How to Aperitivo like the Italians do: Everything you need to know
If you are planning a trip to Italy, make sure to set aside time for a daily aperitivo. I might be biased by my time living in Milan, the unsung capital of Italian aperitivo hour, but there is truly no better way to start into evening then socializing with a nice glass of something and some nibbles.
Otherwise, summer is the perfect time to enjoy aperitivo at home. Whether that’s inviting your friends to an aperitivo garden party or simply treat yourself to a glass of bubbles or a light cocktail with some nibbles to wind down before dinner.
How to do Aperitivo like the Italians do
When you travel to Italy, sooner or later you will stumble upon the classic Italian aperitivo. Actually, count on the fact it will be sooner. The aperitivo is a tradition Italians are taking very, very seriously. From north to south, from large cities to small villages, almost every bar will serve aperitivo, typically from around 7pm to 9pm. Some places might start earlier, but usually not for 6 pm. If a place advertises aperitivo starting before 6pm or calls it ‘happy hour’ you are likely dealing with a tourist offer you should avoid.
The origins of the Italian aperitivo are going back all the way to historic Rome where drinks and food would be served to the wealthy population as a prelude to dinner. While the idea is similar, today’s traditional aperitivo is said to have its roots in 18th century Turin where a distiller called Antiono Benedetto Carpano created the now famous Carpano vermouth. It quickly became the favourite pre-dinner drink in Turin, and other Italian cities started to follow the example, with several even creating their own popular liqueurs like the Campari from Milan.
If you think aperitivo is about pre-dinner drinks (respectively a prosecco, glass of wine or a cocktail) you are only halfway there. The traditional Italian aperitivo is never only a drink; it always is a drink accompanied by small nibbles of food. And while you could easily turn your aperitivo into a proper meal, if you just eat enough of the snacks and appetizers, the idea of aperitivo is to socialize before your actual meal and work up an appetite.
When you go for aperitivo to a bar in Italy, especially in the north, it is still common that food will be offered for free. Or rather, it will be included in the drink but served buffet style. Which means, as soon as you have ordered a drink, you can help yourself to a small plate of food from the buffet.
Keep in mind, while no one would stop you helping yourself to a second or third round of appetizers from the buffet, it would mark you as the type of tourist Italians are not too fond about. Though to tell the truth, you will even find some Italians doing it. Most however will abide to the unspoken etiquette to fill one plate with few snacks/appetizers for one drink. If you order a second drink, then by any means have also a second round of food.
Drink like an Italian – What are the traditional drinks for Aperitivo?
The traditional Italian aperitivo is intended to be a prelude to dinner, and not a substitute. The name aperitivo is derived from the Italian word ‘aprire’ which means to open. The aperitivo is therefore a drink that is intended to help opening your stomach, thus to work up an appetite for a larger meal.
This determines the type of drinks that work best for aperitivo. A drink enjoyed ahead of your meal should be lighter on alcohol and to simulate your appetite it should be dry, tart and a little bit fizzy.
It’s fine to choose a glass of prosecco or a wine for aperitivo. On the other hand, this is the perfect occasion to have one of the delicious cocktails Italy is famous for.
While the list goes on and on, some of the classic Italian pre-dinner cocktails aka aperitivi include:
- Americano
- Aperol Spritz
- Bellini
- Campari
- Crodino
- Hugo
- Negroni
As I said before, this list is by no means complete. To start with, there are now many different versions of the above, like the Negroni Spagliato, and a nearly unlimited number of different Spritz cocktails. Likewise, cocktails like the Mojito, Gin and Tonic, Gimlet, Margarita or the French 75 are also perfect pre-dinner drinks.
If you are planning an aperitivo at home and need some inspiration, check out two of my blogs on the topic.
5 winning spritz cocktails for the warmer days ahead
Awesome variations of the classic Aperol Spritz you will make on repeat
5 variations of the classic French 75 champagne cocktail
What food to serve with Aperitivo?
So what food is typically served for aperitivo?
Well, it could be almost any food as long as it’s comes in small bites and nibbles.
When you go for an aperitivo in Italy, the food you are served with your drink can vary from snacks like grissini (the traditional Italian sticks of crisp, dry baked bread), chips, and olives to a wider range of appetizers like cold cuts, cheeses, focaccia, crostini, bruschetta, savoury pies, a slice of pizza, or even small plates of pasta.
Once again, this list goes on and on, and when in Italy, will change according to the region.
For an aperitivo party at home, have a go on some of the typical Italian appetizers below.
- A homemade classic Focaccia.
- Crostini, the small slices of toasted bread topped with nearly everything, from the traditional tapenade to cured meats, and vegetables of all sorts. For a more unique version, serve these Black Polenta Crostini made with a base of polenta al nero di sepia.
- A delicious finger food from Sicily, the popular arancini are stuffed rise balls coated in breadcrumbs and fried. They can be stuffed with nearly anything like these Crab Arancini.
- The classic tomato and basil bruschetta is a popular snack for aperitivo all over Italy but again they can be topped with nearly everything. Some ideas: Pea Bruschetta, Bruschetta with Cod and Lemon, or Spicy Mackerel Bruschetta.
Not yet familiar with the Italian Aperitivo culture? Then make sure you head to a bar during aperitivo time next time you are visiting Italy or arrange your own aperitivo at home. Either way, once you’ve done it for the first time you will be hooked forever.
Carrots and Tigers 