12 Italian Christmas Drinks: Festive Cocktails from Italy

Looking to infuse some Italian tradition into your Christmas holidays? Look no further than the top 12 best Italian Christmas drinks! These drinks include the festive Vin Brulé, the classic Negroni, and other classic Italian holiday cocktails that capture the season’s spirit.

12 Christmas Drinks from Italy to Make Your Holidays Merry and Bright

Whether sipping on a warm and comforting drink on a cold winter evening or enjoying a refreshing aperitif, these festive beverages perfectly complement your traditional Italian Christmas food. So, raise a glass and cheers to the holiday season with these delightful Italian Christmas drinks.

1. Vin Brulé (Mulled Wine)

Vin Brulé is a classic Italian Christmas drink perfect for warming up during the holiday season. The name “Vin Brulé” means “burnt wine” in French, and the drink is a type of mulled wine that is spiced and heated. This festive drink is trendy in northern Italy and often enjoyed at Christmas markets and other holidays.

To make Vin Brulé, you will need the following ingredients:

1 bottle (750ml) red wine
1/2 cup granulated sugar (brown sugar works best)
1 cinnamon stick
3-4 cloves
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced

Directions:

Pour the red wine into a large pot or saucepan.
Add the sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, and sliced orange and lemon.
Heat the mixture over medium heat until it simmers, stirring occasionally.
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture steep for 5-10 minutes.
Strain the mixture to remove the spices and fruit.
Serve hot in mugs or heatproof glasses.
Optionally, garnish with additional cinnamon sticks or slices of orange and lemon.

Note: You can adjust the sweetness and spice level to your liking by adding more or less sugar or spices. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of red wine to find your preferred flavor profile.

Vin Brulé is a perfect drink for Christmas gatherings and celebrations, particularly in northern regions of Italy, where it is a traditional holiday drink. Its spiced and warm flavors evoke the feeling of the holiday season and provide a comforting warmth on cold winter nights.

Serve alongside traditional Italian Christmas treats such as panettone or pandoro for the ultimate festive experience.

Experience the Magic of Italian Christmas: Dive into our captivating articles to discover all about Italy’s festive traditions.

2. Bombardino (“Little Bomb”)

Italian Christmas drinks: Bombardino ("Little Bomb")

Il Bombardino (“Little Bomb”) is a popular Christmas drink in Italy, particularly in northern regions. The colder temperatures make it the perfect warm and comforting beverage for the festive season. It is a creamy liqueur typically served as a digestif after a meal or as a cozy nightcap to enjoy with friends and family.

The origins of Bombardino are somewhat uncertain, but it is believed to have been created in the ski resorts of the Italian Alps, where it quickly gained popularity among skiers and snowboarders seeking a warm and energizing drink to help them face the cold weather.

Today, Bombardino is widely consumed throughout Italy during Christmas and is often enjoyed with traditional holiday treats such as panettone and pandoro.

The recipe for Bombardino is quite simple, and there are many variations depending on personal taste. Here is a basic recipe.

Ingredients:

1 oz brandy
1 oz Advocaat (or Eggnog)
Heavy cream (Whipped cream)
Ground cinnamon or cocoa powder for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Fill a heatproof glass with hot water to warm it up, then pour it out.
Add the brandy and Advocaat to the glass.
Top the mixture with whipped cream.
Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or cocoa powder.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Note: The recipe can be adjusted to taste by adding more or less brandy or Advocaat or adjusting the amount of whipped cream used.

Bombardino is a delicious and comforting Christmas drink that has become a beloved tradition in Italy. It is the best way to warm up after a day spent outside in the snow or sipping on while relaxing with loved ones during the holiday season.

3. Negroni

Negroni, invented by Count Camillo Negroni, is one of the most popular classic cocktails that originated in Italy and has gained worldwide fame. Although not a typical Christmas drink, this alcoholic drink is a beloved choice for the holiday season in Italy, often served as an aperitif before Christmas feasts.

With its bold and intricate flavors, Negroni is the classic Italian holiday cocktail to savor with loved ones during the festive period. Its taste perfectly complements the indulgent and lavish foods that are a hallmark of the holiday season.

Ingredients:

1 oz gin
1 oz sweet vermouth
1 oz Campari
Orange peel for garnish
Ice cubes

Directions:

Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes.
Combine the gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari in a cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake well until the mixture is well chilled.
Strain the cocktail into the rocks glass over the ice.
Garnish with a twist of orange peel.
Serve and enjoy!

The Negroni’s deep red color is reminiscent of the festive colors of Christmas, making it one of the most popular Christmas cocktails to enjoy during the holiday season in Italy.

Its bold and complex flavors also make it a perfect aperitif for Christmas meals, helping to stimulate the appetite and prepare the palate for the delicious food to come. The Negroni is a true classic Italian cocktail that enthusiasts around the world alike enjoy.

4. Negroni Sbagliato

Negroni Sbagliato is a popular Italian cocktail. It is a variation of the classic Negroni cocktail, perfect for Christmas celebrations in Italy. The drink was reportedly created in Milan when a bartender mistakenly poured sparkling wine instead of gin into a Negroni. This resulted in a lighter and bubblier version of the classic cocktail that became an instant hit.

Negroni Sbagliato is a perfect drink for holiday parties and family gatherings, with its effervescence and lightness providing an ideal complement to rich and indulgent holiday foods. To make a Negroni Sbagliato, you will need the following ingredients:

1 oz sweet vermouth
1 oz Campari
2 oz sparkling wine (Prosecco or Asti Spumante)
Orange peel for garnish
Ice cubes

Directions:

Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes.
Add the sweet vermouth and Campari to the glass and stir to combine.
Top with the sparkling wine and stir gently to combine.
Garnish with a twist of orange peel.
Serve and enjoy!

Negroni Sbagliato’s light and bubbly nature makes it a popular aperitif during the holiday season in Italy, particularly as a festive alternative to classic Negroni. The effervescence of the sparkling wine balances the bitterness of Campari and sweet vermouth, making for a refreshing and flavorful cocktail.

It’s a perfect drink before a big Christmas meal or as a celebratory drink to toast the season. Negroni Sbagliato is a fun and festive twist on the classic cocktail, making it a great addition to any holiday celebration.

5. Prosecco: A Festive Sparkling Wine from Veneto

Prosecco is a beloved sparkling wine originating from Italy’s Veneto region. Made from the Glera grape, it is appreciated for its light, crisp taste that carries notes of green apple, pear, and lemon. The dry nature of Prosecco makes it an ideal aperitif before Christmas meals, setting a celebratory mood for any festive gathering.

Prosecco also forms the base for classic Italian cocktails, such as Negroni Sbagliato, Aperol Spritz, and Bellini. Its effervescence and lightness bring a touch of joy to any festive occasion.

6. Asti Spumante: A Sweet Piedmont Tradition for Christmas

From the Piedmont region of Italy comes Asti Spumante, a sweet sparkling wine produced from the Moscato Bianco grape. Known for its fruity and floral aromas, Asti Spumante boasts delightful flavors of peach, apricot, and honey. For those with a sweet tooth, this wine serves as the perfect Italian dessert companion during the holiday season in Italy.

The Mimosa cocktail frequently features Asti Spumante as a key ingredient. Much like Prosecco, Asti Spumante’s light and effervescent character adds a festive spark to Christmas parties, family gatherings, and other holiday events.

Speaking of Italian wine, another popular wine choice for Christmas is Lambrusco, a sparkling Italian red wine. This wine is a popular Christmas choice in the Emilia Romagna region.

7. Caffè Corretto

Popular drinks from Italy for Christmas: Caffè Corretto

Caffè Corretto is a classic Italian after-dinner drink enjoyed throughout the holiday season in Italy. The name “Caffè Corretto” means “corrected coffee” in Italian and refers to adding a grappa or another spirit to a cup of espresso.

To make a Caffè Corretto, you will need the following ingredients:

1 shot of espresso
1 shot of grappa, brandy, or another spirit
Sugar (optional)

Directions:

Brew a shot of espresso.
Pour the shot of espresso into a small cup or glass.
Add a shot of grappa or other spirit to the espresso.
Add sugar to taste, if desired.
Stir gently to combine.

Caffè Corretto is a perfect drink to enjoy after a big Christmas meal. It is often served alongside traditional Italian Christmas desserts like panettone and pandoro. Adding grappa or another spirit to the espresso provides a warming and soothing effect, perfect for cold winter nights.

Caffè Corretto is a classic Italian drink that captures the spirit of the holiday season in Italy and is an ideal way to celebrate with family and friends during the festive season.

8. Cioccolata Calda

Cioccolata Calda, or hot chocolate, is a beloved classic Italian drink perfect for the holiday season in Italy. This rich and creamy beverage provides warmth and comfort on cold winter nights and is a favorite among children and adults alike.

To prepare Cioccolata Calda, you will need the following ingredients:

2 cups of whole milk
3 oz of dark chocolate, chopped
2 tbsp of sugar
1 tsp of vanilla extract
1 tbsp of cocoa powder (optional)
Whipped cream (optional)

Directions:

In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam.
Add the chopped dark chocolate, sugar, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder to the saucepan.
Whisk the mixture continuously until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth.
Heat the mixture until it reaches your desired temperature, stirring occasionally.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the hot chocolate into mugs.
Top with whipped cream, if desired.

With the addition of cocoa powder, this Cioccolata Calda recipe will bring an even richer chocolate flavor to your holiday season. Enjoy this cozy and comforting drink with loved ones and savor the warmth it brings to your heart and soul.

Cioccolata Calda is a perfect drink to enjoy during the holiday season in Italy, particularly after a day of holiday shopping or ice skating. The rich and creamy drink is often served alongside traditional Italian Christmas treats like panettone, pandoro, or biscotti.

Cioccolata Calda (Hot Chocolate) is a great drink to enjoy with family and friends. Its comforting warmth and chocolatey goodness make it a perfect way to relax and unwind during the festive season.

9. Limoncello

Limoncello is a traditional Italian liqueur particularly popular in southern Italy, often enjoyed during the holiday season. The drink is made from lemon zest steeped in alcohol and mixed with sugar and water, resulting in a sweet and tangy liqueur with a bright yellow color.

It is typically served as an after-dinner digestif, with its refreshing and citrusy taste providing the perfect way to end a meal. This drink may include lemon peel or lemon juice depending on personal preferences.

Limoncello is a perfect way to add a touch of the holiday season to any occasion, particularly in southern Italy, where it is a beloved tradition. Its bright yellow color and tangy flavor make it a perfect complement to rich and indulgent holiday foods.

This refreshing drink is a great way to cleanse the palate after a big meal. Whether enjoyed on its own or as an ingredient in desserts and other treats, Limoncello is an authentic Italian classic that captures the festive spirit of the holiday season.

10. Campari Soda

Campari Soda is a classic Italian cocktail enjoyed throughout the year, particularly during Italy’s holiday season. The drink is a refreshing and bitter combination of Campari, an Italian herbal liqueur, and Italian soda water.

To make a Campari Soda, you will need the following ingredients:

2 oz Campari
4 oz soda water
Ice cubes
Orange slice for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Fill a highball glass with large ice cubes.
Add the Campari to the glass.
Top with the soda water and stir gently to combine.
Garnish with an orange slice, if desired.
Serve and enjoy!

Campari Soda is a perfect drink to enjoy during the holiday season in Italy, particularly as an aperitif before Christmas meals. Its bitter and refreshing taste helps to stimulate the appetite and prepare the palate for the delicious food to come.

Campari is also popular in many classic Italian cocktails, such as the Negroni and the Americano. It’s a perfect way to add a touch of Italian flair to any holiday celebration, and its bright red makes it an ideal complement to the season’s festive colors.

11. Aperol Spritz

Aperol Spritz is a famous Italian cocktail that has become a beloved drink worldwide, particularly during the Christmas season in Italy.

The bright orange color of Aperol Spritz evokes the festive colors of the holiday season, making it one of the best Italian drinks to enjoy during Christmas celebrations with family and friends.

To make an Aperol Spritz, you will need the following ingredients:

2 oz Aperol
2 oz Prosecco
1 oz soda water
Orange slice for garnish
Ice cubes

Directions:

Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes.
Add the Aperol to the glass.
Top with the Prosecco and soda water.
Stir gently to combine.
Garnish with an orange slice.
Serve and enjoy!

Aperol Spritz is a refreshing and light cocktail that is perfect for sipping during the holiday season in Italy. Its sweet and slightly bitter taste, along with the effervescence of the soda water, make it an excellent aperitif to enjoy before Christmas meals.

Aperol Spritz is often served alongside traditional Christmas treats like panettone and pandoro. Whether enjoyed with friends and family or as a solo aperitif, Aperol Spritz is a perfect Italian Christmas drink that captures the spirit of the holiday season.

Suggested Read: Relax into Italy’s cherished evening ritual with Italian Happy Hour: Aperitivo Revealed—60 seconds to taste and tradition.

12. Bellini

Bellini is a famous Italian cocktail often enjoyed during the holiday season, particularly in Venice, where it was first created. The drink is made with Prosecco, a dry Italian sparkling wine, and peach puree. It is a perfect drink to celebrate the festive season.

To make a Bellini, you will need the following ingredients:

2 oz peach puree
4 oz Prosecco
Peach slice for garnish
Ice cubes

Directions:

Chill a champagne flute in the fridge for 10-15 minutes.
Add the peach puree to the bottom of the flute.
Top with the Prosecco and stir gently to combine.
Optional: Simple syrup may be added to adjust the drink’s sweetness to taste.
Garnish with a slice of peach.

Bellini’s light and fruity flavor is perfect for celebrating the festive season. Its bright peach color adds a touch of festivity to any occasion, making it a popular drink to enjoy during Christmas parties and gatherings. Bellini is also perfect for toasting the New Year with family and friends. Its refreshing taste and light bubbles make it an ideal drink to enjoy throughout the holiday season in Italy.

Add a Touch of Italian Flair to Your Holiday Festivities with these Christmas Drinks from Italy

We hope you enjoyed learning about the top 12 best Italian Christmas drinks and are inspired to try them out this holiday season. Whether celebrating with family and friends or enjoying a cozy night, these drinks are perfect for adding a touch of Italian flair to your holiday festivities.

From the bright and bubbly Aperol Spritz to the warm and comforting Cioccolata Calda, these drinks capture the essence of the Italian way of life and the joy of the holiday season. So why not pour yourself a glass and raise a toast to the good life? Buon Natale e felice anno nuovo!

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