Party Drinks - What to Order at Milan’s Best Nightclubs and Pool Parties

When you’re out in Milan after dark, party drinks, the beverages that fuel the night, from simple gin and tonics to craft cocktails served in hidden basements. Also known as nightlife beverages, they’re not just about taste—they set the tone, break the ice, and keep the energy alive. Whether you’re dancing till dawn at Magazzini Generali or sipping under the stars at a rooftop pool party, what’s in your glass matters just as much as the music.

Milan nightlife, a mix of raw underground venues and sleek rooftop bars where the crowd expects authenticity, not gimmicks doesn’t care if you’re wearing designer clothes—but it notices if you’re drinking the same generic vodka soda everyone else orders. Locals know the difference between a Negroni made with proper Campari and one poured from a pre-mixed bottle. At Bobino Milano, where phones are banned and the music is loud, you’ll see people ordering Aperol Spritzes with ice, not garnishes. At pool parties like the ones at Naviglio Grande, the drinks are cold, simple, and fast—gin and tonic with lime, beer on tap, or sparkling wine in plastic cups. No one’s sipping martini garnished with an olive at 3 a.m. in a club where the bass is shaking the walls.

pool party drinks, the kind you grab without thinking, sip while floating, and refill before the sun dips follow one rule: keep it light, keep it cold, keep it easy. Think spritzes, sangria in big pitchers, or local lager served in chilled glasses. Forget complicated cocktails—no one wants to wait ten minutes for a drink when the water’s calling. At rooftop spots like those overlooking the Duomo, you’ll find people choosing Prosecco over whiskey. Why? Because it’s fizzy, it’s bright, and it matches the vibe. In contrast, at The Club Milano, where the dress code is black and the music is deep techno, you’ll see neat whiskey on the rocks or a perfectly balanced Old Fashioned. The drink here isn’t a party starter—it’s a quiet companion to the night.

The truth? Your drink choice tells people where you are, what you’re into, and how seriously you take the night. You don’t need to know the difference between a Boulevardier and a Boulevardier with smoked salt. But you should know that if you’re at an industrial warehouse party in Porta Venezia, a craft beer or a classic Spritz will get you nods of approval. If you’re at a poolside lounge in summer, skip the heavy rum cocktails—go for something refreshing that doesn’t weigh you down. And if you’re trying to blend in? Don’t order a pink cocktail with a glitter rim. Milan doesn’t do that.

Below, you’ll find real stories from real nights—where the drinks matched the mood, the music, and the people. From the best cocktails ordered at underground clubs to the simplest drinks that stole the show at pool parties, these posts show you what works, what doesn’t, and why some drinks become legends in Milan’s nightlife scene.