Classic European Cocktails Worth Knowing

Negroni cocktail with orange twist in a rocks glass

Europe’s cocktail scene weaves together centuries of tradition with innovation. Across France, Italy, and the UK, iconic recipes have earned permanent places behind bars around the world. Each drink captures the heritage and palate of its home country, from the effervescent grace of the French 75 to the unmistakable orange blush of an Aperol Spritz.

Negroni (Italy)

A bittersweet, ruby-hued aperitif that has grown from Italian café tradition to modern classic. The Negroni is a masterclass in balance: botanical gin, assertive Campari, and the deep, herbal sweetness of sweet vermouth.

30 ml gin
30 ml sweet vermouth
30 ml Campari

Stir all ingredients with ice until well chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
Garnish with an orange twist.

French 75 (France)

Named after an artillery gun, the French 75 delivers elegance with a citrusy punch. Crisp gin and lemon are topped with Champagne for a refreshing sparkle that’s at home at celebrations or brunches alike.

45 ml gin
15 ml fresh lemon juice
15 ml simple syrup
60 ml dry Champagne (or sparkling wine)

Shake gin, lemon juice, and syrup with ice.
Strain into a flute.
Top with Champagne. Stir gently.
Garnish with a lemon twist.

French 75 cocktail in a flute with lemon twist

Pimm’s Cup (United Kingdom)

British summertime finds its champion in the Pimm’s Cup—a garden-party staple mixing Pimm’s No. 1 liqueur with mixers and fruit. It’s herbaceous, lightly spiced, and exceptionally thirst-quenching.

50 ml Pimm’s No. 1
100 ml lemonade (or lemon-lime soda)
Sliced cucumber, orange, strawberries, and mint

Build Pimm’s and lemonade in a tall glass filled with ice.
Add cucumber, orange slices, strawberries, and fresh mint.
Stir gently. Add more ice if needed.

Pimm's Cup cocktail with fresh fruit in a tall glass

Aperol Spritz (Italy)

The Aperol Spritz radiates with its glowing orange hue and lively bubbles. With a hint of bitterness and fresh citrus, it’s the Venetian aperitivo hour in a glass, best served over plenty of ice.

60 ml Aperol
90 ml Prosecco
30 ml soda water
Orange slice garnish

Build Aperol, prosecco, and soda water directly in a wine glass filled with ice.
Gently stir once or twice to combine.
Garnish with an orange slice.