Are you looking for some inspiring cocktail books?
Whether you are shopping for a friend who can’t get enough of the Aperol Spritz or are looking to build your knowledge about Italian cocktails in general, these books are for you!
I’ve been living in Italy since 2012 and I’m familiar with Italian aperitivo and the local drinking culture. While wine is big here, Italians hold a special place for cocktails in their day, starting with the classic Aperol Spritz.
These are four of my most beloved Italian cocktail books. I own all of them and continuously use them to get inspired, find new recipes and refer back to time and again.
For anyone who can’t get enough of the Italian Aperol Spritz, these books are sure to bring excitement to their next cocktail hour!
If you’re looking for alcohol-free Italian cocktails, be sure to check out My Favorite Mocktail Books That I Use To Make Non-Alcoholic Italian Drinks.
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Amaro
Best For: Digestif lovers
“Amaro” by Brad Thomas Parsons explores the world of bittersweet herbal liqueurs known as amari in Italian. This captivating book takes you through the story and vibrant culture of amari, offering over 100 recipes for amaro-based cocktails, DIY amaro, and even desserts made with amaro digestifs.
With a comprehensive collection of domestic and foreign amaro brands and insightful tips on how to enjoy them, “Amaro” is an essential guide for anyone looking to embrace the complex flavors of this beloved Italian bitter. I recommend this book for both amaro newbies and cocktail lovers alike.
Find it here -> Amaro
Spritz
Best For: Spritz Lovers
“Spritz” is a collection of cocktail recipes based on the classic Italian cocktail but also a book to read with stories and history about this timeless aperitivo.
Talia Baiocchi and Leslie Pariseau take readers on a fascinating journey through the history of this iconic drink, starting all the way back in ancient Rome. They delve into its cultural evolution and track its modern popularity worldwide, dipping into the aperitivo scene itself in Italy.
The book not only walks you through how to make the classic Spritz but then leads you through various regional variations and modern twists. And of course, to go alongside your Spritz, you need snacks. You will also find several traditional aperitivo snack recipes to make and serve alongside your Spritz at home.
Find it here -> Spritz
Make It: For quick reference, you can check out my recipe for the Aperol Spritz, the Campari Spritz and Limoncello Spritz. And of course, be sure you learn how to say cheers in Italian.
Aperitivo
Best For: Party Animals
“Aperitivo” is my top Italian cocktail book recommendation for people who like hosting parties. As you may know, getting together for something to drink and a bite to eat during cocktail hour is called aperitivo in Italy and it’s a whole new game to learn.
In this book, learn all about what aperitivo really means in Italy and how to host one yourself. Marisa Huff shares her recipes for Italian cocktails and aperitivo nibbles from all over Italy including recipes from well known bars in various cities such as Venice and Milan. Learn to make classic cocktails, modern twists and inspired one-of-a-kind creations in “Aperitivo,” all the while staying true to the real meaning of aperitivo.
Find it here -> Aperitivo
And if you are someone who enjoys non-alcoholic drinks just as much as cocktails, check out
8 Italian Mocktails We Actually Drink In Italy (And How To Make Them)
Italian Lemon Ginger Mocktail
Apertass Italian Mocktail
Italian Cedrata Long Mocktail
Crodino Spritz,
Aperol Spritz Mocktail
Italy Cocktails
Best For: Traditionalists
What I like best about “Italy Cocktails” is that you can explore some of Italy’s finest drinks from famous cities such as Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Naples and Verona both at home and when traveling. Use this book as a guide to making traditional cocktails at home and then pack it or take notes on the best places to try them when you visit Italy.
Learn to make over 100 different Italian cocktail recipes inspired by tradition from northern Italy to the southernmost tip of Sicily in “Italy Cocktails” by Paul Feinstein.
Find it here -> Italy Cocktails
Make Cocktails: For a quick recipe check, look no further than my recipes for the Negroni and Negroni Sbagliato, some of Italy’s finest cocktails.
If you want to learn about other Italian books and products I adore and recommend, check out my Italian Gift Guides and Souvenir Guides.
