Recently updated on August 18th, 2025 at 02:43 pm
“When in Rome” it’s hard to resist the appealing orange glow of an Aperol Spritz, but there’s a whole world of zesty, refreshing European cocktails to explore beyond the beloved Italian aperitif.
While an Aperol Spritz will always have a place in our hearts (and on our Instagram feed), we wanted to go behind the bar and taste the trendy, iconic, and unforgettable drinks that top off European bar tabs.
As you work up a thirst exploring the continent, wet your whistle the way the locals do with a glass — or two — of the best European cocktails.
Limoncello spritz
We’ve noticed the Limoncello Spritz popping up on our social media feeds, offering a fun twist to Italian spritz culture. This sunny cocktail combines the tangy sweetness of Limoncello, the refreshing fizz of Prosecco, and a splash of soda water. Like a burst of Mediterranean sunshine no matter the season, this vibrant yellow drink is a playful and light alternative to the Aperol Spritz, and it’ll pop just as nicely when photographed against the azure waters of the Med.
Too sweet? How about a Campari spritz. Also popular in Italy, this spritz replaces the Aperol for Campari, which is more bitter and creates a vibrant red drink.
TASTE IT ON: Italy Bellissimo
Marianito
Vermouth is popular across Spain, and in the north you should order a popular drink called the Marianito. Some argue it’s a simple aperitif, while others think it’s a cocktail. Either way, if you want to do as the locals do in Basque Country you should ask for a Marianito in Bilbao and San Sebastian. The proportions change from bar to bar, but at the base is vermouth, which is improved on with a splash of gin and Campari. Some places might add Angostura bitters or olive brine. The fun of this vermouth cocktail is that it changes place to place.
TASTE IT ON: Northern Spain
Negroni sbagliato
“…with prosecco in it!” The internet went wild after actors Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke interviewed each other and discussed their favorite cocktail – the Negroni Sbagliato – late last year. While we’ve heard the Sbagliato was already common in Italy, now it’s firmly on our radars too. If you’re a fan of the Negroni (or find it too strong), you’ll be delighted with this lighter deviation. While still containing equal parts of bitter Campari and sweet vermouth, the bubbly cocktail swaps out the gin part for sparkling wine, adding a touch of effervescence and a lighter character to the mix.
If you find yourself in Italy this summer, ask for a “spah-li-AH-toh” and sit back with your refreshing crimson spritz. Another classic and even lighter alternative to try is the Americano – Campari, sweet vermouth and soda water.
Pimm’s Cup
An eternal classic, the Pimm’s Cup is Britain’s quintessential summer cocktail. History says that James Pimm was the owner of a London oyster bar and he invented the drink around the 1820s or 1830s to help aid digestion. These days a Pimm’s Cup uses a gin-based liqueur called “Pimm’s No.1”, mixing it with lemonade, fresh fruits and herbs. It’s a staple at garden parties and summer gatherings in the UK.
The beautiful Pimm’s punch is usually loaded with sliced strawberries, cucumber, orange, and mint sprigs. Yes, it’s a quintessential summer beverage, but it’s one of the best European cocktails that’ll quench your thirst all the same under the winter sun.
TASTE IT ON: Amazing Britain
Rosé a la piscine
Usually adding ice to a glass of wine is frowned upon by bartenders and the wine world. After all, why would you water down an exquisite Riesling or Chardonnay? But in good news for the average wine drinker, “pool rosé” or rosé a la piscine is having its moment in the sun and becoming one of the best European cocktails on the menu. Wave goodbye to frozé (frozen rosé) and hello to wines that have been aged to drink with cubes of ice. Increasingly popular in the south of France, picture yourself sitting poolside on the Côte d’Azur sipping this iced pink elixir as you bask in the sunshine.
TASTE IT ON: Wonderful France
Hugo
Seen a cocktail menu that says “Hugo” and wondered who or what he is? This light and effervescent drink combines Prosecco, elderflower syrup or liqueur, sparkling water, fresh mint leaves, and citrus slices. The result? It’s a floral, citrusy, minty blend – perfect for cooling down whether you’re sweltering in the late-spring heat or merely sweatin’ the small stuff on a Friday in fall. With its vibrant green appearance and refreshing taste, the Hugo has become a go-to choice for a refreshing cocktail in Italy, Austria and Germany.
TASTE IT ON: Best of Germany and Austria
Caipirinha
Originally from Brazil, this refreshing drinks has firmly landed on European shores and deserves a spot on the best European cocktails ranking. You’ll find it on menus across Portugal, Spain and Greece, offering a tropical edge to your summer vacation. The drink is made on a base of cachaça, a sugarcane-based spirit from Brazil that is similar to white rum, with whole limes, sugar and ice. The result? A tropical and refreshing libation. A good Caipirinha balances sweet, sour, and tangy, with the kick of the cachaça, which adds a grassy complexity. Enjoy it served short over ice.
Suz
When it comes to bitter aperitifs we often look to the Italians, but there’s a unique and distinctive French aperitif that has been enjoyed as one of the best European cocktails for over a century. Suze is a golden-hued liqueur renowned for its bold and bitter flavor profile. If you’re a fan of aperitifs, ask for Suze on ice or with tonic this summer in France. It’s made from the roots of the gentian plant, which are carefully harvested and macerated to extract their vibrant and bitter characteristics. This is blended with herbs and spices to create a complex and herbaceous flavor.
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Kir Royale
Perhaps the TV show Emily in Paris brought this classic French cocktail to your attention recently. If you’re in France this summer look for the Kir Royale, a timeless and elegant cocktail that’s perfect for sipping beneath the Eiffel Tower. This classic French libation is a sparkling twist on the traditional Kir cocktail. The drink combines the fruity sweetness of crème de cassis, a blackcurrant liqueur, with the effervescence of Champagne or sparkling wine.
Usually served in a flute or coupe glass, the Kir Royale adds a glamorous touch to any occasion. If you’re not a fan of bubbles, try the classic Kir cocktail made with still wine.
TASTE IT ON: Paris Explorer
Porto Tonico
If you’re a fan of the G&T you have to try Portugal’s twist on the classic drink. A refreshing and light Porto Tonicó swaps the gin for the rich, complex flavors of fortified Port wine. It’s typically made using a bright white port or rosé, resulting in a less alcoholic drink that’s perfect when you need to stay hydrated but also want to kick back and embrace the holiday life! Expect a fusion of fruity and floral notes from the Port wine, balanced by the effervescence and bitterness of the tonic water. It’s best enjoyed at a lookout or on a terrace. Saúde!
TASTE IT ON: Best of Portugal
One (or 5) more for the road?
So many cocktails in Europe, so little time. While we’d love to seek out every shot, stein, and snifter, we’ll settle for this last-call list: add these five additional alcoholic European drinks to your sipping selection.
- Szarlotka: This Polish beverage might as well be an adult juice box. Polish vodka mixes with two-parts apple juice for a smooth, satisfying, and slightly nostalgic taste.
- Krambambula: Impress the locals in a Belarusian bar when you order up a krambambula. Red wine keep this European cocktail on an even keel, which is necessary considering its counterpart can be any strong spirit of your choosing. Vodka? A little gin? The national drink of Belarus is surprisingly flexible.
- Brandy Sour: If you rock a whiskey sour at your local watering hole, the brandy sour will welcome you to Cyprus with open arms. Brandy from the Mediterranean island plus a little soda or lemonade creates this Cypriot staple.
- Štrukani Pelinkovac: While everyone else has selfies with limoncellos in Positano, you’ll buck the trend in favor of a neighboring lemon-scented European cocktail. Croatia’s Štrukani pelinkovac mixes local lemon juice with the country’s traditional herbal liquor.
- Spicy Fifty: Down a handful of these at the pub and you might have a summer you will forget. The Spicy Fifty is a party in a martini glass: an English affair containing fresh-squeezed lime juice, sliced red chili peppers, honey syrup, elderflower cordial, and a suave vanilla vodka.
Have you tried all of these top 10 European summer cocktails? Let us know which one you’re keen to try in the comments….