Best Refreshing Drinks To Cool Down On Your Italian Vacation

Under the sweltering Italian summer sun, there’s nothing better than finding a shady café for a chilled drink.

Whether walking the medieval streets of a historic city or soaking up the sun on the beach, you’ll need frequent hydration breaks.

Luckily, Italy has plenty of traditional light, icy beverages to keep you cool.

From morning coffee to after-dinner digestif, here are the best refreshing drinks to order in Italy.

Caffè shakerato

Sometimes hot coffee doesn’t appeal on a scorching summer day, in which case caffè shakerato is the ideal alternative.

It is Italy’s version of iced coffee, made with a shot of espresso, ice and a tablespoon of sugar syrup. These ingredients are shaken in a cocktail shaker and then strained into a martini glass.

Cedrata

This non-alcoholic beverage is flavored with citron giving it a fantastic tangy sweet and sour taste.

Served with plenty of ice, it is a great thirst-quenching pick-me-up on a hot afternoon.

Acqua e menta

This classic Italian soft drink is a mixture of mint syrup and chilled still or sparkling water. It is often thought of as the original Italian soda.

The bartender will mix it up on the spot and, if you want, add lots of ice.

Spritz

At aperitivo hour, before both lunch and dinner, a spritz is the go-to beverage in northern Italy.

Made up of prosecco, soda water and a bitter of choice, it is the perfect refresher and not too alcoholic.

Aside from orange-hued Aperol, you can choose bitter Campari or herby Select as the bitter.

Limoncello

Best served in chilled glasses, this lemon liqueur is an after-dinner staple in Italy. It is made from steeping lemon rinds in alcohol and packs a powerful citrus punch.

Just don’t forget it’s not weak on alcohol either, at around 30%.