Milan's Cocktail Bars Move Beyond the Spritz

Milan's drinking culture no longer starts and ends with aperitivo. A wave of mixologists has expanded the city's bar scene with technique, seasonality and invention, even as the Spritz and Negroni Sbagliato remain staples.

At Bar Basso, the late Mirko Stocchetto created the Negroni Sbagliato in 1972, swapping prosecco for gin. His son Maurizio, the current owner, marked the drink's 50th anniversary with a light refurbishment that kept the vintage interiors intact. The cocktail list runs 500 long.

Rita, opened in 2002 along the Naviglio Grande by Edoardo Nono and Chiara Buzzi, pioneered house-made infusions and juices and table-served aperitivo. Moebius, set in a former textile warehouse, ranks seventh on the World's 50 Best Bars list. Camparino, a 110-year-old mainstay by the Duomo, traces its history through 12 drinks for its anniversary.

Notable newer arrivals include Lubna, which opened in December 2024 in a former tram depot, and Bob The Other Side, hidden behind a teal door beside Bob Milano. Reservations are recommended where possible.