Salmi

When you think of Italy,

wine is probably the very first thing that comes to mind.

But actually, there are so many other

charming and unique drinks just as wonderful as wine.

From pre-dinner aperitifs to post-dinner digestifs,

here is a curated list of

must-try drinks beyond wine

that are deeply woven into the daily lives of Italians.

1. Aperol Spritz

If you walk past any restaurant in Italy during dining hours,

the vibrant orange drink you'll see on almost every table

is none other than the famous Aperol Spritz.

It's the ultimate symbol

of Italy's beloved aperitivo (pre-dinner drink) culture.

It's crafted with an Aperol base,

mixed with Prosecco (Italian sparkling wine) and a splash of club soda.

The bright, citrusy orange flavor

combined with a slightly bitter herbal finish

makes it the perfect drink to wake up your palate.

Locals usually enjoy it at sunset in a lively piazza cafe,

paired with light snacks

like potato chips or olives.

Since it's an aperitif, you might think it's very light,

but with an alcohol content of around 9% ABV,

it's not as weak as it looks—so sip carefully!

2. Limoncello

If we have the Aperol Spritz to start a meal,

there's also something special to wrap it up.

Meet Italy's traditional lemon-based digestif,

Limoncello.

Made by steeping lemon peels in high-proof alcohol

and blending it with a sweet sugar syrup,

it starts off incredibly sweet and refreshing.

However, with an ABV of around 30%, it packs quite a punch!

It's typically stored in the freezer

and served ice-cold

as a digestivo (post-dinner drink) to aid digestion.

It's especially famous in the southern regions of Italy,

including Naples, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast.

3. Grappa

Grappa is

a traditional Italian pomace brandy

made by distilling the grape skins, seeds, and stems

left over from winemaking.

If France has Cognac,

Italy has Grappa.

From crystal-clear varieties

to pale golden-brown hues aged in oak barrels,

you'll find quite a diverse selection of Grappa.

Aged Grappa tends to be a bit pricier,

but it boasts a significantly richer and smoother aroma.

Letting it breathe (airing it out) a bit before drinking makes it even better.

Its alcohol content usually hovers around 40% to 50% ABV.

It's typically enjoyed as a palate cleanser after dinner,

or you can try it the Italian way as a Caffè Corretto—

which is an espresso spiked with a splash of Grappa.

If you're a fan of strong spirits,

this is definitely a must-try challenge for you!

4. Beer

Though constantly overshadowed by its world-famous wines,

Italy is actually a country

that makes fantastic beer as well.

The most iconic brands include

the clean, crisp national favorite

Peroni and

the classic lager known for its rich, malty aroma,

Moretti.

Personally, we loved Moretti even more!

5. Wrapping Up

Italy is packed with

so many incredible wines that you could easily spend your whole trip sipping them,

but

there are so many other fantastic drinks you must try!

If you want to mix it up from wine,

why not explore some of these other local options?

Unique options like pistachio liqueur

and various other craft liqueurs

make perfect gifts to bring back home.

I hope this post helps make your upcoming travels

even more delicious and memorable!