What is Aperitivo?
Italian aperitivo is a vibe. It encapsulates Italy’s casual, romantic, and indulgent lifestyle.
Picture this—It’s 6:30pm, the August sun starts to set and mellow, you make your way through narrow pastel-coloured alleys to the town square.
Crowds of people gather and mingle. Some sitting, some standing, all with a large glass of orange fizz.
Tables are adorned with plates of crisps, olives, and focaccia. Music is playing, friends are laughing, and glasses are clinking…
Is it a festival or some special event?
No. It’s aperitivo hour! A pre-dinner drink and snack. A way to honour and celebrate the day, and relax into the evening.
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Aperitivo Food
This can be whatever you want it to be, as long as it is small, bite-sized and shareable. Traditional aperitivo food is designed to stimulate appetite. The word originates from the Latin aperire which means “to open” the stomach before dining.
Typical aperitivo snacks include olives, nuts, crisps, bruschetta and focaccia. In fancier places you may even find cured meats, cheeses and sandwiches.
The incredible thing is, most of the time the food comes included when you order a drink! Recently, I shared a couple of cocktails with a friend. We paid 5 euros each and it came with a generous platter of fresh snacks for free!
You can also find special aperitivo bars which offer a buffet style selection of exquisite hand-crafted canapes (similar to tapas). These places usually charge a few euros for a plate of your pick.
Top 5 Aperitivo Boxes in the UK
If you want to delve into this gorgeous Italian tradition, and to be transported to the Italian Riviera, you'll need some authentic top-notch aperitvo snacks.
As with most things, these days you can find basic antipasti in the supermarket. It will be reasonable quality and tasty enough.
However, if you are looking for something unique (perhaps you are entertaining for a special occasion), then take a look at these companies below. Ranked in order of affordability:
- L'incontro Italian Charcuterie Selection Hamper: £39
- Hampers.com Sparkling Wine & Charcuterie: £62
- Lina Stores L'Aperitivo Hamper: £95
- Imp & Maker Italian Summer Cocktail Hamper: £109
- Bayley & Sage Best of Italy Hamper: £275
Aperitivo Drinks
Aperitivo drinks are usually light, refreshing and not overly sweet as they are paired with salty snacks. I say light because the classic, most popular aperitivo drinks that come to mind are of course, Aperol Spritz, Limoncello Spritz or prosecco and vermouth-based cocktails.
However, I will warn you– Negronis (as delicious and moreish as they are), are NOT light.
Have too many and you may never see the light again.
What are the rules for aperitivo?
C'mon guys… Italians don’t play by the rules.
You do you!
But, if you must know some general guidelines:
It's typically enjoyed between 6 PM and 8 PM.
Choose a light drink to stimulate your appetite.
Pair your drink with a variety of small, savoury snacks.
Socialise and relax with friends or family.
Remember, it's a prelude to dinner, so don't overindulge
Cin Cin!
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