The Art of Aperitivo: Italy's Happy Hour

Walk through any Italian city in the early evening, and you'll see piazzas buzzing with life, tables filled with brightly colored drinks and small plates of food. This is the magic of the aperitivo, a beloved cultural tradition that's all about whetting the appetite and socializing before dinner.

What is Aperitivo?

The word "aperitivo" comes from the Latin "aperire," meaning "to open." The idea is to have a drink that stimulates the appetite for the upcoming meal. It's not about filling up, but about relaxing after a day's work and transitioning into the evening. The ritual typically takes place between 7 PM and 9 PM.

Classic Drinks

While you can order wine or beer, the quintessential aperitivo drinks are bittersweet cocktails.

• Aperol Spritz: The icon of aperitivo. A vibrant orange drink made with Aperol, Prosecco, and a splash of soda water.
• Campari Spritz: A bolder, more bitter alternative to the Aperol Spritz, using Campari instead.
• Negroni: A potent and sophisticated classic, made with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
• Americano: The predecessor to the Negroni, made with Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water. Lighter and less alcoholic.

The Food

When you order a drink during aperitivo hour, it almost always comes with complimentary snacks (stuzzichini). These can range from a simple bowl of potato chips and olives to a full-blown buffet with pasta, small sandwiches, cured meats, and cheeses. The quality and quantity vary greatly from bar to bar. In cities like Milan and Turin, the "apericena" (a portmanteau of aperitivo and cena, meaning dinner) can be so substantial that it replaces the evening meal entirely.