Late in the afternoon to early evening the Italians will often meet with friends or go out with colleagues for an aperitif. This is particularly refreshing on those hot summer days and gives people a chance to relax from the intense heat. There are several standard cocktails that will be on the menu of any bar offering aperitifs. However, with the Italians being creative they will often have some of their own creations on offer as well as variations on some of the more standard cocktails. Not everyone will have an alcoholic drink and many will take a coffee or an iced tea instead. For this post though we are going to stick to the alcoholic cocktails that people often drink as an aperitif.
Negroni – I thought that we should start with an Italian classic. I always like to have a negroni when I get to Italy. This is a classic cocktail and I once heard it referred to as everyone’s second favourite cocktail. It is made with gin, Campari and Martini Rosso (sweet vermouth) poured over ice. Be careful as it is a strong drink and the Italians often free-pour it so for some it is too strong especially when the sun is still out. Similar to this is the Americano which is Campari, sweet vermouth and soda water. Whilst having a similar taste to the negroni it won’t be quite as strong.
Aperol Sprtiz – This is a popular drink in Italy at aperitif time and also in several other European countries. It is made with Aperol, prosecco and soda water. Its popularity is probably partly due to the fact that it is a very refreshing drink. That aside it is a very tasty drink that will appeal to most peoples palates.
Prosecco – As we have mentioned prosecco it is only fair to mention that many people will take this on its own for an aperitif. Often when we talk about prosecco outside of Italy we don’t talk about the different types that are available especially in Italy. They range from spumante (sparkling) which can be brut, extra dry, dry or demi-sec. There is also frizzante (semi-sparkling) which is slightly lighter than spumante. Lastly there is tranquillo which is a version without the fizz.
Campari Soda – To get that true Italian feeling go for the Campari Soda which is exactly what it says, straight Campari with soda water. If you have never had Campari before it has a strong bitter flavour which may not be to everyone palate but this is balanced by a subtle sweetness which is provided by the citrus that is added to it. Obviously the addition of soda water will dilute the flavour and taste of the Campari giving you a chance to sample Campari without the full flavours it contains.
Americano – This will be the negroni without the gin, so if you are wanting to try something in between the negroni and the Campari soda then this could be an option for you to see what you may prefer. Although it is Campari and sweet vermouth it can be made with or without club soda. So not as strong as a negroni but sweeter than a Campari soda. Try one and feel and look like a local.
Bellini – Although known throughout the world it may be the time to sample one in Italy. It is prosecco mixed with a peach fruit puree. My wife likes this drink but only when the puree is made with fresh fruit.
There are plenty more cocktails that will be available but the ones shown above will typically be drank as an aperitif. We will give one last one which is another favourite of my wife’s and one that seems to becoming more popular. The Hugo Spritz (or simply a Hugo) this is gin, prosecco, elderflower cordial, soda water garnished with mint and lime served over ice. I can certainly see why this is becoming a popular drink.
When you are having an aperitif late in the afternoon or early evening you will often be given some small dishes of nibbles to accompany this. These are free and will range from olives, crisps, nuts, small cuts of salami and small pastries. If you visit the same place a few times you may find that you are given a little more each time as a thank-you for your custom. I certainly make sure I visit my regular bars for an aperitif to keep in with the staff. Tipping is not necessary in Italy and it is very uncommon for locals to tip, my wife always finds it odd when I leave a tip. My language teacher though always said that it is polite for tourists to leave a small tip and this is something I still do and is appreciated by the staff.