THE BELOVED APERTIVO TRADITION
One of many lovable Italian traditions is how most social interactions revolve around food. A perfect example of this tradition is the aperitivo.
After a busy day at work, Italians like nothing more than to stop at their local bar for a traditional aperitivo and some light snacks. But this isn’t happy hour or an excuse to drink to oblivion. Derived from the Latin word aperire, the tradition is meant “to open” the stomach before dining, typically between 7 pm and 9 pm.
An aperitivo serves two important purposes.
- One, to allow Italians to relax, unwind and socialize after work as they enjoy the sunset.
- Two, to kick start their digestive metabolism with a light, dry or bitter tonic (rather than a sickly sweet sugary cocktail). This sets the mood and gets the gastric juices flowing for the hearty multi-course Italian dinner that awaits.
The maxim “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” is especially true when it comes to this wonderful Italian custom. So be careful not to skip out on enjoying an aperitivo or two on your next trip to Rome and or other parts of Italy.
To help you along, here’s my rundown of ten popular Italian drinks to quench your thirst, stimulate your appetite, and enjoy during or after a sumptuous Italian meal.
Related: Indulge in These 10 Hearty Italian Dishes in Italy
1. The Americano (cocktail)
Characterized by its bright red color and bittersweet taste, the Americano is the perfect introduction to the world of classic Italian cocktails.
Served in a highball glass, the Americano brings the bitter Campari flavor married with the herbal smoothness of the sweet vermouth and a bit of brightness a dash of soda water.
This fascinating but straightforward drink is famously mentioned in the 1953 James Bond novel Casino Royale. But it was first served in the 1860s in a bar that belonged to Italian drinks manufacturer Gaspare Campari. At this time, the drink went by a different name, the Milano-Torino.
In the late 1920s and 1930s, the cocktail became popular among Americans traveling through Italy and was dubbed the Americano. The name has stuck since then.
If you’re in Venice, make sure to visit The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, for an exquisite Americano. The curated bar menu and live music will definitely make your aperitivo memorable.
2. Aperol Spritz/Spritz Veneziano
If you love an Americano but want to step down the alcoholic content, try substituting Aperol for Campari. Aperol has about half the alcohol content of Campari but smells and tastes similar. When you do, you end up with another classic pre-dinner drink, the Aperol Spritz.
The Aperol spritz has a beautiful sunset color and a bittersweet, fizzy flavor profile thanks to the use of bitter orange-flavored Aperol mixed with dry Italian sparkling wine, Prosecco and topped with soda water and ice cubes.
This makes it perfect for the summer months when you can enjoy the aperitivo during the day under the hot Italian sun.
While the Aperol spritz can be traced to the Veneto region of Northern Italy in the 1800s, it’s now an Italian staple and can be ordered in almost every bar & restaurant in the country.
3. Prosecco (Veneto)
More popular than champagne, this crisp, light sparkling wine from the Veneto region is another fantastic Italian drink to quench your thirst.
Many Italian restaurants will offer you a glass of the chilly aperitivo as you study the menu, and for countless Italians, it makes for a very refreshing way to start their dinner.
Opt for the fully-sparkling spumante if you enjoy strong bubbles or the lightly-sparkling frizzante if you prefer a more gentle fizz.
The first recorded mention of the name prosecco dates back to the memoirs of Fynes Moryson, an Englishman traveler who visited northern Italy as part of his Grand Tour in 1593.
But the sparkling white wine may date back even further, to the days of ancient Rome and historian Pliny the Elder, who apparently loved a glass of fizz for its medicinal qualities.
Today prosecco is produced across the northern Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions with the best prosecco superiore hailing from the hills between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, north of Treviso.
If you’re in Venice or the surrounding region, you absolutely should take some time to visit a Prosecco Superiore producer during your trip, to learn how this delicious sparkling wine is made, and to taste some of the best of the area. Learn more about curated culinary tours.
4. Bellini
The Bellini is made with two parts sparkling wine (traditionally Prosecco) and peach purée, which brings out the crisp, juicy flavor of the wine. It is usually served in a champagne flute, which adds to the elegance of this delicious Italian drink.
The Bellini was invented in Italy in the late 1940s by legendary barman Giuseppe Cipriani, who named it after Venetian artist Giovanni Bellini.
The Renaissance painter used a unique shade of pink in several of his paintings, most notably: Sacra Conversazione (1505), which has a near-perfect match for the hue of the Bellini.
For the perfect Bellini and an enthralling view of the city of Venice, visit The Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel.
Let me know when you’re ready to book a stay at The Cipriani and I’ll make sure you receive the VIP amenities you deserve!
5. Limoncello
By far one of the most widely recognized liqueurs in Italy, enjoying a glass of chilled Limoncello is a must when eating out at an Italian restaurant.
It’s classified as a digestivo, a drink typically served at the end of a meal to aid in digestion, settle the stomach and prolong the pleasant ambiance of dining.
Italy is the world’s largest producer of lemons, so, naturally, they have devised all sorts of ways to make use of the plentiful fruit.
One of such is the Limoncello which is made from the zest of organic “Sorrento lemons” which are steeped in grain alcohol for a few days. Then the mixture is strained, and simple syrup is added to it.
This particular lemon varietal is less tart and significantly sweeter than an ordinary lemon. The result is a refreshing and evocative lemon-flavored liqueur, an excellent replacement for dessert due to its sweetness.
Although the exact origins of the drink aren’t known, it has been made for at least 100 years in Sorrento along the Amalfi coast, and on the island of Capri in Southern Italy.
Enjoy spectacular views of the Mediterranean as you leisurely sip your Limoncello at the Casa Angelina or Hotel Santa Caterina on the Amalfi Coast, complete with complimentary WIFI and daily breakfast for two guests, when booked through my agency.
6. Grappa
Grappa production is a good example of a circular economy and a proponent of zero waste.
Grappa is made by distilling the pomace (a blend of grape seeds, skins and even stems) leftover from the wine-pressing process. Interestingly, 95% of a grape’s nutrients are found in the skin rather than the pulp. Grape skins have well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
In fact, many Italians call grappa “healthy water” as they love to drink some to ease digestion and soothe their stomach after a rich meal.
That said, the result is a high alcohol content (35% to 60%) that leaves a burning sensation as it goes down, making Grappa an acquired taste. The good news is there are many different variations of Grappa. So, you just need to find the right one for you.
Using the right grappa glass is key for enjoyment. The ideal type of glass is a small tulip with a slightly flared brim to allow the aromas to waft from the glass as you drink.
7. Espresso
Ask anyone who has traveled extensively where to get the best cup of coffee, and they’re likely to tell you to try a shot of espresso in Italy.
In a country where coffee was introduced in the 1500s, espresso is often considered the gold standard.
But why do many Italian coffee shops consistently make good espresso that tastes so much better than an espresso anywhere else in the world?
For one, coffee beans are generally roasted in small batches and delivered to the caffès throughout the day. This means they are made into espresso the same day they are roasted.
Second, coffee has long become ingrained in Italian culture. Any coffee bar that makes low-quality espresso will find it extremely difficult to retain customers. Many baristas are also trained to account for barometric pressure, humidity, and other weather conditions, which influence how good espresso tastes.
If you want to order coffee like a local, this is what you need to do. First, find a bar. In Italy, coffee is not served in a café but rather in bars which are liberally sprinkled throughout Italian cities and towns.
To order coffee in Italy, simply ask, “Un caffè per favore.” This translates to “a coffee please,”.You will receive an espresso in return.
One thing to keep in mind is that Italians rarely linger over a coffee. Instead, they drink their espresso in two or three sips at the bar, and then they’re on their way. This is very different from American visitors who tend to enjoy drinking their caffes al fresco, and who ultimately pay a little extra for the luxury of simply sitting at a cafe table.
8. Negroni (Firenze)
Another Italian treasure, the Negroni, has retained its “second best-selling classic cocktail in the world” title for the past several years.
Considered a spin on the Americano, the Negroni has an intriguing origin.
The legend goes that Count Camillo Negroni developed a taste for hard liquor in America while working as a rodeo clown. Yes, a rodeo clown. When he returned to Florence, Italy, in 1919, the lighter Americano was not to his taste.
So, in an inspired move, the Count ramped up the alcohol. He insisted that the bartender at his local bar substitute the soda water, typically found in an Americano for cold, stiff gin. And just like that, the Negroni was born!
Made with equal parts of Campari, sweet vermouth and dry gin, the key to a great Negroni is to find a gin and vermouth pairing that complements the Campari rounding out the flavors for that perfect cocktail.
Anywhere you go in the world, you will find a mixologist who can make you the iconic Negroni. Nevertheless, it’s always good to taste classic drinks in their homeland, where they are infused with rich local histories.
If you are looking to enjoy an authentic Italian Negroni on your next trip to the Eternal City, make sure to overnight at the Lumen Garden at St. Regis Rome or Il Giardino Bar at Hotel Eden to your itinerary. My agency’s VIP benefits would net you a room upgrade as well as a $100 hotel credit.
9. Vino Rosso
Italy is renowned for being the cradle of wine culture and is home to some of the most incredible Vino Rosso, Italian for Red Wine. All of Italy’s 20 wine regions (Sicily, Tuscany, Veneto, etc.) have their own native grapes, each with their own fascinating histories.
Among all wine-producing nations, Italy has the largest number of grape varieties used in wine production–350 in total! It’s also the number one wine producer in the world.
So it’s not surprising that the country is a top destination for wine lovers. Whether you want to explore the scenic vineyards, learn about Italy’s 2,000-year-old wine history or taste some of the world’s most beloved wines, an Italian wine tour should be on your bucket list.
10. Martini
A Martinis is simply a classic aperitivo. This Italian cocktail first appeared in bartending manuals in 1888 and since then it’s been mythologized in countless literary works and films.
With only two ingredients—2 parts gin and 1 part vermouth—it’s not surprising there are now so many variations of the Martini cocktail. Some of the most popular ones include the Perfect Martini, Sweet Martini, Smoky Martini, Dirty Martini and Gibson, to name a few.
As a result, there’s no such thing as becoming bored while drinking a martini. This is one cocktail you can enjoy multiple times during your trip to Italy, and with an endless variety of preparations.
In case you’re not familiar with vermouth, it’s a wine that’s been fortified (usually with a bit of brandy) and flavored with herbs or spices.
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DID YOU FIND THE ITALIAN DRINKS GUIDE HELPFUL?
Then you’ll want to download my more comprehensive Destination Guide to Rome. I’ve crafted this gorgeously stylish resource to spark your imagination and inspire your next adventure in Italy.
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MAKE YOUR NEXT TRIP TO ITALY TRULY SPECIAL & MEMORABLE?
While planning to discover Italy’s art, history, and beauty, why not unravel the secrets behind its tasty dishes and drinks as well? Culinary travel is one of the most exciting ways to explore the cuisine and culture of a place. Home chefs who love to cook and foodies who like to dine out can satisfy their taste buds with a trip to Italy. That’s where working with a travel advisor can make all the difference in the world.
From cooking classes hosted by Italian Nonnas to Tuscan wine tours and everything in between, I can help make your next trip to Italy truly special. There’s no limit to the culinary experiences you can enjoy on your next trip to Rome, Florence, or Venice.
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