In Italy, Aperitivo is an authentic tradition. It is not like a simple dinner, a snack, an English appetizer or an American Happy Hour, but something unique which became part of Italian culture and transformed into a real “social event”.
Every day, from 6pm to 9pm, cafés and restaurants fill up with people of all ages who just wish to spend some time with their family and friends after a long working day. A relaxing ambient music accompanies what Italians call "ape", a moment when pubs offer a small buffet to whoever buys a drink. With just €5-€15 you are going to enjoy a delicious cocktail and to taste some French fries, sandwiches, slices of pizza, pasta, snacks, cheeses and other finger foods in a special atmosphere. It is an occasion you do not want to miss!
Do not confuse Aperitivo with Happy Hour: while the first is typically Italian and comes it anticipates dinner, the second was born in America and it consists of a series of discounts on food and drinks, which actually replace the main meal.
Aperitivo's tradition is diffused all over Italy, especially in Southern and Central Italy where drinks are accompanied by some tasty local products.
But which are the 100% Italian cocktails you can taste during your stay?
The oldest drink is the Americano, created at the end of 19th century in honor of Primo Carnera, an italian boxer who lived in the USA. It is made with red vermouth, soda and bitter.
A variation of it is the Negroni, a Florentine cocktail made in 1920s by Luigi Scarselli, where gin replaces soda. After the mistake of a bartender who used champagne in the place of gin, another drink called Negroni Sbagliato was born.
However, it is believed that the drink who led to these two inventions was the Mi-To, a less popular aperitivo made with Campari and Vermouth and created to celebrate the highway linking Milan and Turin.
Later, in 1960s, a barman invented the Martini Dry, a successful cocktail with gin and vermouth which revisited the Martinez drink. These famous beverages have a strong, bitter taste and they are important test beds for Italian bartenders!
Italians also appreciate the Spritz, a Venetian alcoholic drink made with white wine /Prosecco, Aperol, sparkling water and ice, and the Bellini, consisting of sparkling white wine, blended fruit pulp and white peach juice. These are perfect drinks for a classy aperitivo!
Book one of our properties in Italy and taste some delicious local specialities sipping a great cocktail!
Take a look to our holiday rentals in Tuscany, Sicily, Sardinia, Latium, Apulia, Umbria and Liguria and choose the best solution for you!
