Dempsey's Perugia

While Italy is synonymous with the delightful tradition of Aperitivo, its cocktail scene is a whole other world waiting to be explored. As a seasoned traveller who appreciates a perfectly crafted drink (and the friendly chat with the bartender that often comes with it), I've had the pleasure of discovering countless incredible cocktail bars across the country. Whether it's a new city I'm visiting or a familiar favourite I'm revisiting, Italy never disappoints. Lucky for me, Northern Italy is my home base, and it boasts a high concentration of exceptional options. However, the South holds its own when it comes to fantastic cocktail experiences (with Rome leading the charge) This guide represents my curated list of the best-of-the-best, a culmination of expert experiences and the occasional repeat visit for quality assurance (yes, sometimes a second or third try is necessary!). Italy, after all, is the birthplace of iconic cocktail ingredients like Vermouth, Campari, and Aperol. But its treasure trove extends far beyond, with gems like St. Germain, Amaro, Grappa, Amaretto, Limoncello, and the hospitality worker's secret weapon - Fernet.