Let this refreshing and zingy Italian Sunrise cocktail lift the spirits and awaken your wanderlust. Whether Italy is on your travel bucket list or if you’ve been several times, there’s nothing like the iconic taste of Campari and Limoncello for a hit of la dolce vita in a glass. So, pull up a chair and join us for this fabulous bittersweet cocktail.
Italian Sunrise Cocktail
PREP TIME 5 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
1.
Tip all the ingredients into a shaker (or a mason jar) and shake
02
2.
Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a slice of orange
Tips on how to make the best Italian Sunrise cocktail
This zesty cocktail calls for a few specifics, but we promise it’s worth it! For the best Italian Sunrise cocktail, choose a good quality vodka and Limoncello. Remember to keep your Limoncello in the freezer for extra chillness. Campari is the essential Italian amaro for this mix; it’s notably more bitter with rhubarb notes, giving this cocktail complexity and depth.
When it comes to orange juice, fresh is best — you’ll thank us later. The final ingredient, sweet and sour mix, is easily available. It’s just a simple lemon and lime syrup. For the ultimate Sunrise cocktail, choose an all-natural one without corn syrup or preservatives.
How to serve an Italian Sunrise cocktail
Whether you’re reveling in the long hot summer days or are just fed up with chilly winter, bring all the sunshine with this fantastic cocktail that pairs perfectly for a brunch or weekend get-together. Once you’ve shaken your Italian Sunrise cocktail, ideally pour this Insta-worthy drink into a chilled cocktail, coupé, or martini glass. A champagne flute works perfectly too. To garnish, add a slice of lemon or orange on the rim if you like.
Top tip: Pop your glass in the freezer for a few hours for a good chill or let it sit with a few blocks of ice in to get frosty before you pour.
Italian Sunrise cocktail variations and substitutions
Once you’ve tried the original version, play around with all the delicious vodka infusions on offer from Skyy to add a spin.
- An Italian Sunrise cocktail can also be served in a highball or Tom Collins glass, so fill it with ice and top up with fresh OJ if you prefer a slower sipping drink.
- If you love a nutty Amaretto, there are versions of this cocktail that include Amaretto in place of Campari. Absolutely delicious!
- Look out for a Tuscan sunrise or sunset, a boozier version with the addition of whiskey, and for sweetness some pineapple juice.
- For a slushy style Italian Sunrise cocktail, blend Galliano with some ice as well as banana and orange liqueur with a dash of cream and orange juice. Make sure the colorful straws are close!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This cocktail is oh so simple to make at the drop of a hat, it is literally just adding all the ingredients into a shaker or jar. Then just shake (do a little dance, if you like), strain into a chilly cocktail glass and your work is here done. If you prefer a retro layered version, just pour all the ingredients into the glass, starting with the Campari, and don’t stir.
If you love the almondy-peach notes of Amaretto, then you can try an Amaretto twist on the Italian Sunrise cocktail. Also known as an Italian Sunset, you’ll need amaretto, orange juice (or peach, if you prefer), soda water, and grenadine. Serve in a tall glass with lots of ice.
Tuscan skies are known to be a mesmerizingly rich orange and are said to have inspired this version of the Italian Sunrise cocktail. It is similar to a Tequila sunrise, with a mix of orange juice, grenadine, and tequila. However, a Tuscan Sunrise also includes the sweetness of pineapple juice and whiskey, which deepens the drink into a rich orange color.
Quintessential popular Italian Cocktails include the classic Negroni, the simple Campari Spritz, and the Garibaldi cocktail. We can’t forget the iconic orange Aperol Spritz either. With so many wonderful spirits on offer, such as limoncello, Aperol, Campari, and Amaretto, it’s not surprising that Italian cocktails are a favorite around the globe.
