
Aperitivo anyone?
By: Effetto Italy On: July 9, 2018 In: Food and Wine
We were hoping to write something about the frenzy in Italy over the World Cup. Unfortunately it’s a little more subdued in the bars and cafes as Gli Azzurri did not make it in this year. Nevertheless, establishments are still crowded (albeit quieter) because as the temps rise, no football disappointment can keep Italians away from one of the best of traditions: the summer aperitivo.
This pre-dinner beverage ritual, derived from the Latin, aperire, (to open), literally means to “open your stomach”. Some say the aperitivo originated in Roman times, and was used for medicinal purposes as an appetite stimulant. But the aperitivo, as we now know it, is widely thought to have started in Torino in 1786 by the inventor of vermouth, Anthony Benedetto Carpano. Today it is part of a delightful evening tradition, consumed between the hours of 5 and 7 pm, all over Italy.
So what does one have when fare un’aperitivo? As with anything in Italy, there are local and regional favorites:
- Bellini — in 1945, Harry’s Bar in Venice paved the way for this sparking wine and peach purée concoction.
- Negroni — created in Florence in 1919 using campari, gin and vermouth, this is one of Italy’s most famous cocktails.
- Aperol Spritz — this combines sparking wine and Aperol, which was invented in Padua in 1920.
- Americano — first mixed in the 1860s, this very simple drink is just vermouth and soda water.
- Vino — of course, you can’t go wrong with just a crisp and refreshing glass of wine. The list is never-ending from Frascati and Gavi to Prosecco and Asti. Nothing better.
And don’t forget to nibble while you imbibe. Nosh on chips, nuts, olives or finger sandwiches – anything to open that stomach and get it excited about dinner.
Ciao for now,
The Effetto Italy Team