From Bellini to Spritz: The Ultimate Venice Cocktail Trail
Venice may be the city of gondolas and romance — but it’s also a paradise for cocktail lovers. Behind its marble facades and moonlit canals lies a thriving drinking culture that blends history, elegance, and modern flair. Whether you’re sipping a Bellini at Harry’s Bar or a smoky mezcal creation in Cannaregio, Venice knows how to make a moment sparkle.
In this insider guide, we’ll take you along the Venice Cocktail Trail — from legendary bars and rooftop lounges to secret speakeasies where mixology meets magic. So raise your glass (or three) and toast with us, Venetian style: cin cin!
🥂 The Cocktail That Started It All: The Bellini at Harry’s Bar
No cocktail story in Venice — or anywhere, really — can begin without the Bellini. Born right here in Venice, it’s more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of style.
🍑 A Bit of History
In 1931, bartender Giuseppe Cipriani opened a little bar near St. Mark’s Square. It was called Harry’s Bar — and soon became a haven for artists, writers, and dreamers. Hemingway wrote here, Orson Welles drank here, and Truman Capote gossiped here.
One summer, inspired by the soft pink tones of a painting by Giovanni Bellini, Cipriani mixed fresh white peach purée with prosecco. And just like that, the Bellini was born — elegant, light, and timeless.
🍸 Today at Harry’s Bar
- 🏛️ Declared a national landmark by the Italian government.
- ✨ Still run with old-school Venetian charm — and impeccable service.
- 💰 Pricey? Yes. But the experience is pure history in a glass.
Insider Tip: Dress smart, and order your Bellini at the bar instead of sitting at a table if you want the atmosphere without the service charge.
🍑 Discover our Harry’s Bar & Cocktail History Walk — and toast where legends once sat.
🍹 The Spritz Life: More Than Just Aperol
The Venetian Spritz is not just a drink — it’s a ritual. You’ll see it in every square, in every hand, glowing like a sunset over the lagoon. But not all spritzes are created equal.
🍊 What Makes a Real Venetian Spritz?
The true recipe is simple — and perfect:
- 3 parts prosecco
- 2 parts bitter liqueur (Aperol, Campari, or Select)
- 1 splash of soda water
- Garnish with an orange slice or olive
And yes, Select — invented right here in Venice — is the most authentic. It’s deeper, redder, and slightly more bitter than Aperol. Locals swear by it.
🥂 Where to Drink Like a Venetian
- Bar All’Arco (San Polo): Tiny, lively, and always full of Venetians. Order a Spritz Select and a cicchetto to match.
- Chet Bar (Cannaregio): Retro tunes, vintage décor, and bartenders who know their bitters.
- Al Mercà (Rialto): Technically a wine stand — but their Spritz is spot on, and the atmosphere outside is unbeatable.
💡 Want to drink like a local? Our Venice Cicchetti & Wine Tour includes the best bacari and authentic Spritz stops across the city.
🏙️ Rooftop Bars & Lagoon Views: Sip with a Skyline
Few cities can match Venice for atmosphere — and a cocktail with a view here feels like a love letter to life itself. From luxury rooftops to hidden terraces, here are the best places to toast the sunset.
1. Skyline Rooftop Bar (Hilton Molino Stucky, Giudecca)
Perched high above the lagoon, this sleek rooftop offers panoramic views of the entire city. Expect world-class mixology and one of Venice’s most romantic sunsets.
Try: The Doge’s Negroni or a Bellini Martini while watching the sky blush pink over San Marco.
2. Terrazza Danieli (Hotel Danieli, San Marco)
If Venice had a red carpet, this would be it. Overlooking the Grand Canal and the islands beyond, Terrazza Danieli is pure cinematic elegance.
Must-try: Raspberry Bellini or Champagne cocktail with elderflower — both as glamorous as the view.
3. Sagra Rooftop Bar (JW Marriott, Isola delle Rose)
A short private boat ride from the city center takes you to an oasis of greenery and tranquility. The cocktails here use herbs and citrus grown right on the island.
🌿 Perfect for couples who want a peaceful evening away from the crowds — ask us about combining it with our Riva Experience for a truly unforgettable night.
🍸 Hidden Gems & Modern Mixology
Beyond the classics, Venice has a thriving underground cocktail scene — where young bartenders experiment with local ingredients, smoky infusions, and lagoon-inspired creations. Here’s where to find them.
1. Il Mercante (San Polo)
A sophisticated bar inside a 16th-century building just steps from the Frari Church. Think velvet chairs, candlelight, and cocktails inspired by global explorers.
Order: “Marco Polo’s Mule” (with ginger and spices) or any drink from their rotating seasonal menu.
2. Experimental Cocktail Club (Dorsoduro)
An intimate, dimly lit bar where mixology becomes performance art. Every drink is a surprise — often infused with botanicals and Venetian bitters.
Perfect for: Pre-dinner drinks or late-night creativity with a touch of mystery.
3. Time Social Bar (Cannaregio)
Funky, friendly, and filled with locals. Expect neon lights, vinyl music, and drinks that are as bold as the décor.
Try: Smoky mezcal cocktails or gin infusions made in-house.
🍷 The Venetian Way: How Locals Drink
In Venice, drinking is an art form. It’s never rushed, never loud — always social and intentional. Locals treat aperitivo like a daily ritual, a moment to slow down and reconnect.
- 🕔 Aperitivo Hour: 5–8 PM — start with a Spritz or Bellini.
- 🍝 Pre-Dinner: Pair cocktails with cicchetti (try our Cicchetti & Wine Tour).
- 🌙 After Dinner: End with a Negroni, Amaro, or limoncello under the stars.
Here, cocktails aren’t just about taste — they’re about tempo, tradition, and togetherness.
🧭 Create Your Own Venice Cocktail Trail
Want to explore Venice’s cocktail scene without missing a beat? Let Tour Leader Venice design your perfect route — from historical icons to hidden speakeasies.
- 🍸 Romantic evenings for couples
- 🍷 Social bar crawls for groups
- 🥂 Story-filled nights for cocktail connoisseurs
- 🍹 Tailored experiences for foodies and mixology fans
🍸 Plan Your Venice Cocktail Tour
✨ Final Toast: Venice, One Sip at a Time
Venice isn’t just a city to see — it’s a city to taste. From Harry’s Bar’s iconic Bellini to a Spritz Select by the canals, every drink tells a story of invention, passion, and place. The cocktail culture here captures what makes Venice timeless — a perfect balance between elegance and reinvention.
So, next time you’re in town, don’t just raise a glass — raise an experience. Whether it’s a classic or a creative twist, you’ll be sipping centuries of Venetian charm.
🥂 Explore Venice’s Cocktail Scene with Tour Leader Venice
Written by Tour Leader Venice — your insider connection to the city’s most authentic flavors, from Bellini to Spritz. Private, curated tours that mix local history, hidden bars, and unforgettable stories since 2008.
