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Exploring European Flavors: 15 Unique Cocktail Recipes from Across Europe
June 16, 2025 Kylee Alter

Exploring European Flavors: 15 Unique Cocktail Recipes from Across Europe

Calling all cocktail enthusiasts! Whether you’re perfecting your at-home mixology skills, brainstorming the menu for your next get-together, or are just a foodie interested in traveling and the world of mixology, this next post is for you. In this Crew Supply Co edition, we’re exploring classic European cocktails from the classic aperitifs of Italy to the strong spirits of Eastern Europe.

Europe has a long and diverse history of cocktail culture, so join us as we explore unique cocktails from European countries and the rich tradition of cocktails from this part of the world. We’re voyaging to the Czech Republic, Portugal, and Turkey, with many stops in between. Keep reading to learn about discovering the history and recipes for international cocktails to make at home! We’re showcasing 15 unique cocktails from European countries, each with its own history and distinct flavors. Discover how to make these drinks and experience a taste of European mixology. Cheers!

 

A negroni cocktail is in a crystal glass with ice and an orange peel garnish

Photo Credit: @marvelous

#1. Negroni – Italy 🇮🇹

Let’s kick things off with one of the classic European cocktails that packs some punch: the Negroni. It was invented in 1919 at Caffè Casoni in Florence when Count Camillo Negroni asked for his Americano cocktail to be made stronger.

This is one of the cocktails from Europe that’s become so popular, the drink even has an entire week in its honor! In 2002, Wayne Collins put the White Negroni on the map, and today you’ll find endless variations, including barrel-aged gins, smoky mezcal, and salty caramel renditions. 

This is one of those bitter but tasty European cocktail recipes, boasting only three ingredients. Here’s how to enjoy this boozy and bitter cult classic from the comfort of your living room!  

  • Ingredients:

 

#2. Kalimotxo – Spain 🇪🇸

The Basque Country is located in northern Spain, sharing a border with France. This area is known for its beautiful beaches, Basque cheesecake, unique language, interesting history, and delectable cuisine. San Sebastien is home to the 2nd most Michelin-starred restaurants per capita. 

The Kalimotxo, pronounced cal-ee-Mo-cho, is a popular Basque drink dating back to the 1970s. There are only two ingredients to this drink: red wine and Coke. Any dry red wine will do, but the higher the quality of the wine, the better the drink! And, since these are cocktails from Europe, why not opt for a Spanish red?! It sounds suspicious, but it’s worth a try; you might be refreshingly surprised! It’s an easy addition to add to your list of international cocktails to make at home. 

  • Ingredients:

  • Instructions: Mix wine and cola over ice and garnish with a lemon wedge.

 

A Hugo cocktail fills a wine glass with ice, mint, lemon, and a black straw

Photo Credit: @gretafarnedi

#3. Hugo – Austria 🇦🇹

If you’re a fan of the Aperol Spritz, you’ll love the Hugo! This bubbly aperitif is floral and refreshing, making it a perfect addition to your roster of unique cocktails from European countries. 

It was invented in 2005 by Roland Gruder in northern Italy, where elderflowers abundantly bloom in the spring and summer. The Hugo was popularized in Italy’s bordering country, Austria, but it’s one of those cocktails from Europe that has gained popularity in the United States. Impress your guests, kick off the summer BBQ, or begin your dinner party with this refreshing and delicious spritz!

 

#4. Pálinka Sour – Hungary 🇭🇺

There’s a Hungarian expression, “What you can use for making jam, you can also use for making pálinka.” This Hungarian fruity liquor has over a hundred variations, but they take their pálinka seriously. In 2008, Hungary created the “Pálinka Law” to regulate the requirements and classifications of pálinka, assuring the liquor is made from 100% Hungarian-grown fruit.

Pálinka has a high alcohol content, so using it as a base liquor for a sour cocktail is brilliant because the egg white helps to create a refreshing, well-balanced drink. It’s another option for unique cocktails from European countries that will delight your friends, offering thoughtful beverages beyond the basics! 

  • Ingredients:

    • 2 oz fruit-based pálinka (apricot or plum recommended)

    • 1 oz fresh lemon juice

    • 3/4 oz honey syrup

    • Egg white (optional)

  • Instructions: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a coupe glass.

 

A limoncello spritz fills a glass with ice and a lemon garnish with lemons and a glass bottle in the background

Photo Credit: @kekse_und_ich

#5. Limoncello Spritz – Italy 🇮🇹

When dreaming of warm days on the Amalfi Coast overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, a refreshing sip of limoncello may momentarily satisfy your Italian cravings. Bring the charming flavors of Sorrento and Capri to your home with a refreshing Limoncello Spritz. 

While the exact origins of limoncello are uncertain, one thing is for sure: it’s an incredibly delicious drink, especially at a spritz! It’s a perfect addition to international cocktails to make at home. The Limoncello Spritz below is another bright, light European cocktail recipe perfect for those long, hot summer days! 

 

#6. French 75 – France 🇫🇷

Next up on our delicious European cocktail recipes comes from, you guessed it, France. This bubbly libation was created in Paris in 1915 and is named after the powerful French 75mm field gun used in World War I. 

The French 75 is one of the great classic European cocktails to have up your sleeve. It’s deceivingly potent as the sugar and effervescence mask the booze; it’ll sneak up on you. Pair it with a leisurely brunch with friends and add it to the roster of international cocktails to make at home. Santé!  

  • Ingredients:

    • 1 oz gin

    • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice

    • 1/2 oz simple syrup

    • 3 oz Champagne

  • Instructions: Shake gin, lemon juice, and syrup with ice, strain into a flute, and top with Champagne.

 

Two people are cheering with copper mugs filled with Bärenfang Mules with limes, ice, and black straws

Photo Credit: @anakin1814

#7. Bärenfang Mule – Germany 🇩🇪

Who doesn’t love a good Moscow Mule?! If you’re a fan like us, then give the Bärenfang Mule variation a try. What’s Bärenfang, you ask? It’s Germany’s honey liqueur, dating back to the 18th century. Made with all-natural honey, it offers a sweet kick to this Moscow Mule or any European cocktail recipes! 

So, grab your barware and four simple ingredients to mix up a refreshing drink in just a matter of moments! Keep the recipe ready to offer guests unique cocktails from European countries that they’ll surely love. 

 

#8. White Lady – United Kingdom 🇬🇧

The White Lady is a variation of one of the classic European cocktails: the Sidecar. The White Lady features herbaceous gin, and adding an egg white provides a fluffy and foamy texture. This elegant libation was first mixed in 1919 at London’s Ciro’s Club. It was later perfected by Harry MacElhone of Harry’s New York Bar in Paris.

If you’re looking for unique cocktails from European countries, add this one to the list. It’s sometimes called the Chelsea Sidecar or the Delilah. With only 4 ingredients, it’s straightforward to build and makes a well-rounded drink. The gin’s herbal notes balance with the tartness of the lemon and Cointreau’s aromatic sweetness. Go ahead and serve up a little succulence with a side of cocktail history.   

  • Ingredients:

    • 2 oz gin

    • 1 oz Cointreau

    • 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice

    • 1 egg white (optional)

  • Instructions: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass.

 

A glass of full of the Krupnik Honey Punch drink with lemon, honey, mint, and a silver spoon

Photo Credit: @foodistika

#9. Krupnik Honey Punch – Poland 🇵🇱

On cooler days, warm yourself from the inside with this scrumptious Polish winter cocktail. It’s made with a traditional honey-infused vodka, Krupnik. The flavor profiles of Krupnik vary depending on ingredients and whether it’s a Polish or Lithuanian version. But, legend has it that it was originally made by a Benedictine monastery in Niasviz. 

This Krupnik Honey Punch is a party pleaser and can easily be made in large batches. Although it’s not necessarily one of the classic European cocktails that first comes to mind, it’s made our list for unique cocktails from European countries! And, it’s particularly inviting on winter days! 

 

#10. Raki Sour – Turkey 🇹🇷

The iconic national spirit of Turkey is raki, steeped in tradition and history. This high-proof transparent liquor boasts a strong anise flavor profile and is often diluted with water and ice for consumption, turning the liquor a milky white color. 

This Raki Sour is a modern adaptation of raki, offering creative options for international cocktails to make at home. The lemon and honey syrup helps to sweeten the anise while the egg white adds a foamy, luxurious texture. Consider incorporating this Raki Sour when hosting a social gathering or preparing a mezze-style menu! As they say in Turkey: Serefe!

  • Ingredients:

  • Instructions: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass.

 

A man is holding a crystal mug filled with glogg garnished with fruit

Photo Credit: @maximalfocus

#11. Scandinavian Glögg – Sweden 🇸🇪

Glögg is a traditional Swedish mulled spiced wine that’s a go-to drink during winter celebrations in Sweden. For over 3,000 years, glögg has been poured into glasses and enjoyed on cold days to warm the body and the soul. It’s one of those classic European cocktails that are found all across Europe at Christmas markets and for holiday festivities. 

Bring European cocktail recipes to your next holiday gathering with this Scandinavian Glögg that only requires one pot and a little patience for a cozy drink on those cool and festive winter days.  

 

#12. Metaxa Brandy Smash – Greece 🇬🇷

On our journey through European cocktail recipes, let’s travel to the beautiful Greek Islands.  This recipe is a variation of the Brady Smash and calls upon Metaxa, the Greek aged amber spirit made from Muscat wines from the Aegean Islands. 

This refreshing Greek rendition of the brandy smash cocktail is vibrant and citrusy. Perfect for warmer days and ideal to add to your repertoire of cocktails from Europe for spring celebrations, leisurely lunches, and sunny afternoons. 

  • Ingredients:

    • 2 oz Metaxa Brandy

    • 3/4 oz lemon juice

    • 1/2 oz simple syrup

    • 5 mint leaves

  • Instructions: Muddle mint with syrup and lemon juice, add Metaxa, and shake with ice. Strain into a glass.

 

A sour cocktail is garnished with cherries and dehydrated citrus

Photo Credit: @jpholecka

#13. Ginjinha Sour – Portugal 🇵🇹

In a country known for producing wines and ports, Ginjinha doesn’t always make it to the international spotlight, but when you’re in Portugal, it’s a must-try! In the capital city of Lisbon, you’ll find Ginjinha on restaurant menus, supermarket shelves, and designated Ginjinha shops. 

This traditional liquor is both sweet and strong. It’s made from brandy or port that’s been infused with cherries, cinnamon, and sugar. The origins are rooted in Lisbon, and it was a popular drink that was also used as medicine for curing ailments. This tasty little liquor is usually served in a shot glass; however, nowadays cocktail bars and restaurants are handcrafting cocktails with Ginjinha. 

Here’s a lovely Ginjihna Sour recipe that’s a Portuguese twist on the classic Whiskey Sour using cherry liqueur. It perfectly balances sweet and sour, so add it to your list of international cocktails to make at home. Sip on this refreshing drink while dreaming of cobblestone streets, sardines, and azulejos. 

  • Ingredients:

    • 2 oz Ginjinha (Portuguese cherry liqueur)

    • 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice

    • 1/2 oz simple syrup

    • Egg white (optional)

  • Instructions: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a coupe glass.

 

#14. U-Boot – Czech Republic 🇨🇿

You’ve probably tried, or have at least heard of a Jäger Bomb and an Irish Car Bomb, but have you tried the U-Boot?! It’s the Czech Republic’s version of a shot dropped into a beer to be gulped down quickly.

When you’re in the mood to party and want to impress your friends with unique cocktails from European countries, present the U-Boot. It’s only two ingredients and a whole lot of fun. It’s also lighter than the potent Jägermeisters flavor profile and the heaviness of an Irish Stout.

  • Ingredients:

  • Instructions: Drop the shot of Becherovka into a glass of pilsner and drink quickly.

 

#15. Riga Black Balsam & Tonic – Latvia 🇱🇻

If you’re a fan of a good gin and tonic but are looking for European cocktail recipes, get ready to serve the Riga Black Balsam & Tonic. This Latvian cocktail uses Riga Black Balsam in place of the gin. 

Riga Black Balsam is an herbal liqueur that dates back to the 18th century and is often considered the national drink of Latvia. With only two basic ingredients and a lemon wedge for garnish, it’s a swift concoction, ideal for those craving international cocktails to make at home. 

 

Bring the Flavors of Europe to Your Home Bar

We hope you’ve enjoyed touring the European continent and that you’re inspired to start muddling, mixing, and stirring up some of these unique cocktails from European countries. While everyone knows the classic European cocktails, Sangria and Aperol Spritz, these concoctions are a chance to try your hand at something new!  

There’s something for every palate and preference from the culturally significant Turkish raki and Hungarian pálinka to the rich history of Poland’s Krupnik and Portugal’s Ginjinha. These European cocktail recipes are meant to impress, and with minimal ingredients, you can experiment with different flavor profiles across the continent! Stock up on premium European spirits and cocktail tools to start mixing today! 

Filed in: Recipes
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