Looking to experience the authentic Italian way of life? Italy is a country well-known for its taste and culture, and a lot of this comes from the historical traditions that they have.
One of the most notable traditions is the time-honoured pre-dinner tradition known as apertivo. This post will teach you everything you need to know about this Italian tradition and how to experience it.
What is Apertivo?
So, what exactly is apertivo? Essentially, this is a pre-dinner drink and socializing ritual in Italian culture. Generally, this is a light alcoholic beverage to be enjoyed with others to encourage socialization and stimulate appetite before dinner. These days, Italians often meet at a cafe or bar for a drink before dinner and may enjoy a few snacks (antipasti), but this tradition can be traced back as far as Ancient Rome.
The History of Apertivo
The concept of apertivo dates back to the 1300s when monks used medicinal drinks to aid digestion. The word apertivo comes from the Latin Verb “aperire”, which means “to open”. This refers to the process of opening up the appetite before a meal.
Rosolio was a popular apertivo for many years, but vermouth (a fortified wine infused with botanicals) became hugely popular in Turin in the 19th century thanks to its complex flavours. Soon, bitters and Amari like Campari, Aperol, and Fernet Branca became popular options that Italians indulged in before dinner.
By the early 20th century, apertivo was in full swing throughout Italy. Cafes and bars would be bustling after work, with people gathering to enjoy iconic cocktails like Negronis, Americanos, and Spritz. Soon, the idea of a refreshing alcoholic drink after work and before dinner spread across the world, and it is something that many people enjoy to this day. In Italy, you will still find that it is a huge tradition and deeply embedded in the culture.
How to Enjoy this Tradition
Of course, an easy way to experience the apertivo tradition is to simply make yourself an Italian cocktail or enjoy your favourite alcoholic (or non-alcoholic) beverage with family and/or friends before dinner. This could be at home or in a cafe or bar before heading to a restaurant. This will not give you an authentic experience, though, which is why you should consider a trip to Italy.
Italy tours will allow you to experience authentic apertivo and see how it is done properly. You will notice that it is an important social tradition that brings people together and marks the end of the working day and the beginning of their free time. It is also hard to beat sipping on a Negroni in the sunshine surrounded by Italian culture, whether you are in Rome, Florence, Turin, or any other popular destination.
Apertivo is a beloved ritual in Italy that is deeply embedded in the culture. This can be traced all the way back to ancient Rome as a way to stimulate the appetite, but these days, it is more of a social activity and a way to decompress after work. Apertivo is something that people enjoy all around the world, but for an authentic experience, you will want to visit Italy. Sipping on a refreshing cocktail and enjoying time with family and friends in an Italian city before a nice meal is an amazing feeling that is hard to replicate elsewhere.
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