Drinking Guide
Legal BAC
0.05%
Drinking Age
18+
New Drivers
Zero BAC
Italy produces more wine than any country. Chianti, Barolo, Prosecco — each region excels.
Italy's iconic aperitivo cocktail — Aperol, prosecco, and soda. Ubiquitous in summer.
Grape pomace brandy served as a digestivo after meals.
Italian drinking culture revolves around food. The "aperitivo" (pre-dinner drink with snacks, 6-9pm) is sacred. Getting visibly drunk is frowned upon. Wine flows freely at meals, but moderation and enjoyment are valued over quantity.
BAC 0.05-0.08%: fine €527-2,108, license suspended 3-6 months. BAC 0.08-0.15%: fine €800-3,200, license suspended 6-12 months, possible arrest. New drivers (< 3 years): zero BAC.
Aperitivo hour (6-9pm) often includes free snacks with your drink at bars.
House wine at restaurants is usually good quality and very affordable.
Getting visibly drunk is culturally frowned upon — Italians drink slowly with food.
New drivers have ZERO BAC tolerance for the first 3 years.
In many cities, you can walk everywhere — no need to drive after drinking.
HowDrunk knows Italy's local drinks and legal limits. Get your personalized drink limit in seconds.