Top 21 Local Beverages
in the Metropolitan City of Turin

Cappuccino is an Italian coffee made with espresso and steam-foamed milk. It is believed that it developed from kapuziner—a coffee-based beverage that was enjoyed in Austrian coffee houses in the 18th century. The first mention of the word cappuccino in Italy dates back to the 1930s, but at the time the drink was topped with whipped cream, and later it gained its current form with the invention of the espresso machine. Traditional Italian cappuccino is always served in small cups, which are occasionally pre-heated, and it is prepared by pulling a single or a double shot of espresso which is then topped with a light and frothy steamed milk. The recommended ratio in Italy is to have more froth than liquid. Due to its popularity, outside of Italy, cappuccini can significantly differ from their original Italian version, and they can be enjoyed throughout the day, while the Italians would rarely drink them in the afternoon. Interestingly, it is said that the name cappuccino was inspired by the Capuchin friars, supposedly because the color combination of coffee and milk resembles those of Capuchin robes.Expand

Espresso is both the name of a coffee beverage and the method of brewing coffee that originated in Italy. Nowadays it is prepared worldwide with the espresso machine - invented in Turin in 1884 by Angelo Moriondo - by forcing a small amount of hot water under high pressure through finely ground coffee beans. The coffee used for espresso is blended from several roasts and as a result of pressurized brewing, the flavors of the beverage are very concentrated, with thick and almost syrupy texture. Consequently, espresso has more caffeine than other coffee beverages, so it is traditionally served as a shot. On top of every well-made espresso is a frothy foam with a creamy consistency, known as crema. Besides the standardized shot, espresso can also be served as doppio, ristretto, and lungo. Furthermore, it can be mixed with milk or cream, so it is a base for many other coffee drinks such as caffè latte, caffè Americano, cappuccino or caffè macchiato.Expand

Dating back to the 18th century, this classic beverage from Turin consists of an espresso that is layered with hot chocolate, and then topped with whipped cream. It is traditionally prepared and served in tall, clear glasses, and all three layers should be visible. Although bicerin is enjoyed throughout Turin, Caffè Al Bicerin and Caffè Florio claim its origin. It is believed that its name stems from the term bicchierino, which is a diminutive of bicchiere (glass).Expand

In the past known as bianchissimo (the whitest), Martini Bianco is a variety of sweetened dry vermouth—fortified and aromatized wine—that was first introduced in 1910. Although the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, Martini Bianco is made from filtered white wine that is sweetened and infused with different botanicals that include vanilla flowers, spices, herbs, citrus zest, barks, and roots. This clear drink is characterized by its layered combination of flavors and aromas that include spicy, floral, citrus, and sweet vanilla notes. In Europe, Martini Bianco is usually enjoyed as an aperitif, preferably served neat with ice and orange peel. However, it can also work well mixed with soda water, tonic water, or lemonade, as well as a great cocktail ingredient that ideally replaces sweet vermouth. Martini Bianco is produced by the Turin-based company Martini&Rossi, which have an array of different vermouth styles, including the classic sweet red vermouth Martini Rosso. Expand

Hailing from Turin, this sweet Italian vermouth was created in the 1862s by Martini Rosso. It is made from wine that is infused with various botanicals such as plants, barks, or flowers. The macerate of the botanicals is added together with caramel, which gives the drink its distinguishing red color. Martini Rosso is slightly sweet, incredibly aromatic, and has a distinctive herbal finish that is accompanied by a subtle bitterness. This common European aperitif, which is ideally served over ice, is best known for its use in cocktails, primarily the acclaimed Manhattan, Negroni, and Americano. The drink also pairs well with tonic and soda water.Expand

Vermouth is a quintessential European aperitif. This sweetened and fortified wine is aromatized with various botanicals, and it is usually classified as red (sweet) or white (dry). The origin of vermouth is ancient and closely connected to wormwood wine, but the first official vermouth was produced in Turin by Antonio Benedetto Carpano. He aromatized his wine with various herbs and spices and started selling his red vermouth in 1786. The drink became an instant success among the locals and has since only grown in popularity. In the years that followed, Joseph Noilly introduced the new French-style vermouth that is now mostly known as white or dry vermouth. With the development of the spice trade, both styles were further popularized. Internationally, vermouth became known as a cocktail ingredient—it is used in some of the classics such as Martini, Manhattan, Negroni, and Americano—but in Europe, it is still mainly served as an aperitif. It can be enjoyed neat or over ice, and it is often mixed with soda or tonic water. Vermouth is still a staple in Italy and France, but it has also become one of the most popular aperitifs in Spain after it was introduced in the 19th century. Expand

The term sweet vermouth is generally associated with red Italian-style vermouth. Their red color is mostly gained with caramel-coloring, and the examples of the style are typically subtly bitter and usually sweeter than dry vermouth, while the aromas and the final taste profile are usually reminiscent of spices and stewed fruit. Sweet vermouth is best known for its use in cocktails, and it makes the bases of some the classics, including Manhattan and Negroni. Some of the most popular brands include Martini Rosso, Carpano, and Cinzano Rosso. Officially, sweet vermouth can have a maximum of 15% sugar.Expand

This classic Italian vermouth is still made following the original recipe from 1786 that was created by Antonio Benedetto Carpano. It is one of the first modern vermouth versions. Praised for its exceptional quality, Carpano is characterized by its concentrated, bitter-sweet flavor and complex aromas reminiscent of vanilla, spices, dried fruit, and orange zest. The base is made with wine sourced from Emilia-Romagna, Puglia, and Sicily, and although the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, it is known that some of the botanicals include Madagascar vanilla, Iranian saffron, and wormwood from Piedmont. Although it works great on its own, preferably served on the rocks, it is also one of the best options for cocktails that call for sweet vermouth such as Manhattan and Negroni. Antica Formula is bottled at 16.5%. Expand

San Simone is a bittersweet Italian amaro hailing from Turin. Although the recipe is a closely guarded secret, it is known that some of the botanicals used for flavoring include gentian, rhubarb, and wormwood. Amaro San Simone was introduced in 1960. It was created when Aldo Fechino bought the local pharmacy store in 1953. Among the medicines, there was a recipe for a health tonic that Fechino improved and made into a palatable drink, which soon caught on among the locals. The Turin monks allegedly invented the recipe.Expand

Elisir d'erbe Barathier is an ancient herbal liqueur that hails from Pomaretto in Turin, Piedmont. The liqueur is made by steeping dried flowers and herbs in alcohol, and the macerate is then sweetened and mixed with spring water. The resulting drink can be golden yellow or amber, depending on whether it was made with caramel. The liqueur is herbaceous and has a bittersweet flavor. It has been labeled and officially produced since 1905, but its origins are ancient. It was originally called Amaro Cozie—as a reference to the regional Alpi Cozie (Cottian Alps). The liqueur is bottled at 20% ABV. It is usually served neat and enjoyed as a digestif, but it also works well mixed with tonic or soda water or added to warm wintertime drinks.Expand

Malfy Gin is a premium Italian gin brand that is part of the Pernod Ricard portfolio. Known for its vibrant and refreshing flavor, Malfy Gin is crafted in the Italian region of Piedmont, where it incorporates high-quality botanicals, with a special focus on the fresh, zesty lemons from the Amalfi Coast. Malfy offers a variety of expressions, including Malfy Gin Con Limone, which features the essence of Italian lemons, and Malfy Gin Rosa, infused with Sicilian pink grapefruit, showcasing the brand’s focus on Italian flavors. Malfy Gin's inclusion in Pernod Ricard's portfolio strengthens the group's offerings in the gin sector, allowing it to meet the increasing consumer demand for premium, craft-style gins.Expand

Casa Savoia is a London-based producer specializing in Vermouth. The company is committed to crafting high-quality Vermouth using traditional methods and recipes.

Casa Savoia sources a variety of botanicals and ingredients to create distinct flavors and aromatic profiles for their products. The brand honors the rich history and heritage of Vermouth production.Expand

Martini is an Italian brand of vermouth, aperitifs, and sparkling wines headquartered in Pessione, near Turin, with a history dating back to 1863. The brand was founded by Alessandro Martini, Luigi Rossi, and Teofilo Sola with the aim of producing aromatized wines that combined traditional Italian winemaking with carefully selected botanicals. Within a few years of its establishment, Martini products began to be exported internationally, and the brand quickly became one of the most recognizable names in the vermouth category. Production is based on a combination of wine, aromatic herbs, spices, and botanical extracts, while several of the original recipes continue to be closely guarded trade secrets. Over time, the company expanded its portfolio from classic vermouths to include sparkling wines, aperitifs, and non-alcoholic products, while maintaining its distinctive style. Since 1993, Martini has been part of the Bacardi Group, with production continuing at its historic facility in Pessione. Thanks to its long tradition, international presence, and significant influence on aperitif culture, Martini is widely regarded as one of the world's best-known brands of vermouth and aromatized wines.Expand

Zoppi Distillery is an urban micro-distillery based in Turin, Italy, founded by master distiller Dennis Zoppi. Specializing in high-quality artisanal spirits, the distillery produces a diverse range including vermouth, gin, bitters, and amari.

Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, Zoppi Distillery emphasizes innovation in flavor and quality. The distillery also offers custom production services, allowing clients to create unique spirits tailored to their needs. Expand

Explora Gin is an Italian brand founded by brothers Giovanni and Davide Marazita, driven by their shared passion for distillation and exploring diverse cultures. Established in Torino, Italy, Explora Gin is committed to crafting high-quality spirits that celebrate the harmony and diversity of botanicals sourced from around the world.

The brand prides itself on a meticulous production process, using only 100% natural ingredients and following traditional distillation methods. Each product is designed as an "Experience," representing a sensory journey inspired by the Marazita brothers' explorations.

This innovative approach reflects their dedication to combining authenticity with creativity, resulting in a gin that is as much a story as it is a spirit.Explora Gin's philosophy centers on purity, with no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colorings used in their production. Their mission is to bring consumers an authentic and refined taste experience while honoring the art of traditional gin-making.Expand