Italy’s After-Work Tradition, with Aperitivo Drinks and Tasty Bites

Your Spritz is calling… Italy’s favorite golden-hour ritual awaits. Aperitivo traces its roots back to the Romans, who enjoyed a gustatio of snacks and honeyed wine to stimulate the appetite. The modern version became popular first in Turin, with the invention of Vermouth, spreading to Milan, Parma and eventually the rest of Italy, and turning into the tradition we know today.  Wherever you are though, it is still the quintessential Italian way to unwind after work and ease into dinner with classic sips, creative cocktails and light bites.

Aperitivo Eats

Speaking of food, aperitivo is considered a laid-back, no-fuss way to relax and connect with friends and focus on conversation rather than a long, formal meal. Light snacks are usually included in the price of the aperitivo drink (which may seem slightly inflated as a result), and some bars and cafes will offer extensive buffets (not to be considered all you can eat), platters or boards with a vast array of offerings. You’ll often find salumi, cheese, bruschette, crostini, mini sandwiches, pizza, focacce, pasta salad and other fun snacks, all designed to complement the aperitivo drinks. It sometimes whets your appetite, as is meant, and other times is quite filling! In fact, this leads to another Italian tradition – apericena (which is aperitivo + cena (dinner). A great choice for people who prefer keeping it light at dinner but still want to enjoy an evening out.

Traditional Aperitivo Drinks

The definitive aperitivo drink is the Spritz, which is made with Aperol, Select or even Campari, mixed with Prosecco, soda water, and a slice of orange. However, the cocktail revolution has taken over Italy’s bar scene as well so you might find extensive drink lists alongside interesting wines by the glass and frilly non-alcoholic options – great for the kids too. Aperitivo drinks in Italy also include classics like the bitter-sweet Negroni and its cousin the Negroni Sbagliato, the refreshing Americano or Hugo, and fruit-tastic drinks, such as the Bellini and Rossini.

Where to Go for Aperitivo in Italy

Many “bars” (coffee spots in Italy) turn off their espresso machine and turns up the music at the witching hour, so it won’t be hard to find a place to spritz across any city. However, keep in mind for the larger buffets you may need to do a little research or head to wine bars or bars with kitchens and/or aperitivo traditions. Your basic bar snacks will be chips, nuts and foccacce or pizzette. We can always add recommendations to your itinerary, and your hotel concierge will also have great suggestions.

• In Milan, head to the Navigli area of the city, and you’ll have your pick of great aperitivo options.
• In Turin, go to the Quadrilatero D’Oro area.
• In Rome, the city center has lots of options. Check out these suggestions!
• In Florence, check out these recommendations.
• In Venice – where the spritz was born – it’s traditional to have a spritz with Venetian small plates or cicchetti (which are not included in the price of the drink). Great information on the Spritz in Venice here.

Salute!