Isn’t Aperitivo a Drink?
Yes, an aperitivo or aperitif is a drink, but it’s also an Italian ritual that serves as the ideal warm-up to dinner, engaging not just the appetite but the social spirit as well. Derived from “aperire,” the Latin term for “open,” it’s designed to awaken your taste buds in anticipation of the meal ahead. Traditionally held between 6 and 8 p.m., this period allows for a transition from the day’s hustle to the evening’s ease. It’s an occasion for people to come together in a relaxed setting, whether in a cozy bar, café or even at home, sharing refreshments and snacks while exchanging stories and laughter. Usually it works like this: you buy a drink, a cocktail, a glass of wine or a beer and then you’re free to help yourself to as many snacks (aka stuzzichini) as you like. But sometimes, instead of having the food served buffet-style, your server will bring out the snacks for you together with your drink. Whatever style of aperitivo you’ll experience, it’s always an amazing way to start your evening.
The History of Aperitivo
The aperitivo tradition, tracing back to the 18th century, initially emerged as a medicinal concoction aimed at stimulating the appetite. This practice was deeply rooted in the belief that certain herbs, when infused into a tonic, could invigorate the digestive system and enhance the dining experience that followed. Moving into the 1920s, the essence of aperitivo began to transform, particularly within the lively atmosphere of Milan’s cafés. It was in these social hubs that aperitivo started to take on a more sophisticated role, transcending its original medicinal purpose. Bars and cafés served an array of aperitifs, thoughtfully paired with complimentary snacks, to offer a tantalizing prelude to dinner. This evolution marked the birth of the modern aperitivo: a blend of gastronomic exploration and social interaction. Milan’s innovative approach to aperitivo soon captivated the entire country, firmly establishing it as an integral part of Italian culture and setting the stage for the rich, communal tradition celebrated today.
Regional Variations
While the aperitivo tradition’s purpose is the same all over Italy, it presents regional variations that mirror the country’s varied cultural landscape. From the chic establishments of Milan, where aperitivo is nearly an art form, to the serene backdrops of Sicily’s streets. In Central and Northern Italy, in cities like Milan, Rome, Venice & Turin, aperitivo is known for its elaborate offerings. Here, the experience can often resemble a full meal, with an extensive selection of both drinks and appetizers, including various cheeses, cured meats, and even small portions of pasta dishes, reflecting the region’s prosperity and its residents’ appetite for sophistication and abundance.
Conversely, in Southern Italy, the approach to aperitivo is marked by simplicity and a focus on quality over quantity. The fare is typically lighter and more straightforward, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients. It’s not uncommon to find a modest selection of olives, artisanal breads, and regional cheeses, accompanied by a refreshing glass of locally produced wine or a simple, classic cocktail. But this difference is not always true, sometimes you’ll find simpler food offerings in the northern parts and a larger spread at some bars in the southern regions, but in general, there is a clear difference on how the north and south treats this tradition.
Aperitivo Foods
The assortment of foods served during aperitivo showcases the gastronomic diversity found across Italy. Offering everything from light, appetizing snacks/stuzzichini to more hearty selections that prep the palate for dinner without reducing hunger. These foods or snacks are usually served “buffet style” by the bar, but can also be served directly to the table. The food served during the aperitivo hour definitely have some similarities to the Spanish tapas, or to be more specific, the pincho(or pintxo). Just as the pincho, you often see slices of bread topped with different kinds cheese, vegetables and meats at the aperitivo spread. But of course, there’s also other types of food served during aperitivo and you’ll almost always find some kind of olives, nuts, and crisps on the table.
As we’ve already declared, slices of bread with different toppings is very common to see on the aperitivo table, so the Bruschetta is a no-brainer. With its lightly toasted bread, it serves as a versatile base for a variety of toppings, from the classic fresh tomato and basil to inventive creations featuring regional specialties like smoked salmon or creamy burrata, each combination designed to offer a burst of flavour to perfectly complement your drink. The charcuterie selection further introduces diners to the art of Italian cured meats, with slices of prosciutto, salami, and other delicacies arranged alongside an array of cheeses. Miniature sandwiches, or panini, transform traditional Italian sandwich fillings into bite-sized delights, perfect for sampling and sharing. These small but satisfying sandwiches often feature gourmet ingredients such as truffle-infused spreads, artisanal cheeses, and high-quality meats. But the food served during aperitivo has no boundaries, it can be basically anything. You’ll find pizza, pasta, salads and fried foods like arancini (a deep fried ball of risotto) served on the aperitivo spread. The important things is that the food is easy to eat and complements both your drink and your conversation.
Aperitivo Drinks
The aperitivo drinks are of course central to the pre-dinner experience. Ranging from iconic cocktails to wines, beers and non-alcoholic offerings. The Aperol Spritz and Negroni are both classics and favourites, and it’s not hard to understand why, both have a slight bitterness that perfectly stimulates the appetite. The same goes for drinks like Milano Torino and Americano, both based on Campari, just as the Negroni. You may not like Campari as a stand alone spirit, but perfectly mixed in one of these cocktails makes the perfect drink for this occasion, especially when it’s paired with a savoury snack.
Prosecco is also a great alternative and the same goes for beer, especially lighter Italian lagers, providing a refreshing choice that pairs well with a variety of snacks. Then of course, we can’t forget about the wine, it’s an Italian tradition after all and it’s a staple in the aperitivo scene. Both red and white works great here, with selections that could include crisp whites for a refreshing start or light reds that won’t overpower the palate, saving the heavy stuff for the dinner to come.
Global Similarities
Aperitivo’s spirit of unwinding and socializing before dinner is a concept embraced by cultures all around the globe, each with its own local twist. One example is Barcelona, Spain, where the tradition manifests as “vermut”, where friends gather both before lunch and late afternoon to enjoy vermouth alongside a selection of snacks and tapas. This Spanish custom closely mirrors Italy’s aperitivo in its combination of leisure and gastronomy. In France, the ritual takes the form of “l’apéritif”. A time to come together over a glass of wine or a cocktail, accompanied by small snacks consisting of cheese, cured meats, and olives. Like its Italian counterpart, l’apéritif is about more than just the food and drink, it’s an opportunity to wind down and connect with friends and family before dinner.
Hosting an Aperitivo Party
Hosting an aperitivo party at home is so much fun and blends good food, drinks, and the warmth of gathering with friends and family. Kick things off with a drink menu that includes classic options like Aperol Spritz, Negroni, wine and beers. There are no rules here, go with your favourite drinks. Pair these with a variety of simple, shareable dishes: bruschetta with fresh toppings, a selection of charcuteries and cheeses, and light snacks like olives and nuts. Not only does this set the stage for a memorable dinner party, but it also serves as a great way to begin your evening before a night out. Imagine gathering everyone at your place for a few drinks and some light snacks before heading out to a restaurant. It’s the perfect way to stir up lively conversations and guarantee an evening filled with joy and laughter. Chin chin!