The Drinks of 2026: 5 Drinks Everyone Is Talking About

Every year has its drinks. And as we head into the final months of 2026, a few have been impossible to miss.

From the continued popularity of the Aperol Spritz to the rise of Hugo, Sarti and Limoncello Spritzes across bars, restaurants and summer terraces, 2026 has had a distinctly Italian flavour.

Colourful aperitivos, simple serves and drinks made for sharing have dominated the warmer months. But it hasn't all been about the spritz.

As summer comes to an end and we look back at the drinks that have shaped 2026 so far, here are five that have stood out.

1. Aperol Spritz

The drink that helped kick-start the modern spritz obsession isn't going anywhere.

The Aperol Spritz has become almost synonymous with summer. Its unmistakable orange colour, bittersweet flavour and simple combination of Aperol, Prosecco and soda water have made it one of the most recognisable cocktails around.

Even as new spritzes have emerged throughout 2026, Aperol has remained the drink they're all compared against.

What's in an Aperol Spritz?

Aperol
Prosecco
Soda water
Ice
Orange slice

It might no longer be the only spritz on the menu, but Aperol remains one of the defining drinks of 2026.

2. Hugo Spritz

One of Aperol's biggest challengers this year has been the Hugo Spritz.

Fresh, floral and instantly recognisable by its mint garnish, the Hugo has become an increasingly familiar sight on drinks menus and summer terraces.

Originating in northern Italy, it combines elderflower with Prosecco, soda water, mint and lime. The result is lighter and more floral than an Aperol Spritz, making it an appealing alternative for those who aren't fans of bitter aperitivos.

What's in a Hugo Spritz?

Elderflower liqueur or cordial
Prosecco
Soda water
Fresh mint
Lime
Ice

If Aperol helped start the modern spritz obsession, the rise of the Hugo has shown just how much the category has evolved.

3. Sarti Spritz

Orange had Aperol. Green had Hugo. In 2026, pink joined the conversation.

The Sarti Spritz has been one of the more eye-catching additions to the growing world of Italian aperitivo serves, thanks to the distinctive pink colour of Sarti Rosa.

With flavours including blood orange, mango and passion fruit, it's fruitier and more tropical than many traditional Italian aperitivos.

What's in a Sarti Spritz?

Sarti Rosa
Prosecco
Soda water
Ice
Citrus garnish

Bright, fruity and difficult to miss, Sarti has given spritz drinkers another option to discover in 2026.

4. Limoncello Spritz

If there's one flavour that has felt particularly at home in 2026, it's lemon. 🍋

Limoncello has been enjoyed in Italy for generations, traditionally served chilled as a digestivo after a meal. But the growing popularity of the Limoncello Spritz has given the Italian classic a completely different way to be enjoyed.

Combining limoncello with Prosecco and soda water creates a sweet, citrus-forward alternative to the more bitter Aperol Spritz.

What's in a Limoncello Spritz?

Limoncello
Prosecco
Soda water
Ice
Lemon garnish

The Limoncello Spritz has helped take a drink traditionally associated with the end of an Italian meal and turn it into a refreshing summer serve in its own right.

And the growing interest in limoncello doesn't stop there.

5. Crema di Limoncello

Not everything needs to be a spritz.

While traditional limoncello has been finding a new audience through cocktails and spritzes, its lesser-known creamy cousin offers something completely different.

Crema di limoncello is a smooth, creamy Italian liqueur traditionally enjoyed chilled. It shares the unmistakable lemon character associated with limoncello but has a softer, richer texture and an entirely different drinking experience.

And that's exactly where Drink Cello comes in.

Launched in Scotland in August 2026, Drink Cello takes our family's traditional Italian recipe and brings it to a new audience here in the UK.

Our crema di limoncello was born around our family table, inspired by our Italian heritage and produced here in Scotland. To our knowledge, it is the first crema di limoncello to be produced in Scotland.

And while 2026 has been a year full of spritzes, we think some drinks are better kept simple.

How to drink Drink Cello

Serve it chilled.
Pour it over ice.
Share it around the table.

That's it.

Smooth, creamy and unmistakably lemon, Drink Cello represents another side of Italian drinking culture that's still relatively undiscovered in the UK.

The Aperol Spritz may have started the obsession, but 2026 has shown that Britain's appetite for Italian-inspired drinks goes far beyond one orange glass.

And as we head towards the end of the year, crema di limoncello might just be one to watch next.