The 17 Best Cocktail Bars in Milan, Where Aperitivo Is Just the Beginning

One common misconception about cocktail bars in Milan is that the city’s drinking culture begins and ends with the aperitivo. Yes, the pre-dinner ritual still defines much of the city’s social culture, but the bar scene in Milan has evolved significantly over the past few years, thanks to a brigade of hospitality-minded, boundary-pushing talent.While the Spritz and the Negroni Sbagliato aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, a new wave of mixologists has elaborated on the customary red-orange palette, pouring an array of jewel-toned beverages layered with technique, seasonality and innovation. Some of these cocktail bars in Milan are part of larger operations with restaurants; others distinguish themselves independently. From the classic to the new, here are 18 of the best cocktail bars in Milan where even teetotalers will drink exceptionally well. Reservations are recommended whenever possible.LubnaAddress: Via Vezza d'Oglio, 14Like its equally multi-faceted sibling Moebius (named after the French cartoonist), Lubna claims a namesake: a radical Italian comic book heroine of the 1970s. It arrived on the scene in December 2024 inside a former tram depot in the district dubbed SouPra (“South of Prada”—the Foundation, that is). The vast, faintly industrial open warehouse incorporates concrete and wood surfaces, and glass walls frame views of the al fresco crowd in the courtyard. The layout splits between a restaurant and a cocktail bar, with a listening lounge tucked into the back corner, whose walls come alive with flickering anime cartoons. The cocktails echo executive chef Enrico Croatti’s flame-driven cooking, incorporating ingredients grilled or charred over open fire. The Strawberry and Roasted Capsicum is a smoky riff on a Negroni, built from mezcal and diluted juice from a roasted pepper, while a spin on the tequila-based Toreador adds yoghurt and house-made “black oil” infused with fiery charcoal ember.Rita's Gaia MenchicchiRitaAddress: Via Angelo Fumagalli, 1Rita, Edoardo Nono and Chiara Buzzi’s modern classic opened in 2002 along the Naviglio Grande—well before the banks of the canal-crossed district evolved into the bar-loaded hotbed it is today. Nono and his team pioneered practices now considered commonplace, such as house-made infusions and juices and buffet-free quality aperitivo eats served at the table. Sit at the U-shaped Larchwood bar backed by a bottle rack displaying over 500 premium labels that stretch to the ceiling, or plop yourself on one of the red banquettes edging the walls. Among the ever-changing, inventive cocktails is one retro throwback: the Gin Zen, a 90s-style hodgepodge of crushed ice, gin, muddled fresh ginger, lime, and soda that Nono’s been mixing since day one. Just across the street is Rita’s Tiki Room, which opened in 2019.Bar BassoAddress: Via Plinio, 39This epic institution evokes the charm of a bygone era while still setting the benchmark for cool. Avail yourself of a Negroni Sbagliato, or the “Mistaken Negroni” swapping prosecco for gin, created in 1972 by late owner Mirko Stocchetto. Better yet, ask for “uno Sbagliato grande” which swims among clinking ice cubes in a glass goblet bigger than your head. If you’re not in the mood for bitter, Bar Basso’s plentiful cocktail list runs 500 long and counting. The clientele represents all walks of life: young and old, regulars and newbies, locals and travellers. Stocchetto’s son Maurizio, the current owner, marked the 50th anniversary with a light refurbishment but one that kept the vintage backbone intact, from the brocades and mirrors to the marble floor and dark wood panels. The crowds can spill onto the sidewalk any given evening (especially during Design Week), so make sure to book in advance for prime-time imbibing.Unseen barBob The Other SideAddress: Via Pietro Borsieri, 32Bob The Other Side is the newest venture from Luca and Michele Hu, the twin brothers behind the Chinese Box Group and longtime stalwarts of Milan’s mixology scene. The name is literal: the bar is just beside Bob Milano, their cult Isola cocktail spot, hidden behind an unassuming teal door that recalls the entryways of old Milanese tenements. Step inside, though, and the mood shifts entirely. The design plays with geometry, reflection and depth—think warm wood panelling, bronzed mirrors, walnut tables, brass accents and luminous geometric details, including a striking hexagonal counter. Cesar Araujo, who also leads the cocktail program at Bob, crafts the drinks, which include the Hidden Love with gin, tomato–pomegranate cordial, and Timut pepper; Ray of Illusions, blending pisco, sherry, black sesame and apple-flavoured matcha; and Holy Water, a lush mix of Woodford Bourbon, spiced honey, citrus and coconut milk infused with Lapsang.Camparino in GalleriaMelania Dalle GraveCamparino in GalleriaAddress: Piazza del Duomo, 21Don’t be alarmed by Camparino’s proximity to the Duomo—there’s nothing tourist-trappy about this 110-year-old mainstay. At the ground-floor Bar di Passo, sip Campari classics at the counter, surrounded by an exquisite Art Deco backdrop that has captivated patrons since its opening. In the upstairs Sala Spiritello, Tommaso Cecca and his bar team push boundaries with creative cocktail pairings. The current menu, crafted in honour of Camparino’s 110th anniversary, traces Camparino’s history through 12 drinks, starting in 1915, then marking the start of each subsequent decade through 2025. Among them: Italian Blood (1935), with Campari, tomato water and aromatic herbs; Lacto Garibaldi (1975), which combines Campari with lacto-fermented orange juice; and the Breeze (1995), a vibrant blend of Campari, vodka, pomegranate juice, zallotti blossom, and pink grapefruit soda. At the intimate, reservations-only Sala Gaspare, named for Campari’s founder, the drinks reimagine the aromas and ingredients that make up his iconic bitter.MoebiusAddress: Via Alfredo Cappellini, 25Occupying a 700-square-metre former textile warehouse, Moebius juggles multiple concepts, one of which is a cocktail bar that currently ranks seventh on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. Bar manager Giovanni Allario weaves unexpected twists into classics, like the Pesto Martini with vodka, white balsamic vinegar, and homemade pesto and a Gremolada Negroni with notes of lemon and parsley. The decor juxtaposes its iron-flecked industrial skeleton with warm and natural accents like a 700-year-old Andalusian olive tree. A backlit concrete bottle rack extends three metres high from behind a light wood counter that seats seven, while wood tables and couches and chairs in earthy grey, brown, and blue hues speckle the boundless venue.Nottingham ForestAddress: Viale Piave, 1Don’t let the name fool you – Dario Comini’s trailblazing molecular mixology mecca is about as far from a British sports pub as it gets. The elaborate, experiential drinks are presented on trays or pedestals alongside clever fixings. The French Kiss rests beside illuminated lips, clutching an aphrodisiac flower, and patrons put the finishing touches on the signature C.S.I. cocktail with syringes and test tubes. A dark wood bar salvaged from New York’s Knickerbocker Hotel anchors the room from its post in front of shelves crammed with over 1800 bottles. Dozens of eclectic objects, like stone buddhas and African masks, that Comini procured from his travels, complete the treasure trove look. No reservations, no exceptions. Ever. There’s always a line, but it’s worth the wait. If you get there around 10-15 minutes before it opens, you should be able to get seated during the first turn.LacerbaSimona BrunoLacerbaAddress: Via Orti, 4Named after a former Futurist magazine, Lacerba opened in 1999 and strikes the perfect balance between nostalgic and zany: vintage ads and abstract art adorn the walls, dozens of empty bottles dangle from the ceiling, an illuminated cutout of Milan’s Duomo twinkles beside shelves stocked with analogue clocks and travel books – an ambience that can dub as an icebreaker if you’re struggling for conversation on, say, a first date. Though, Lacerba’s always a blast with friends and loved ones. Of owner Angelo Trapasso’s 51 cocktails, five change monthly – a sure bet year round is the Discorso aritmetico alla fidanzata (Arithmetic Speech to the Girlfriend), a riff on the classic Americano. Lacerba’s famous Bloody Mary menu features ten recipes ranging from classic to playful, like the flowery Saint Mary in Love with dry sherry and elderflower liqueur.Drinc. Cocktail & ConversationAddress: Via Plinio, 32Luca Marcellin’s 26-seat cocktail bar couples the conviviality of a neighborhood place with the intrigue of a speakeasy. You ring a bell to enter, but the mystery isn’t so much what’s inside as the windowed facade reveals a lively, chatty crowd, but rather in the curiously clever cocktails, like the Negroni all’avocado, which incorporates their own avocado oil distillate or the Sazerac Fire, mixed with Cognac, cocoa beans and chilli pepper, and hazelnut bitter. Gin and tonic lovers can choose from five versions. Drinc.different, which Marcellin co-owns with Desiree Brunet, is just five minutes from its sibling. The narrow, 18-seat nook feels equally inviting but more discreet with low tables and chairs and dim lighting—perfect for date night. The equally curious drinks include N’Doritos with Doritos-infused Pisco, red vermouth, and chocolate bitter, and the refreshing Fra’Paloma with tequila, cinnamon, citric, grapefruit soda, and a house-infused strawberry and vanilla mezcal.Norah Was DrunkNorah Was DrunkAddress: Via Nicola Antonio PorporaNiccolò Caramiello and Stefano Rollo’s bar in Lambrate evokes “Old Milan” with its sleek green Guatemalan marble bar top and custom-made furnishings procured from recycled materials, lived-in walls, and dark wood floors. Absinthe is the star of the glass here, with 11 Italian, Swiss, and French labels on offer, appearing in reworked classics like the Absinthe Marini, Absinthe Rita, Absinthe Mule, and Absinthe Julep. For an alternative to the anise-flavoured liqueur, try the Million Dollar Hotel made with vodka, port, mastiha, beets, and a hint of wasabi. Provisions include tinned Spanish and Portuguese fish and French oysters—it’s not unusual for the latter to appear in a martini. Earlier this year, the team opened Cactus Joe, a cocktail bar focused on agave distillates. Who’s Norah? Accounts may vary, but the one consistency is that she’s a figment of the owners’ imagination.CaricoAddress: Via Savona, 1An anagram for “Casual Ristorante Cocktails”, Carico also means “powered” in Italian, a fitting pun to a concept packing punchiness and prowess. Domenico Carella oversees a selection of cutting-edge drinks, like the Capsicum Funky, with tequila, white chocolate, jalapeño, and citrus; Arantius Siesta, a mix of mezcal, sherry, orange, and sesame; and the Chipotloni, a negroni kicked up with Chipotle. Can’t decide? Opt for the mini cocktail route: four half-portions for 30€, or stick to reliable staples like a gin and tonic—with over two dozen types of gin to choose from. The kitchen delivers playful, elevated small plates, such as a croque monsieur with mortadella and Parmigiano fonduta, and pulled pork tacos, among others. Every so often, the seven-seat Negroni Room pops up for an experiential, all-sensory food-and-drink experience dedicated to its namesake legend—book your spot in advance. Carella is also one of the forces behind Ultra, a pizzeria and cocktail bar that opened last year.Bvlgari Hotel MilanoRoberto BonardiThe Bar at the Bulgari HotelAddress: Via Privata Fratelli Gabba, 7BThe Bulgari Hotel’s swanky bar area centres around a glossy, oval black resin island that seats 20 and rests beside a glass wall looking out at the garden. Bar manager Patrick Greco and his team update the menu twice a year, and on the list today are a half-dozen evocatively named creations. The Polaris dazzles with tequila, mezcal, blackberry syrup, and a touch of citrus air foam, while the Hydra balances gin, mastiha, carrot, celery, and a bright, zesty twist of lime. For a deeper dive, the Belvedere Martini Experience presents two scaled-down Belvedere-based martinis side by side to illustrate the subtle contrasts in flavour, aroma, and texture. When the weather cooperates, book an al fresco table among the pagoda trees and boxwoods of the lush garden that feels light years away from the city.EtereoAddress: Piazzetta M. Bossi, 2The eighth floor of Casa Brera, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan, houses one of the city’s most stunning rooftop venues: Etereo, a sky bar and restaurant whose spectacular 360-degree panorama of the city encompasses the Duomo, Galleria, Castello Sforzesco and the Porta Nuova skyscrapers. The space feels both vintage and contemporary, decorated in shades of cherry red, brown sugar and desert sand, with windowed walls, cane-backed chairs and lacquered tables, all anchored around a red arabesque marble bar. The “Art of the Aperitivo” cocktail list features 13 signature drinks, each paying tribute to a different Milanese neighbourhood. The Bell’Art Martini, an ode to the Brera, combines vodka, gin and white penja and is finished with a spritz of black pepper, while the Heritage draws inspiration from Castello Sforzesco and Corso Sempione, mixing tequila, mezcal, mastiha, tonic, angostura bitters, Champagne, passion fruit, and a touch of green mandarin.MAG CafeAlberto FeltrinMAG CafeAddress: Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 43The first cocktail bar in Milan from Flavio Angiolillo’s now epic Farmily Group, MAG Cafe, opened in the heart of the Navigli in 2011. The cocktail current roster, named “World Comes to Milan”, features a selection of cleverly crafted cocktails, each named after a different country, in honour of the 2026 Winter Olympics. China combines ginseng rum, litchi liqueur, rice-and-peach cordial, sapsang souchong tea and lime, while France mixes Cognac Martell VS, prickly pear distillate, Ratatrip (a proprietary take on French ratafia), ratatouille water, wine-tomato reduction and lemon. The boho-vintage interior ups the charm factor: an Argentine pharmacy counter, dangling bicycle wheels affixed with lights resembling the spokes of a ship helm, and ever-changing paintings and ornaments. The group’s other establishments include La Pusterla, MAG’s sibling; 1930, the elusive invite-only speakeasy; Backdoor 43, the world’s smallest bar; Iter, a cocktail bar equipped with a proper kitchen; and two outposts of Tripstillery, Italy’s first cocktail bar with a distillery onsite.Tusa IsolaAddress: Via Pietro Borsieri, 32In Milanese dialect, “Tusa” means “girl”, the inspiration for owner Norma Galdamez’s cocktails, all named after 20th-century female trailblazers. The Sissi combines rum, lime and chestnut honey, with notes of coffee and mint, for a tipple as intense, sweet and unpredictable as its namesake princess. Gin, cardamom, Lapsang, Verjus and pink grapefruit soda channel the vivacious spirit of the late Raffaella Carra, an iconic, boundary-breaking Italian entertainer, while the Ella Fitzgerald, with Jameson Black Barrel, toasted sesame, Shochu, toasted hazelnut and rakomelo reduction, is warm, velvety and elegant–just like her voice. The inviting, feels-like-home ambience is enhanced with low velvet sofas in shades of green, blue, and yellow, marble and wood tables, and quirky gold-framed artwork and portraits on the sapphire walls.Mandarin GardenFTfotoMandarin GardenAddress: Via Andegari, 9At the Mandarin Oriental, Milan's chic retreat, beloved local barman Guglielmo Miriello has crafted a cocktail menu inspired by far-off lands like the Majorelle with eucalyptus-infused vodka, Acqua Bianca liqueur, blue spirulina, Moroccan lemon cordial, and mint bitters, and the Port Elizabeth, with almond-infused cognac, rooibos and honeybush shrub, hibiscus water, and sherry. Sit indoors among the sleek black and white marble interiors or, weather permitting, head outside to the garden nestled into the courtyard outfitted with pastel armchairs and sofas among the climbing ivy and leafy potted plants.Sala Malinconia at GestoAddress: Via Giuseppe Sirtori, 15Gesto’s dining room, brightened by Michela Picchi’s pop art, carries a hint of speakeasy intrigue, with a short passage leading to the listening bar, or Sala Malinconia (Melancholy Room), concealed behind a mustard-yellow curtain. In Italian, malinconia evokes a softer, more nostalgic feeling than pure sadness, an appropriate descriptor as the room evokes the good days of the analogue era. Emerald-green walls display framed vintage prints, while guests gather around candlelit dark-wood mid-century-style furnishings. At the front, a turntable rests in a wooden wall unit lined with more than a thousand vinyls, its central mirror tilted down to reflect the DJ’s hands at work. The cocktail list gives new life to classics, like the Boogie Mary with butter-and-sage-infused Grey Goose; the San Carlo, a Negroni spiced with pink pepper; and the Matcha Amor, a gimlet-style blend of mezcal, coconut cream, lime, matcha and white chocolate. A tapas menu lets you easily turn your evening of cocktails into a fully-fledged dinner.A version of this story originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK.