North Italia is passing the mic to its bartenders — and letting the playlist pour over ice. Taking place through September 1, the modern Italian eatery is turning up the volume with “The Greatest Sips,” an annual, limited-edition menu that includes 16 music-inspired cocktails, each crafted by bartenders across the country and inspired by iconic summer songs – from retro throwbacks to current chart-toppers.
Among the sips available nationwide is the Watermelon Sugar ($15), created in Scottsdale by bartenders Megan McClure and Nicole Ramirez. Inspired by Harry Styles’ sun-soaked anthem, this cocktail combines Vulcanica vodka, watermelon, Aperol, and lemon: a juicy, citrusy blend that tastes like summer in a glass. Other nationally available creations include:
Highlights include the Pink Pony Spritz from Los Angeles, a playful nod to Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club,” with elderflower liqueur, Starlino rosé, raspberry, and brut rosé. From North Carolina comes A Bar Drink (Tipsy), a whiskey-forward cocktail featuring Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, Disaronno, peach, and mint.
For a non-alcoholic option, the Strawberry Blush – inspired by John Legend – blends strawberry-infused Seedlip with black cherry, grapefruit, coconut, and bubbly water for a refreshing, zero-proof sip.
During Happy Hour (Monday-Friday from 3-6), the prices are even sweeter: $12 cocktails and $8 mocktails. The magic of The Greatest Sips lies in how each North Italia location interprets summer. Every region has its own exclusive cocktail. In San Diego, Naive Melody riffs off Talking Heads with a mix of bourbon, blackberry, elderflower, and lemon. Meanwhile in Vegas, The Latest Number blends reposado tequila, pineapple, coconut, and black walnut for a smoky-sweet harmony.
Other highlights include the Summer of ’69 ’25 (available in Colorado and Kansas), a bold, berry-forward cocktail made with Nikka vodka, smashed blackberry, peach, a house aperitivo blend, and sparkling rosé. In Austin and San Antonio, the Key Lime Pie channels Kenny Chesney with a dessert-like mix of vodka, limoncello, vanilla, and oat milk. Over in Dallas and Plano, the Maneater delivers a fiery kick with tequila, Calabrian chili, and blood orange—a spicy nod to Nelly Furtado.
In addition to the new cocktails, North Italia Tempe is joining the first-ever Taste in Tempe event throughout July. Guests can enjoy prix fixe lunch ($35) and dinner ($55) menus — making it the perfect excuse to pair a Greatest Sip with your favorite scratch-made pasta or hand-tossed pizza.
Whether you’re singing along to Summer of ‘69, sipping a Champagne Supernova, or enjoying the Strawberry Blush, there’s a drink on the menu that’ll hit the right note. Learn more at northitalia.com or follow along on Instagram at @northitalia.
