When it comes to Aperitivo, the expression "do as the Romans do" has never been more accurate. While it is possible to visit Italy and appreciate the Vatican, the Colosseum, and the gondolas, you must feel Italy to properly understand it.
Enjoying an Aperitivo is one of the best ways to do so.
The ancient tradition that still prevails in modern-day Italy: the drink before a meal.
The Italian Aperitivo has a long history extending back to the Roman Empire, and it is still widely popular. The word "Aperitivo" is derived from the Latin word "aperire," which means "to open." This encapsulates the spirit of the Italian Aperitivo tradition: to gather together and open up, to have excellent conversation, and to pique one's appetite.
Aperitivo is more than simply the Italian version of happy hour; it's the wonderful moment that occurs between the end of the workday and the start of dinner preparations. It's a chance to catch up with friends, sip a well-deserved beverage, and think about the day's events and future plans.
The Italian Aperitivo is a way of acknowledging that the day's work is done. It is the boundary that separates your professional commitments from your personal time. Aperitivo is normally served between 5 and 8 p.m. After 8 p.m, it's time to start thinking about a proper dinner.
Before shutting down at dinner time, almost every coffee shop will serve Aperitivo. Cocktail bars, which begin to open at this hour, also offer more upscale Aperitivo alternatives. Some bars will become famous for their Aperitivo menus, while others remain famous for their settings (think a canal-side drink in Venice, or a spritz while overlooking Rome).
How to recreate an Aperitivo
An Aperitivo cocktail is typically low in alcohol, served with soda water, and divided into two types:
Bitter liqueurs
Aromatized wines
Aperitivo can be non-alcoholic and served in single-serving bottles like Sanbitter or Crodino, or it can be an alcoholic drink made with bitter liquor, vermouth, or a mixture of the two like the Negroni. Also popular is the Aperol Spritz (Aperol, Prosecco, and a dash of seltzer water).
The Negroni is one of the most popular Aperitivo Cocktails. It's incredibly easy to make: one ounce each of Sweet Vermouth, Campari, and gin. Simply dilute it a little, mix all the ingredients with ice, then pour into a cold glass full of ice and garnish with an orange twist! The Negroni Sbagliato, a light version of the Negroni in which the gin is replaced with a light white sparkling wine, is also quite popular.
Have an Aperitivo, enjoy time with your friends, repeat!
Cooking time can be ideal for Aperitivo, whether with friends or other companions. Take out some light snacks, make a quick Negroni, and strike up a conversation as you wait for the meals to be done. Let yourself go into a light and worry-free chat by asking each other about your day. Start moving your hands when debating about politics or a soccer game if you really want to feel Italian! But remember, when it's time to eat, always cheer each other up and put it all behind you with a smile!
This summer, enjoy the beautiful weather in good company: your friends and an Aperitivo!
Come and discover all the necessary ingredients to recreate an Italian atmosphere during your next get-together at our gourmet grocery store.
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