Imagine the golden light of a sun that dips low on a cobblestoned piazza, spilling over onto café tables. The laughter echoes in the air as glasses are clinked and plates of olives and cured hams arrive at the table. It’s not a postcard scene but the Aperitivo ritual. This cherished tradition turns the simple act of drinking into an art. What is it that makes this moment so quintessentially Italian, you ask? Let’s explore.
Aperitivo is more than just a happy hour.
Aperitivo is Italy’s happy hour. Let’s be clear: This is not about drinking discounted cocktails at the end of a long workday. Aperitivo means something more–a moment of reflection, a chance to connect, and a celebration of the small pleasures in life.
It’s an Italian word that comes from the Latin aperture, which means “to open.” Aperitivo is a culinary prelude before dinner. The idea is to awaken your appetite with a bitter beverage and something savoury. The origins of Vermouth can be traced back to Turin in the 18th century when Antonio Benedetto Carpano invented it. The aperitivo became a popular Italian ritual by the 20th century. The sweet life is not only about the food and drink.
Modernity meets tradition
Aperitivo’s magic lies in its ability to honour tradition while remaining effortlessly modern. Imagine a vibrant, iconic Aperol Spitz alongside a Negroni with saffron. The past and the present are beautifully merged in Italy, and this is most evident when it comes to the aperitivo.
In Milan, chic cocktail bars buzz with a cosmopolitan vibe, while in Rome, bustling trattorias serve spritzes with simple bowls of salted nuts. This juxtaposition of old and new, sophisticated and simple, keeps tradition alive.
Drinks in Italian
What’s the menu for aperitivos? Let’s begin with the classics. Spritz: This is a classic. When made with Aperol, its orange colour glows like the sunset in Venice, and its crisp, slightly bitter flavour is refreshing. But you don’t need to use Aperol! Campari and Cynar Spritz, two trendy alternatives, are also available.
The Negroni is a bolder option for those who like their drinks with a bit more edge. It’s crafted from gin and Campari and has hints of sweet vermouth.
The Americano is a lighter version of the Negroni, made with Campari, sweet Vermouth and soda water. It’s often served as a prelude to the stronger Negroni. It’s not just about the famous names. The diverse Italian drinking culture can be seen in regional specialities such as the Sicilian Zibibbo or Venice’s Bellini wine (prosecco with peach puree).
What is the common thread between these drinks? The love of bitter flavours. Amari (Italian Herbal liquor), such as Cynar and Campari, are staples at the aperitivo. Their complex herbal profiles awaken your palate. Italy’s alcohol-free offerings, such as the orange Crodino or the fizzy Chinotto, are equally satisfying for non-drinkers.
Snacks to steal the show
The little bites are the perfect accompaniment to your drinks. Aperitivo snacks are delicious because they come in a variety of flavours. They can be simple or decadent but always meant to be shared.
You might find the simplest of snacks, such as a bowl of olives, a few crunchy breadsticks or a handful of salted almonds or peanuts. In Bologna, you will find a variety of arancini, fried rice balls, and Parmigiano Reggiano wedges. The focaccia is the star of Liguria. It’s golden, crispy, and bursting with olive oil.
These snacks are not just a side dish; they are part of the overall experience. Italians are masters at pairing bitter drinks with flavours, textures, and tastes. This symphony is both effortless and deliberate.
Italians don’t drink as much as their Northern European peers. The stuzzichini will make you thirstier, and you’ll be more likely to order another drink. These are what business strategists refer to as loss leaders – products offered at a discount (in this instance, for free!) To drive sales of more lucrative items like cocktails.
It often makes for interesting conversations with our Italian relatives and friends here in the UK, where I live. The English pubs will not give you free peanuts or crisps because they want to encourage their customers to order another drink.
Aperitivo as a philosophy
Aperitivos are more than just drinks and snacks. They’re about slowing down life. The aperitivo is that moment when the workday fades, and you focus on the people around you. Aperitivo reminds us to slow down and enjoy the moment in a world where productivity is often the focus.
Compare this to the on-the-go, rushed culture that is prevalent in the West. How often do you grab a drink and not taste it? Or scroll through your phone instead of enjoying whoever is with you? It’s an antidote to the aperitivo: it’s an exercise in intentional living where each sip, every bite, is an opportunity for connection–with oneself, with others and with the moment.
How do you aperitivo in Italian?
You’re now ready to experience aperitivo. What should you do first? The magic happens in Italy between 6 and 8 pm, as the day begins to fade into the evening. Aperitivo involves people watching as well as drinking.
If you are hosting an aperitivo in your home, keep it simple and thoughtful. Mix drinks—perhaps a bottle or two of prosecco with a batch of Negronis and non-alcoholic options. These go well with a variety of snacks, such as marinated olives and sliced prosciutto.
Here’s a tip for you: Don’t hurry. Aperitivo doesn’t mean instant gratification or quick fixes. Allow the conversation to flow, enjoy the flavours, and let the evening unfold.
The operative goes global.
The aperitivo has a deep Italian heritage, but its influence is felt around the globe. The aperitivo is a tradition that has spread far beyond Italy.
Mixologists give classic aperitivos a new twist by using local ingredients and experimenting with unexpected flavours. No matter how the aperitivo is adapted, its heart remains the same. It’s all about celebrating living well and bringing people together.
A state-of-mind
Aperitivos are more than just a snack or drink. They’re a way of life. It’s a way to slow down, enjoy, and connect. It is a reminder of the simple pleasures in life: shared laughter, a perfectly crafted cocktail, or a warm night under the stars.
What are you waiting for? Grab your glass, gather your friends, and toast the aperitivo, a tradition as timeless as it is irresistible. Salute!
3 Simple Cocktails that I have made during the 2020/21 Lockdown
You may decide to stop building your bar and instead start visiting “real” bars. Lockdown lifting means that you can now or soon host your friends. Please check local laws and recommendations. These three simple and refreshing recipes are perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying in your backyard.
Blueberry Gin & Tonic
Last summer, I was searching in the fridge for ingredients to add to my G&T and decided to use frozen blueberries. I keep frozen blueberries in my freezer because they are great in protein smoothies. This G&T was worth trying because strawberries are known to work well in G&Ts. It goes without saying that I have done this more than once.
- Gin, 2 ounces (60ml).
- Tonic water, 6 ounces (180ml).
- 5-10 frozen blueberries
- Optional: a lemon slice
Pour the gin into your favourite glass. Add the blueberries and muddle them using a muddler. Add the tonic, stir and garnish with lemon slice.
Campari & Tonic
Could you keep it simple? Some recipes say to pour Campari, then top it off with a tonic. I prefer precise ratios in order to reproduce the cocktail. I find that some websites, including Campari’s, recommend a ratio of 1:3 Campari/tonic water. However, this is too bland for my taste. My favourite Campari/tonic is 1:1.
- Campari 2 ounces (60ml).
- Tonic water, 2 ounces (60ml).
- A slice of orange
Pour Campari into a glass and add a slice of orange. Stir in the tonic water and ice.
Negroni Del Capo
The majority of Negronis are made with gin. If you want to make a different version, you can use prosecco, vodka, or bourbon. It may be a problem for purists that Vecchio Amaro del Capo is used instead of Campari to make a Negroni-like drink.
- 1 ounce (30ml) Vecchio Amaro del Capo
- Vermouth Rosso, 1 ounce (30ml).
- Gin, 1 ounce (30ml).
- A slice of orange
