Aperitivo Like an Italian

After a long workweek, we’re all entitled to a bit of relaxation. And, why not take inspiration from the people who do it best? Enter: The Italian aperitivo. In Italy, it’s ingrained in the culture to gather together before the meal to snack, graze and enjoy each other’s company—what’s called “aperitivo.” Take this idea and run with it—host an easy aperitivo night on your porch with grocery store snacks, or BYOA (yes, that’s “Bring Your Own Aperitivo”) to a video chat. Aperitivo is a mindset. Relax with your friends and enjoy the night, wherever you are.

Although you can experience aperitivo however you like (really, there are no rules), here are some key elements that will make your authentic Italian night even more spirited.

Sit Back, Relax and Aperitivo

Casual grazing is the art of aperitivo. When you enter the state of aperitivo, calorie-counting stays at the door, bad table manners are overlooked, and the only goal is to enjoy the company of your friends and family. An aperitivo setting might look like people sitting on couches or the floor around a coffee table covered to the edges with snacks, laughing and sharing stories with each other. Whether virtual or in-person, good company is the most important part of aperitivo, so invite a handful of your best friends and enjoy your time together.

It’s Like Happy Hour 2.0

You know and love happy hour, so think of aperitivo as happy hour—but later. Because Italians usually eat dinner later than Americans, Aperitivo typically begins around 6:00 or 7:00 p.m., and the “official dinner” (relax, this could be as simple as delivery pizza) follows immediately after.

Mix Low Alcohol, Carbonated Cocktails

The idea behind aperitivo is to start your metabolism and work up an appetite before dinner. While this of course means cocktails are welcome, most Italians prefer low-alcohol, carbonated mixed drinks while they snack. All Italian dinners include wine, so the mixed drinks are for sipping slowly so as to not overdo it before dinner.

Bring Salty Snacks

What goes best with a sweet-and-sour carbonated cocktail? Salty, briny snacks. Preparing easy foods like pistachios, pecorino cheese, olives, cured meats (like Prosciutto, Salami and Mortadella) and crunchy breadsticks work in tandem with cocktails to open your appetite for a full dinner. You know and love charcuterie—now add some more salty snacks, and you’ve got aperitivo foods.

Make It a Ritual

The magic of Italian culture is just that: it’s a culture. Make lemoncello and aperitivo a way of life for you, your friends and your family by creating a new tradition. Lemoncello is often shared around the dinner table for holidays and other occasions—do the same with aperitivo and make your celebration last even longer.

For Best Results, Share on a Patio

If you’re craving the feeling of the Italian sea breeze combing through your hair, start your aperitivo on a patio. Let the sun’s rays sink into your pores and let nothing else get under your skin. There’s no better feeling than experiencing the present moment. Sipping limoncello, letting go of your worries and having a laugh with those who mean the most to you is the only thing that matters now.