Aperitivo: More than Happy Hour – 15 Easy Italian Cocktails You Have to Try!

Aperitivo: More than Happy Hour – 15 easy Italian Cocktails You Have to Try!

Many years ago, on my first trip to Italy, arriving hungry and so exciting to see the Eternal City of Rome. So, dropping our bags at the hotel, we quickly set out to explore. Being a bar-girl, I was instantly attracted to all the cafés with people milling about, talking, and laughing. So many people were drinking an orange cocktail. Intrigued, I looked at my then boyfriend (now husband) and said “want to?” As we went into a very Old-World looking café, it was easy to see the frolicking fun everyone is having! Welcome to Aperitivo. 🍷

Updated July 24, 2023. As a food allergy family that now has adult children, happy hour now has to be #foodallergy friendly! Please see comments below for each cocktail.

Aperitivo: More than Happy Hour – 15 easy Italian Cocktails You Have to Try

Every day in Italy, as the sun starts its slow descent and golden rays of sunshine splash the cobbled stones, you will see people talking and laughing at the bars/cafés. This informal gathering is the day’s Aperitivo. And is almost obligatory. And for good reason: it’s fun! Because this sense of being a true community plays a large role in feeling content and belonging. And is one of the top reasons Italians live so long! Really 😊 So, in the interest of our health and longevity, let’s Aperitivo!

Aperitivo Means “To Open” One’s Appetite

Aperitivo is a Latin word meaning, “to open”. As in to “whet one’s appetite”. For Italians, these traditionally low alcohol, usually slightly bitter drinks are the perfect beginning to get your taste buds salivating. And prepare for the dinner time meal. Which in Italy can easily begin at 8 or 9 pm. See, Aperitivo is important to your survival! As many Americans tell me, “Aperitivo is just happy hour”. And I would respectfully disagree. As an American, Happy Hour is more hard liquor, heavy foods, more rushed, IMHO. Whereas the Italian Aperitivo is slower, no rushing…lighter drinks like Spritz, Prosecco, Bellini, wine…along with nibbles that are fresh, local, seasonal ingredients. Original Farm-to-Table before this became trendy!

Aperitivo Menu – Complimentary With Your Cocktail

Often, Aperitivo menus include: potato chips, peanuts/nuts, olives. And can also have Italian cheeses, salami, prosciutto, panini or even pasta. Many seaside areas offer fish dishes like anchovy or calamari. Whatever is fresh and local, in true Italian-style. One of my absolute favorite Aperitivo snacks is Italian Rustica potato chips. Of course, served with a cool, bubbly prosecco!

Or farm fresh tomato Bruschetta on top of slices of grilled Italian bread. Cause that is the definition of yum!! So delicious and the perfect complement with a glass or two of a robust Italian red wine. Then, we can debate Brunello or Chianti or…Maybe we need more samples…😊

Aperitivo Is Not Dinner

By the way, Aperitivo is not meant to be dinner. Only the start of the evening. Every day, from about 4-8 pm, you will see Italians (and tourists), dropping in on their local café. An unhurried drink, bites of delicious foods, some catching up, smiles and laughter. If the accompanying food is placed on the bar top or as a buffet, etiquette is 1 plate per drink. For only a few euros for your wine or cocktail, this is a must-do in Italy! If you’d like another plate of the complimentary food, simply order another drink. But be watchful not to over indulge. As this is Italy. Another molto delicioso dinner is to be enjoyed soon. And dessert along with after dinner digestivo drinks (limoncello anyone?) to follow. Therefore, wear your loose clothes! To see more in depth details on eating in Italy, see Food Trip: Molto Delcioso

Aperitivo: More than Happy Hour – 15 easy Italian Cocktails You Have to Try – Apericena

As with many traditions, things can change. There is now Apericena. Actually, it’s Aperitivo with lots of food. And it is meant to be dinner. In fact, a bit controversial and not in practice all over Italy. Usually thought of as a young person’s way of keeping Aperitivo going until very late!  Perhaps this may help being able to try so many Aperitivo: More than Happy Hour – 15 easy Italian Cocktails You Have to Try!

L’Aperitif – French Aperitivo, British Pubs, German Beer Garden/Ratskeller

Not just Italian, the French call this L’Aperitif (or L’Apero). Similar, it is the gathering together that makes this time magical. Although, being honest, it is just as important that the food and drinks are scrumptious too! Especially in Summer, where a French rosé will be popular. Add in some crudité, olives, baguette slices and baked cheeses. Ooh La La! Simple snacks combined with a cocktail (or two) is a late afternoon delight!

Not to be outdone, the United Kingdom rocks on afternoon Aperitivo! Always see people spilling out of the pubs, especially on a brilliantly beautiful day. As well as the lovely atmosphere of British pubs. As Beer, Cider, and Gin reigns here. Along with pub grub, this could be dinner. And you will absolutely love it! Because I may need more research on this, another UK trip is necessary. Because everyone needs this transition from working to down time!

As well as a stop when in Germany, at a Beer Garden or Ratskellar for the daily brew and chat. Since most of Europe enjoys this daily transition, you should too. Either enjoy a Bavarian pretzel with your stein of beer or try the sausages.

Great Debate: Aperol or Campari

Aperol or Campari Spritz (either Aperol OR Campari, Prosecco & splash of soda, served in a glass with ice and an orange peel or orange slice). Actually, two similar colored liquors but taste very different. In fact, many people are staunchly either Aperol or Campari. Before evaluating these cocktails, I would have said either is delicious and refreshing. However, side by side tastings and I am a Campari girl. Although Joe’s vote is for Aperol. Because they are slightly bitter and sweet, can understand there being staunch allegiance. See, already a great debate! This has the familiar sound of the Illy verses Lavazza coffee controversy. But that is another story.

At Home Aperitivo

Also, Italians will do Aperitivo at home (or at the beach) before having dinner or going out for the evening meal. Simply opening up some wine, adding a few appetizers and the get-together has begun. This deeply beloved afternoon tradition shows that Italians certainly perfected La Dolce Vita! And this is a perfect memory to take home and replicate. And so simple, you will invite your family and friends over for this delectable afternoon treat. Because there is so little prep, this could become your new normal. Therefore, when guests ask what they can bring, you say, “some wine”. See, quick, yummy, food allergy friendly and super fun. No wonder Italians have been doing Apertivi for many years!

A great thing to serve during Aperitivo at home is baguette with toppings. Or even a few small slices of homemade pizza. Therefore, a perfect time to experiment with toppings. How about figs with prosciutto?

Aperitivo at Home: What You Need

Especially in nice weather, Aperitivo outdoors. Then add a tablecloth, take out a few wine glasses, cocktail shaker, an ice bucket, beverages and food. Depending on the cocktails, you may want champagne glasses or coupe glasses and nice wine glasses.

For at home Aperitvo, keep foods simple. Slice some Italian bread.  Also, add typical charcuterie like salami or prosciutto, cheeses, olives, fresh cherry tomatoes, and artichokes. Whatever foods are safe for your food allergies.  #yum

Because Aperitivo is meant to be slow, relaxing, enjoyable – no stress allowed! Of course, adjust your playlist accordingly. Or take a look on Spotify at ours, An Easy Journey.

Aperitivo: More than Happy Hour – 15 Easy Italian Cocktails You Have to Try

So, it is incredibly hard to only suggest 15 easy Italian cocktails you have to try. But I guess someone has to do it. Because we spend a lot of time visiting family and friends in Italy/Europe, these are our favorites. Of course, would love to hear your favs.

However, note we do not include prosecco, beer or wine here as there really is no recipe. Simply open up the bottle. 😊 Well, how did you expect me to get to only 15?

For those of us with food allergies, we must be especially careful of cocktails. Therefore, I always suggest for our #foodallergies a DOC or DOCG Italian wine. As these certifications ensure strict processing of the wine. Therefore, a sparkling Prosecco or French Champagne with a splash of orange, grapefruit or cranberry juice makes a beautiful, safe cocktail!

Aperitivo: More than Happy Hour – 15 easy Italian Cocktails You Have to Try! Recipes

So, these are my Aperitivo: More than Happy Hour – 15 Easy Italian Cocktails You Have to Try Recipes 🙂

1. Spritz – Fill wine glass ½ way with ice, add 3 oz. Prosecco, 2 oz. Aperol (or Campari) and 1 part club soda, garnish with orange slice and a serve with a straw. Per Tastingtable.com Aperol is vegan, free from nuts and major allergens. However, the exact recipe for Aperol is secret. As a precaution, you should know that many liqueurs are made with herbs, flowers, roots and tree bark.
2. Bellini – In a champagne flute or wine glass, add 1 oz. white peach puree, fill glass with Prosecco. Add slice of peach to glass.
3. Negroni – 1½ oz. Campari, 1½ oz. Gin, 1½ oz. red vermouth poured over a rocks glass with 2-3 ice cubes. Garnish with a slice of orange. Note, from the SpruceEats.com : “For the majority of its production life, the signature red color of Campari came from carmine dye. Derived from the female cochineal insect, carmine is commonly used to dye fabrics, foods, and beverages. In 2006, the company switched to an artificial dye for the most part, though carmine-dyed Campari is still found throughout the world. Most bottles, including all Campari sold in the U.S., are now clearly marked “artificially colored” or with the individual dyes used.”
4. Americano – Add 2 oz. Campari (see note above), 2 oz. Sweet Vermouth, top with soda water in a highball glass filled with ice and stir, orange twist.
5. Italian Margarita – Add to ice filled cocktail shaker: 1½ oz. Resposoda Tequila, 1½ oz. Amaretto (almond liqueur), juice from 1 orange and 1 lime. Shake well and pour into salted rimmed glass with ice, garnish with slice of orange and lime. Makes 1 drink, so double this recipe!
6. Paper Plane Cocktail – Add 1½ oz. EACH Nonino Amaro (almond liqueur), Aperol, Bourbon, Fresh lemon juice to ice filled cocktail shaker, strain into 2 coupe glasses and garnish with curled lemon peel. A very delicious, updated take on a Whiskey Sour!
7. Vesper Martini – In a coupe glass, add 3 oz. gin, 1 oz. vodka, ½ oz. Cocchi Americana, stir. Garnish with lemon twist. Named after the James Bond character, so serve in a Martini glass.
8. Rosselini – Pulse 1 lb. very ripe strawberries, 2 Tbsp. sugar, and 1½ Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice in a food processor until mixture is smooth. Strain pulp into a large pitcher. Do ahead – purée can be made 8 hours before serving. Cover and chill. Add 1 bottle (750 ml) chilled Prosecco to pitcher. Garnish with ½ strawberry in each wine glass. Now this is a party.
9. Spring Fling – Add equal parts strawberry fruit pulp (use food processor) and sweet white vermouth (vermouth is made with roots, herbs, botanicals, seeds and spices) in a cocktail shaker with ice (2-3 ice cubes per drink), shake and pour into a Martini glass. Garnish with a twist of orange.
10. Summer Quencher – Add equal parts watermelon juice and sweet white vermouth (see note above) in a cocktail shaker with ice (2-3 ice cubes per drink), shake and pour into a Martini glass. Garnish with a small watermelon wedge. Also, good to make ahead in a pitcher for a get-together. Add a bottle of prosecco.
11. Autumn Sipper – Add 3 oz. apple juice, 2 oz. Brandy and a shot of limoncello into a rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon twist. This can be heated to chase away the Autumn chills.
12. Negroni Sbagliato – the Most Delicious Mistake! Instead of gin, a bartender added prosecco and a whole new cocktail was born. So, add to a rocks glass with ice, 2 oz. Campari (see note above on coloring), 2 oz. Sweet Vermouth (see note above), 2 oz. Prosecco. And garnish with an orange twist.
13. Aperol Slushy – Great for a hot day! In a pitcher, combine 2 cups freshly squeezed oj, ¼ cup lime juice, 2 cups Aperol (note above about ingredients), and then freeze in ice cube trays. Add chilled Prosecco to a glass filled with the Aperol ice cubes. Perfect for a get-together like Aperitivo!
14. Warming Chianti Mulled Wine – in a medium pot, add 1 bottle red wine like Chianti, juice from 1 orange, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 cup brandy and a 1/2 cup of Amaretto (almond liqueur). Heat on low, do not boil. Serve in mugs.
15. Limoncello Lemonade – Add to a cocktail shaker juice from 1 lemon, shot of limoncello, 1 Tbsp. agave, shake and pour into a ice filled wine glass, topping with prosecco – very refreshing!

More, More, More

Hope that you enjoy this post on Aperitivo: More than Happy Hour – 15 easy Italian Cocktails You Have to Try! If so, please share via our social media buttons below or leave us a comment. So, what is your fav Aperitivo cocktail?

Please be very careful with cocktails if you have food allergies. At present, liquor does not have to list out ingredients and potential allergens. As a good starting reference, look at these liqueurs that are nut-based: Nut Liqueurs.

See more easy, delicious food allergy friendly recipes, ways to save money and travels with food allergies. Our next post is on one of the most visited Caribbean islands. And for good reason – it’s spectacular. You can do this too! Sign up to see how. If you enjoyed this post, take a look at 3 Days in Rome for more #foodallergytravel adventures!

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