Whether you're enjoying a quiet evening at a cozy bar or soaking in the atmosphere of the bustling Piazza San Marco, there's a Venice alcoholic drink for every taste.
In this article by Bar Do Draghi we’ll explore some of the most famous and signature drinks you must try when visiting this enchanting city.
Venice alcoholic drink: The Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz is more than just a drink; it's a venetian alcoholic drink ritual. Whether you're lounging at a café in Piazza San Marco or watching gondolas glide by, you're likely to see locals and tourists alike sipping on this refreshing cocktail. The Aperol Spritz is made with three simple ingredients: Aperol, prosecco, and a splash of soda water, served over ice with an orange slice garnish. The result is a slightly bitter, effervescent drink that's perfect for sipping on a warm Venetian afternoon.
The origins of the Spritz date back to the 19th century, but it was in Venice that the Aperol Spritz gained its iconic status. Today, it’s not just a drink, but a symbol of the laid-back Venetian lifestyle. Whether you’re enjoying a Spritz as an aperitivo before dinner or as a midday refreshment, this Venice alcoholic drink is a quintessential part of the city’s culture.
Venice alcoholic drink: The Bellini
The Bellini is a delightful Venice alcoholic drink that perfectly encapsulates the elegance and sophistication of Venice. Invented at the famous Harry’s Bar in Venice during the 1940s, the Bellini is a simple yet exquisite mix of prosecco and peach purée. Its delicate pink color and sweet, fruity flavor make it a favorite among those who prefer a lighter, more refreshing beverage.
Harry’s Bar, located near Piazza San Marco, has been a gathering place for artists, writers, and celebrities for decades. The Bellini, named after the Renaissance painter Giovanni Bellini, is just one of the many reasons this bar has become legendary. When visiting Venice, enjoying a Bellini at Harry’s Bar is an experience not to be missed. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a taste of Venetian history.
What alcoholic drink is popular in Italy?
Italy, a country known for its rich culinary heritage, also boasts a diverse array of alcoholic beverages that vary by region. While the Aperol Spritz and Bellini are quintessential Venice alcoholic drinks, there's another category of beverages that’s popular not just in Venice but across Italy: wine.
Sparkling White Wine: A venetian favorite
In Venice, as in much of Italy, wine is a way of life. Among the most popular choices is sparkling white wine, particularly Prosecco. This light, bubbly wine hails from the Veneto region, just a short distance from Venice, making it a local favorite. Prosecco is made from Glera grapes and is known for its crisp, fruity flavor with notes of green apple, pear, and citrus.
Prosecco is often enjoyed as part of a Venice alcoholic drink like the Spritz, but it’s also delicious on its own. Whether you’re enjoying a glass with a meal or as a refreshing drink in the afternoon, Prosecco captures the essence of Venetian elegance. Its versatility makes it a staple in Venice, perfect for any occasion.
What is the drink of choice in Venice?
When it comes to the drink of choice in Venice, locals have a soft spot for their region’s wine, but there’s also a lesser-known yet equally beloved Venice alcoholic drink that deserves attention: the Select Spritz.
Venice alcoholic drink: The Select Spritz
The Select Spritz is a variation of the classic Spritz, but with a distinct Venetian twist. Instead of Aperol, this version uses Select, a bittersweet liqueur that was created in Venice in 1920. The Select Spritz is less sweet and more complex in flavor compared to its Aperol counterpart, making it a favorite among those who prefer a more sophisticated cocktail.
The Select Spritz is made with Select, prosecco, and soda water, served over ice with an olive garnish. The use of Select gives this drink a deep, ruby-red color and a unique, aromatic flavor profile that’s both refreshing and intriguing. For those looking to try something beyond the usual Aperol Spritz, the Select Spritz offers a taste of something truly Venetian.
What Wine to drink in Venice
Venice’s love affair with wine is deeply rooted in its culture. From local taverns to fine dining establishments, wine is the drink of choice for many Venetians. But with so many varieties to choose from, which wines should you try during your visit?
Sparkling White Wine: Prosecco
As mentioned earlier, Prosecco is a must-try when in Venice. This sparkling white wine is the perfect accompaniment to the city’s seafood dishes or as a stand-alone drink. Its light, effervescent nature makes it ideal for enjoying while overlooking the canals or relaxing in Piazza San Marco. Served chilled in a wine glass, Prosecco is both refreshing and sophisticated, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Red Wine: Valpolicella
While Prosecco may steal the spotlight, Venice also offers excellent red wines, particularly from the nearby Valpolicella region. Valpolicella wines are known for their rich, robust flavors, often with notes of cherry, plum, and spices. These wines pair beautifully with Venice’s hearty dishes like risotto al nero di seppia (black squid ink risotto) or fegato alla veneziana (Venetian-style liver).
Valpolicella wines range from the light and fruity Valpolicella Classico to the more intense and full-bodied Amarone della Valpolicella. When dining in Venice, asking for a glass of Valpolicella is a great way to complement your meal and experience the flavors of the region.
Enjoying Venice alcoholic Drinks in style
Venice is not just a city to be seen; it’s a city to be tasted. From the iconic Aperol Spritz to the refined Bellini, Venice offers a variety of alcoholic drinks that reflect its rich history and vibrant culture. Whether you’re sipping a sparkling white wine in Piazza San Marco or enjoying a Select Spritz in a hidden bar, each drink is an invitation to experience Venice in a whole new way.
Piazza San Marco: The heart of venetian drinking culture
No visit to Venice would be complete without spending time in Piazza San Marco, the city’s main square. Here, surrounded by historic buildings and the gentle hum of the city, you can enjoy some of the best Venice alcoholic drinks. Whether you're at an elegant café or a lively bar, the atmosphere in Piazza San Marco makes every drink taste a little more special.
Venice alcoholic drink: conclusion
Venice is a city where every Venice alcoholic drink tells a story, and the Aperol Spritz is perhaps the most iconic of all. This beloved cocktail, often enjoyed in a wine glass with a mix of sparkling white wine, soda water, and a splash of Aperol, is a quintessential taste of Venetian life. As you sit in a café in Piazza San Marco, with the Grand Canal just a short walk away, the experience of sipping on this refreshing drink, served over ice cubes with a slice of lemon or an olive, is one that perfectly captures the spirit of Venice.
The Aperol Spritz, with its origins deeply rooted in the Veneto region, is more than just a summer cocktail. It’s a reflection of the local culture, where the recipe for this bitter-sweet drink has been perfected over time. The original Venetian Spritz, made with equal parts prosecco, sparkling water, and a dash of Campari or Aperol, has become a worldwide symbol of Italian aperitivo culture.
But Venice offers more than just the Spritz. At Harry’s Bar, another famous Venetian cocktail was born—the Bellini. Created by Giuseppe Cipriani, this cocktail is a delightful combination of white peach purée and prosecco, sometimes with a dash of soda water, served in a glass that echoes the elegance of Venice itself. This drink, loved by the likes of Ernest Hemingway, pairs beautifully with seafood or as a refreshing treat during lunch in one of the many restaurants overlooking the Grand Canal.
For wine enthusiasts, the Veneto region offers a rich selection of local wines. From the crisp notes of a Pinot Grigio to the robust flavors of a red wine, there is a wine for every palate. Many taverns and restaurants in Venice serve a variety of wines, including sparkling white wines like Prosecco, which are perfect for pairing with a Venetian meal. Whether you’re enjoying a seafood dinner or a casual lunch, a glass of local wine enhances the flavors of the food, making the experience of dining in Venice truly unforgettable.
Beyond cocktails and wines, Venice also offers traditional drinks like grappa, a strong spirit made from the distillation of wine pomace, and less commonly, beer, which might accompany a simple Venetian meal. As you explore the city, you’ll find that each drink, whether mixed with rhubarb, juniper berries, or poured over ice cubes, offers a bit of Venetian history, making your trip to Venice a journey through the tastes and flavors of Italy. Whether you’re accustomed to the bitter taste of Aperol, the sweet notes of a Bellini, or the complexity of a local red wine, Venice offers a world of drinks that are as rich and varied as the city itself.