What Is Aperitivo?
If you’ve ever found yourself in Italy around 5 to 8 PM, you’ve likely witnessed (or better yet, participated in) one of the most beloved Italian traditions: aperitivo. It’s more than just a drink—it’s a cultural ritual, a moment to pause, relax, and enjoy good company over a light drink and small bites.
Think of it as Italy’s answer to happy hour, but with a sophisticated twist. Instead of rushing through drinks at a bar, Italians embrace this pre-dinner social hour as a way to unwind and prepare for the evening ahead. The philosophy is simple: a light cocktail or wine, paired with salty, crunchy, or savory snacks, all enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
Aperitivo vs. Happy Hour: What’s the Difference?
While happy hour is often about discounted drinks and appetizers, aperitivo is a cultural tradition deeply rooted in Italian history. The focus isn’t on getting a deal—it’s about setting the tone for the evening. Aperitivo is meant to stimulate the appetite (hence the name, from the Latin “aperire,” meaning “to open”), rather than replace dinner altogether
A Brief History of Aperitivo
The tradition of aperitivo dates back to the 18th century when Antonio Benedetto Carpano, an Italian distiller, created vermouth in Turin. His aromatized wine was believed to stimulate the appetite, and soon, it became a pre-dinner staple among the aristocracy. Over time, this ritual spread across Italy, evolving into the modern aperitivo culture we see today.
Cities like Milan, Venice, and Rome helped define aperitivo as a social and culinary event, giving rise to iconic Italian cocktails that pair perfectly with small bites.
Where to Experience Aperitivo in Italy
If you want to experience aperitivo like a true Italian, here are some of the best places to soak in the atmosphere:
🍸 Milan: The Birthplace of the Aperitivo Culture
- Head to Camparino in Galleria, a historic bar in Milan’s Piazza del Duomo, where the tradition of aperitivo started. Order a classic Negroni Sbagliato and enjoy the lively ambiance.
- Camparino in Galleria – The historic birthplace of the Campari-based Aperitivo.
- Terrazza Aperol – A stylish bar with views of the Duomo, perfect for an Aperol Spritz at sunset.
🍹 Venice: Aperitivo on the Water
- Nothing says Venetian aperitivo like an Aperol Spritz by the Grand Canal. Visit Harry’s Bar, where the Bellini cocktail was invented by Giuseppe Cipriani.
- Cantina Do Mori – One of Venice’s oldest bacari, famous for its small bites and shadow (ombre) of wine.
- Al Timon – A lively bar where you can sip on a Spritz while sitting on a gondola docked in the canal.
🍷 Rome: Classic Elegance
- Rome’s Piazza Navona and Trastevere neighborhoods are perfect for aperitivo. Try Il Goccetto, a cozy wine bar where locals sip on Italian wines and snack on artisanal cheeses and cured meats.
- Salotto 42 – A chic cocktail lounge in front of Hadrian’s Temple, known for its signature Negronis.
- Terrazza Borromini – A hidden rooftop gem overlooking Piazza Navona, perfect for a pre-dinner Prosecco.
Classic Aperitivo Drinks & Their Origins
An aperitivo isn’t complete without a signature drink. Here are some of the most famous Italian aperitivo cocktails and where they originated:
🥃 Negroni (Florence, 1919)
A bold mix of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, this cocktail was created when Count Camillo Negroni asked a bartender to strengthen his usual Americano cocktail by replacing soda water with gin.
🍊 Aperol Spritz (Venice, 1950s)
The ultimate refreshing and slightly bitter cocktail, made with Aperol, Prosecco, and a splash of soda. It’s light, easy to drink, and perfect for warm evenings.
🍑 Bellini (Venice, 1940s)
Invented at Harry’s Bar in Venice, the Bellini is a blend of Prosecco and fresh white peach purée, originally created to celebrate the colors of a painting by Giovanni Bellini.
🍋 Limoncello Spritz (Amalfi Coast)
A bright and citrusy cocktail that showcases Southern Italy’s famous limoncello, mixed with Prosecco and soda for a sparkling twist.
What to Eat During Aperitivo
Aperitivo isn’t just about the drinks—it’s also about the food. Unlike a full meal, these small bites (stuzzichini) are meant to complement the flavors of your drink. Some popular aperitivo pairings include:
- Olives & Taralli – A Southern Italian classic, these crunchy, ring-shaped bread snacks pair perfectly with an Aperol Spritz.
- Parmigiano-Reggiano & Balsamic Glaze – Simple yet flavorful, served in chunks with aged balsamic vinegar.
- Bruschetta al Pomodoro – Grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and olive oil.
- Prosciutto & Grissini – Thin slices of prosciutto wrapped around crispy breadsticks.
- Tramezzini – Soft-crusted triangular sandwiches filled with tuna, prosciutto, or artichoke spread, often found in Venice.
How to Recreate the Aperitivo Experience at Home
You don’t need to be in Italy to enjoy aperitivo! Here’s how to bring the Italian lifestyle into your home:
1️⃣ Choose the Right Drink
Pick an Italian aperitivo drink like Aperol Spritz, Negroni, or Prosecco.
2️⃣ Set the Ambiance
Aperitivo is about unwinding. Set the mood with soft Italian jazz (like Paolo Conte or classic Dean Martin), light some candles, and serve everything on small plates or wooden boards.
3️⃣ Keep It Simple & Social
The beauty of aperitivo is its simplicity. Prepare a mix of cheese, cured meats, nuts, and olives, and invite a few friends over for a relaxed evening.
Final Thoughts: Why Aperitivo Is More Than Just a Drink
Aperitivo isn’t just about what’s in the glass—it’s a lifestyle. It represents the Italian philosophy of taking time to enjoy life, embracing good company, and savoring every moment. Whether you’re sitting in a piazza in Rome, a rooftop bar in Milan, or your own backyard, embracing Aperitivo is a simple way to add a little more dolce vita to your day.
So next time you pour yourself a Spritz, take a deep breath, and remember: Italians don’t just drink—they celebrate. 🍹