Known as Italy’s fashion and business hub, Milan also wears the crown of Aperitivo culture. From chic rooftop bars to time-honored institutions, the city invites you to explore its love affair with cocktails.
Milan thrives on the vibrant tradition of Aperitivo, a pre-dinner ritual that began in the 19th century and has since evolved into a cornerstone of the city’s social life.
As the sun dips, Milanese bars fill with locals and tourists clinking glasses of Negroni Sbagliato or Campari Spritz, accompanied by delicious stuzzichini. Yet Milan’s cocktail scene doesn’t end there. It boasts an array of bars, from timeless classics that shaped Italy’s drinking culture to cutting-edge mixology spots that experiment with molecular techniques.
The city’s cocktail culture mirrors its identity: a fusion of old-world charm and contemporary innovation. Whether you’re sipping on a traditional Bicicletta in a historic piazza or enjoying a futuristic concoction in a sleek bar in Navigli, Milan offers a cocktail experience like no other.
A bit of history...
Milan’s cocktail culture traces its origins back to the late 19th century when Gaspare Campari invented the bright Red Bitters that still bear his name. Bars like Camparino in Galleria, established in 1915, were at the forefront of blending cocktails with elegance, setting the standard for Aperitivo culture worldwide.
The Negroni Sbagliato, born at Bar Basso, added a playful twist to traditional cocktails, solidifying Milan’s reputation as a city that knows how to drink.
Did you know that...
Ingredients & Spirits used locally
Did you know that Milan is the birthplace of the Negroni Sbagliato, an accidental creation at Bar Basso in the 1970s? A bartender mistakenly used sparkling wine instead of gin, giving birth to this bubbly variation of the classic Negroni. Today, it’s celebrated worldwide for its effervescent charm.
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Ingredients & Spirits used locally
Campari
Aperol
Sambuca
Fernet Branca
Amaro
Italian vermouth
Amaretto
Grappa
Cocktail Education in "Milan"
Milan is home to world-class cocktail academies and schools where aspiring mixologists learn the art and science of crafting exceptional drinks.
Mixology Academy Milan
A prestigious school offering comprehensive courses on cocktail creation and bar management.
Planet One Academy
Known for its hands-on approach, this academy prepares bartenders for the dynamic world of mixology.
Campari Academy
This iconic institution provides insights into the history and future of Aperitivo and cocktails, blending tradition with innovation.
The Bartenders Academy
Focused on practical skills and advanced mixology techniques, this academy is ideal for those looking to master the art of cocktails.
Iconic Cocktail Bars in "Milan"
Milan’s cocktail scene is as diverse as its neighborhoods. From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, here’s a selection of must-visit bars:
Camparino in Galleria
An iconic bar located in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, offering expertly crafted Campari-based cocktails.
Piazza del Duomo, 21
Bar Basso
Famous for inventing the Negroni Sbagliato, this bar is a Milanese institution.
Via Plinio, 39
Ceresio 7
A chic rooftop bar offering innovative cocktails and stunning skyline views.
Via Ceresio, 7
Frida Isola
A bohemian bar with a glass-roofed pergola, serving creative cocktails in the trendy Isola district.
Via Antonio Pollaiuolo, 3
Nottingham Forest
Consistently ranked among the world’s best bars, it offers molecular cocktails in an intimate setting.
Viale Piave, 1
Dry Milano
Famous for its cocktails paired with gourmet pizza.
Via Solferino, 33
Carlo e Camilla in Segheria
A stylish venue offering cocktails crafted with precision and flair.
Via Giuseppe Meda, 24
Terrazza Aperol
The perfect spot for an Aperol Spritz with panoramic views of the Duomo.
Piazza del Duomo, 31
Deus Café
A lively bar known for its biker vibe and innovative drinks.
Via Thaon di Revel, 3
Lacerba
A quirky spot offering avant-garde cocktails in a vintage setting.
Via Orti, 4
The Botanical Club
A craft gin bar with a minimalist aesthetic, serving botanically inspired cocktails.
Via Pastrengo, 11, 20159 Milan
1930
An exclusive speakeasy with a vintage vibe and expertly crafted cocktails.
Secret location, Milan
Mag Cafè
A bohemian bar in the heart of Navigli, famous for its creative cocktail menu.
Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 43, 20143 Milan
Iter
A travel-inspired bar with cocktails influenced by global destinations and local ingredients.
Via Mario Fusetti, 1, 20143 Milan
Surfer’s Den
A playful tiki bar offering exotic cocktails with a tropical flair.
Via Alfredo Albertini, 6, 20146 Milan
Octavius Bar
Located within The Stage, this stylish bar is a hub for luxury cocktails and bold flavours.
Piazza Gae Aulenti, 4, 20124 Milan
Backdoor 43
Known as the world’s smallest bar, it offers personalised cocktail experiences.
Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 43, 20143 Milan
Officina Milano
A trendy cocktail bar with industrial aesthetics and a creative drink menu.
Via Giovenale, 7, 20136 Milan
Terrazza Martini
Iconic rooftop bar offering Martini-inspired cocktails with panoramic views of the Duomo.
Piazza Armando Diaz, 7, 20123 Milan
Future expectations...
Milan’s cocktail story is a mix of tradition and innovation, always evolving. So, what will you sip on your next trip?
