A guide to Venice’s most iconic drinks, historic bars, and modern mixology gems
Venice may be the city of gondolas and romance, but it’s also a destination for drink lovers who appreciate a well-crafted cocktail. Whether you’re sipping a Bellini at Harry’s Bar or discovering a bold new creation by a tattooed mixologist in Cannaregio, the city offers a cocktail culture that blends elegance, history, and innovation.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the Venice Cocktail Trail—a journey of legendary bars, rooftop views, hidden speakeasies, and unforgettable drinks. Cheers, or as we say in Venice, cin cin!
🥂 The Cocktail That Started It All: The Bellini at Harry’s Bar
No cocktail trail in Venice is complete without a visit to Harry’s Bar, the birthplace of the Bellini.
A Bit of History
Founded in 1931 by bartender Giuseppe Cipriani, Harry’s Bar became a haunt for literary legends and Hollywood stars: Ernest Hemingway, Orson Welles, Truman Capote, and more.
It was here that Cipriani created the Bellini—a delicate blend of fresh white peach purée and prosecco. The drink was named after Giovanni Bellini, the Venetian Renaissance painter, whose work inspired the cocktail’s pink hue.
Today at Harry’s Bar
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Designated a national landmark by the Italian government.
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Maintains its old-world glamour and minimalist style.
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Offers classic Venetian service (and steep prices, but the experience is priceless).
Insider Tip: Dress nicely, and order a Bellini at the bar instead of sitting at a table if you want the vibe without the price tag.
🔗 Discover Our Harry’s Bar & Cocktail History Walk
🍹 The Spritz Life: More Than Just Aperol
Think you know the Spritz? Think again. In Venice, Spritz isn’t just a touristy orange drink—it’s a tradition, a ritual, and a local love story.
What Is a Real Venetian Spritz?
The classic formula:
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Prosecco
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Bitter liqueur (Aperol, Campari, or Select—Venice’s own)
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Soda water
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Slice of orange or olive
Where to Drink Like a Local
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Spritz with Select: The most Venetian version—deep red and slightly bitter.
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Spritz with Cynar or White Vermouth: For the adventurous.
Must-Try Bars for Spritz in Venice:
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Bar All’Arco (San Polo): Tiny and packed with locals—famous for cicchetti and Spritz Select.
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Chet Bar (Cannaregio): Artsy vibe, retro tunes, and interesting twists on the classic.
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Bar Al Mercà (near Rialto): A wine stand where locals grab a Spritz and hang out in the square.
🍸 Rooftop Bars & Canal Views: Venice With a Cocktail in Hand
Want your drink with a view? Venice has some stunning bars where you can sip while watching gondolas glide past or the sun set over the lagoon.
1. Skyline Rooftop Bar (Hilton Molino Stucky, Giudecca)
Probably the best rooftop in Venice. Views over the entire city, plus expertly crafted cocktails. It’s upscale, trendy, and perfect at golden hour.
Try:
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“The Doge’s Negroni”
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Bellini Martini
2. Terrazza Danieli (Hotel Danieli, San Marco)
Classic Venice at its most cinematic. Sit above the Grand Canal and enjoy five-star service with a cocktail menu inspired by the city’s history.
Try:
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Bellini al lampone (raspberry twist)
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Champagne cocktail with elderflower
3. Sagra Rooftop Restaurant & Bar (JW Marriott, Isola delle Rose)
A short boat ride to the island of roses gives you lush garden vibes and cocktails made with herbs grown onsite.
🍷 Hidden Gems & Creative Mixologists
Behind Venice’s historic charm is a growing community of young bartenders and modern mixologists bringing new energy to the city’s cocktail culture. Here are some of our favorite hidden or quirky spots.
1. Il Mercante (San Polo)
Stylish, moody, and full of old-world charm meets modern creativity. The drinks are seasonal, daring, and beautiful.
Order:
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The rotating signature cocktail based on famous explorers
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“Marco Polo’s Mule” with ginger and Asian spices
2. Experimental Cocktail Club (Dorsoduro)
An international hotspot with a secret entrance vibe. The bartenders here are artists, and the menu changes often.
Good For:
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Pre-dinner drinks
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Small bites with creative pairings
3. Time Social Bar (Cannaregio)
Friendly, funky, and full of local character. This is where young Venetians come for expertly made drinks without hotel-bar prices.
Standouts:
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Smoky mezcal creations
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Gin cocktails with homemade infusions
🍸 Cocktail Culture, the Venetian Way
In Venice, drinking is never about getting drunk—it’s about taste, tempo, and togetherness.
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Aperitivo is sacred (usually between 5:00–8:00 PM).
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Cocktails are sipped slowly and often paired with snacks.
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You might start with a Spritz, move to a Negroni, and end with a dessert drink or Amaro.
Looking for a curated cocktail night with stories, history, and no guesswork? We can organize a Venice Cocktail Trail customized for:
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🍸 Couples looking for a romantic evening
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🍷 Friends on a bar crawl
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🥂 Solo travelers who want local company
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🍹 Foodies who care about craft and flavor
đź”— Plan Your Cocktail Tour With Us
🧠Quick Venice Cocktail Crawl (Self-Guided Itinerary)
If you want to taste the highlights on your own, here’s a sample route:
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Start with a Spritz at Al Mercà (easy-going vibe)
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Cicchetti and wine at All’Arco
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Cross the Grand Canal and head to Il Mercante for something bold
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End with rooftop views at Skyline or Terrazza Danieli
💡 Pro Tip: Walk between stops and enjoy Venice’s quiet streets as the sun sets. The magic is in the meandering.
✨ Final Toast: Venice, One Sip at a Time
Venice is a city that invites you to slow down, savor the view, and enjoy life one bite—and one cocktail—at a time. Whether you’re following in Hemingway’s footsteps at Harry’s Bar or discovering a citrus-infused creation in a back-alley speakeasy, you’re not just drinking—you’re experiencing a centuries-old ritual.
And with Tour Leader Venice, you can skip the guesswork and dive straight into the best flavors the city has to offer.
About the Author
Written by Igor Scomparin, licensed local guide, travel expert, and founder of Tour Leader Venice. Since 2008, Igor has helped thousands of travelers experience Venice beyond the clichés—through food, history, stories, and yes… cocktails. Book a private evening tour, and let’s toast to La Serenissima together.
