You’re probably familiar with the term happy hour – a few hours in the early evening where drinks tend to be cheaper. In Italy, however, you have aperitivo, a time when friends get together for a glass of something refreshing and a little something to eat.
It might sound a lot like your standard cocktail hour, but it has some unique differences. Aperitivo time tends to fall between 7pm–9pm (Italians usually eat their dinner quite late), and while happy hour is more about getting customers through the doors with the allure of lower prices, aperitivo is a slightly more cultured affair, giving friends a chance to relax after a day at work. There’s more emphasis on the food offering, too – a good aperitivo will include little plates of focaccia or bruschetta, going a step beyond the standard olives, nuts or crisps you’d expect. These are usually free when you buy a drink (although some places tend to put up their prices during aperitivo hours, to balance the cost).
The custom originated in 1920s Milan and is much more common in the north of Italy than in the south. In true continental style, one drink and a small plate of food is usually nursed over the course of an hour, while small groups of friends catch up and talk. It’s the perfect excuse for people-watching and socialising without having to spend lots of money on a big meal or night out.
You can eat whatever you like during aperitivo, although most people obviously choose Italian dishes to serve. When it comes to the drinks, however, there are a few particular cocktails that tend to be mixed up for the occasion. Read on for the recipes and start planning an unashamedly Italian get-together.
