Venice is a city of traditions: centuries-old palazzi, gondolas gliding through ancient canals, and churches that echo with the past. But when the sun dips behind the rooftops, another ritual begins — a sparkling glass in hand, the clink of ice, the hum of a bacaro, and the unmistakable orange glow of a Venetian Spritz.
Or maybe… you’re more of a Bellini person — peachy, elegant, and timeless.
This is your insider’s guide to Venice’s cocktail culture — from legendary institutions like Harry’s Bar to new mixology temples tucked in quiet calli. Whether you’re here for the history, the flavor, or both, every sip tells a story of Venetian life and light.
🍑 Where It All Began: The Bellini and Harry’s Bar
Let’s start with a legend.
It’s 1948. Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of Harry’s Bar, is behind the counter. Inspired by the soft pink hue of a Venetian sunset and the delicate tones of Giovanni Bellini’s Renaissance paintings, he mixes white peach purée with Prosecco — and the Bellini is born.
The bar itself became an institution:
- Hemingway drank here.
- So did Chaplin, Orson Welles, and a few royals.
- It remains a timeless meeting place for elegance and simplicity.
✨ The Bellini isn’t just a cocktail — it’s a love letter to Venice’s art, light, and sophistication. And yes, you can still sip the original at Harry’s Bar Venice, just steps from St. Mark’s Square.
If you love stories that mix food, history, and culture, read The Sweet Side of Venice and Venetian Cicchetti 101 — the perfect pairings for any aperitivo itinerary.
🍾 TLV Tip: Join our Venice Cicchetti & Wine Tour to enjoy a Bellini where it was born — with stories and stops that bring Venice’s cocktail heritage to life.
🧡 The Venice Spritz: More Than an Aperitivo
Now let’s talk about the other icon — the Venetian Spritz.
It’s everywhere: orange, cold, and sparkling. But where did it start?
🇦🇹 Austrian Origins
In the 1800s, when Venice was under Austrian rule, soldiers found local wine too strong. They asked for a “spritz” — a splash of water in their wine. Over time, Venetians refined the recipe by adding:
- A bitter liqueur (Aperol, Select, or Campari)
- Prosecco
- A splash of soda
- And, of course, a slice of orange or an olive
Select, created in Venice in 1920, is the locals’ favorite — deeper red, slightly more bitter, and quintessentially Venetian. Try one, and you’ll never go back to Aperol.
🍹 We include Select Spritz tastings on our Cicchetti & Wine Tours — guests love discovering the original flavor of Venice’s most famous drink.
🥂 Where to Drink Like a Local
1. Al Mercà — Quick, Loud, and Perfect
Right by Rialto Market, this tiny stand-up bar serves mini Spritzes and cicchetti to a lively after-work crowd. You’ll drink elbow-to-elbow with locals, traders, and students — all laughing, chatting, and clinking glasses before dinner. It’s the Venice aperitivo at its purest.
2. Il Mercante — The Mixologist’s Paradise
Hidden near Campo San Barnaba, Il Mercante is Venice’s contemporary cocktail temple. Expect:
- Lagoon-inspired recipes with sea herbs and botanicals
- Vintage glassware and mid-century design vibes
- A rotating menu that feels more like a storybook than a drink list
For design lovers, this stop pairs beautifully with our Carlo Scarpa Architecture Tour — both celebrate Venetian craftsmanship, detail, and creativity.
3. Skyline Rooftop Bar — Spritz with a View
Perched atop the Hilton Molino Stucky on Giudecca Island, the Skyline Rooftop Bar offers sweeping views of the entire lagoon. Come for sunset, order a Select Spritz, and watch the domes of Venice turn gold.
🧡 TLV Tip: We can organize private sunset boat transfers that drop you off just in time for aperitivo — a truly cinematic way to toast the day.
🍸 Other Venetian-Style Cocktails to Try
- Sgroppino: A refreshing mix of lemon sorbet, vodka, and prosecco — part dessert, part digestivo.
- Negroni Sbagliato: Born in Milan but beloved in Venice; swaps gin for prosecco, keeping things light and effervescent.
Pair these with dessert spots from our Venice sweets guide — because every good evening deserves both bubbles and sugar.
🎨 Art, Aperitivo & Atmosphere — The Cocktail Trail Experience
We’ve created a special Venice Cocktail Trail for those who want to blend history, art, and taste. It’s a walking and sipping experience designed for curious travelers who enjoy stories in every glass.
You’ll explore:
- The origins of the Spritz in Cannaregio
- The birthplace of the Bellini at Harry’s Bar
- Contemporary design bars in Dorsoduro
- Rooftop views across the lagoon
Each stop is part of Venice’s living culture — where modern mixologists, artists, and locals keep the aperitivo spirit alive.
Combine this with our Off-the-Beaten-Path Orientation Tour for a complete day that starts with canals and ends with cocktails.
🧭 TL;DR — From Bellini to Spritz: Where to Sip in Venice
| Drink | Where to Try It | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Bellini | Harry’s Bar | The original Venetian classic since 1948 |
| Spritz (Select) | Al Mercà, Osteria da Filo | The local aperitivo — bitter, bright, unforgettable |
| Craft Cocktails | Il Mercante, Experimental | Where modern Venice mixes art and spirits |
| Sgroppino | Osteria alle Testiere or private dinners | A zesty, elegant finale to your evening |
🍾 Want to Drink Like a Local (Without Guesswork)?
At Tour Leader Venice, we create private cocktail tours, sunset Spritz cruises, and cultural aperitivo walks that reveal the real nightlife of Venice — stylish, slow, and full of stories.
Whether you’re a Bellini purist, a Spritz explorer, or a Negroni lover, we’ll help you discover where Venice truly sparkles — in its bars, its views, and its effortless elegance.
❓ FAQs — Bellini, Spritz & Cocktail Culture in Venice
Where was the Bellini invented in Venice?
The world-famous Bellini was created in 1948 at Harry’s Bar, when founder Giuseppe Cipriani mixed white peach purée with Prosecco to match the pink hues of Giovanni Bellini’s paintings. You can still sip the original there today, just steps from St. Mark’s Square. To complete the experience, join our Venice Cicchetti & Wine Tour — it includes Bellini tastings, local stories, and hidden bacari. For a sweet follow-up, read The Sweet Side of Venice.
What’s the difference between Aperol and Select Spritz?
Both are Venetian icons, but Select — born in Venice in 1920 — is deeper red, slightly more bitter, and the true local favorite. Aperol is lighter and sweeter, often served to visitors. Try both during our Cicchetti & Wine Tour or at rooftop spots featured in Best Restaurants in Venice with a Water View. You’ll taste why Venetians proudly call Select “the real Spritz.”
What’s the best area for cocktails and aperitivo in Venice?
Each neighborhood (sestiere) has its own character. Dorsoduro offers creative mixology at Il Mercante, Cannaregio has traditional bacari by the water, and Giudecca is home to the chic Skyline Rooftop Bar. For a full immersion, combine our Off-the-Beaten-Path Orientation Tour with the Venice Cocktail Trail — an evening walk through stories, art, and aperitivi.
