If you’ve ever visited Italy, you know that aperitivo is an evening tradition that few locals are willing to compromise on. When the sun begins to nestle behind the horizon, Italians take to the streets to cleanse their palates of their long day and indulge in the simple pleasures of life.
While many use the word “aperitivo” liberally, only a few know what an authentic Italian aperitivo really entails.
Why do Italians have happy hour drinks and snacks and what time do they usually crack into the Aperol?
Keep reading to learn all about the Italian aperitif, why and when Italians indulge in it, and what an authentic aperitivo experience looks like.
What Is Aperitivo?
Aperitivo (also sometimes called aperitif) is a small meal or snack usually enjoyed in the early evening. Loved by Italians everywhere, aperitivo comes in many shapes and sizes depending on where in Italy you’re holidaying.
In Milan, where aperitivo is thought to have been born, the cocktails are elegant and the appetizers modestly sized but delicious. From salami to a fresh couscous salad, a northern Italian aperitivo will surely tickle your taste buds and delight your eyes.
Further south in Sicily, you can find a varied spread of Mediterranean delights, including sundried tomato paté, fresh artichokes, and the lesser-known crowl jewel: caponata. Served cold during aperitivo, caponata is a mix of red peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, olives, pine nuts, and raisins. Slightly sweet yet satisfying, this dish pairs perfectly with a chilled glass of Sicilian white.
No matter where you find yourself in the bel paese, you’re sure to enjoy only the best Italian aperitif, complete with happy hour drinks and thrilling conversation.
What Time Is Aperitivo?
Similar to happy hour, aperitivo is usually held in the evenings after more office-workers leave work. So, if you’re wandering the streets of Rome between 6pm to 9pm, you’ll likely see locals nibbling on fresh cheeses and cured salami between sips of an iced Aperol spritz.
Every bar and restaurant may have different aperitivo hours, along with different inclusions. So, if you’re planning for a slightly earlier or later aperitivo, it’s a good idea to give the bar a call and make sure they’ll be offering aperitivo at that time.
What Do You Drink During Aperitivo?
While Aperol spritz may be the star of the show when it comes to Italian happy hour drinks, Italy offers a wide selection of spritz for you to choose from. Aperol-adjacent, the Campari spritz is a stronger version of the classic happy hour drink. Made with Campari liquor, which boasts a distinct, bitter flavor and high alcohol content, this stimulating drink will make you feel like you’re wandering the Sicillian coastline.
If bitter drinks aren’t your cup of tea, try ordering a Hugo spritz instead! Made with elderflower syrup and fresh mint, this light but refreshing spritz will inspire visions of lush fields, jasmine blossoms, and a quaint countryside village.
Many bars also offer their own twists on classic spritzes, so you’re bound to find something that arouses your tastebuds.
While enjoying a spritz for happy hour is tradition, it’s common to sip on other drinks as well. Many Italians enjoy a small beer alongside their aperitif while others choose to pair their selection of evening snacks with a glass of wine.
Many bars include a spritz, beer, or wine with aperitivo, but you can usually upgrade your drink of choice to a cocktail by paying a small upcharge fee. This sneaky trick means you can enjoy whichever drink you want with your aperitivo.
Should You Tip for Aperitivo?
When consulting friends, coworkers, and travel books about whether or not you should tip in Italy, you’ll hear varying replies: “yes,” “no,” “only at sit-down restaurants.”
We’re here to give you the local’s perspective on this timeless traveling query.
Tipping is always appreciated in Italy, whether you’re stopping in a bar (a.k.a café) for your morning cappuccino or relaxing by the sunset with a Hugo spritz in hand.
How to Recreate an Italian Aperitivo at Home
If you’re craving a refreshingly mouthwatering Italian aperitivo once you’ve returned home, you’re in luck! You can recreate this quintessential Italian experience from thousands of miles away with these few quick tips:
- Grab a couple of liquors (e.g. Aperol, Campari, Select, etc.) and syrups (e.g. elderflower) along with a decent bottle of prosecco and soda water. Don’t worry about choosing the most expensive bottle of bubbly the store has to offer – you can wine and dine al Italiano on a budget.
- Set the scene with a couple of tea candles, whimsical Italian music, a small bowl of taralli and peanuts to lazily snack on before the antipasti arrive.
- Whip up a couple traditional Italian antipasti to bring your aperitivo to the next level. From the traditional Sicilian caponata to pizzette to grilled vegetables, the world is your oyster when it comes to creating the perfect Italian happy hour.
Wrapping Things Up
Italian aperitivo is as diverse as the Italians themselves, varying widely from region to region. Many bars pride themselves on their aperitivo and offer incredible discounts, specialty drinks, and homemade antipasti.
If you’re stopping by the Eternal City sometime soon and want to learn how to make all your favorite Roman appetizers once you’re back home, check out our Pizza and Roman Antipasti class. One of our English-speaking chefs will teach you the secrets to creating traditional Roman pizza and a variety of appetizers, from stuffed zucchini flowers to suppli.
So, how will you enjoy your Roman evening?
