Aperitivo originates from the Latin verb aperire; which means ‘to open’, supposed to open your stomach and your heart to a good dinner, while giving you a chance to relax and socialise.
It’s said that the aperitivo concept started in Torino in 1786 by Antonio Benedetto Carpano, the creator of Vermouth liquor. Carpano claimed that he’d found the perfect combination of herbs and fortified white wine to open up the tastebuds and stimulate the appetite, making it a perfect pre-dinner ritual. Traditionally an aperitivo in Amalfi is done a little later in the summer time, which is around 7.30pm. Favourites include,Campari, Vermouth, Negroni, Aperol Spritz and Prosecco.
Italians love to sit in famous Piazza Del Duomo to watch people, to chat and eat some horderves. This is an Italian cultural which embraces ‘La dolce vita.’
Negroni
Elegant and refined, perfect Italian style!
Recipe
3 cl of Gin Gin
3 cl of bitters
3 cl of red Vermouth
1 slice of orange
The steps
- Pour ice into a low tumbler
- Cool it and drain the water
- Pour all the ingredients, mix and garnish with the citrus slice
Americano
The classic cocktail of the Italian aperitivo
Recipe
Martini Special Reserve Bitter 4cl
Martini Special Reserve Ruby 4cl
Soda splash
The steps
- Fill a glass with lots of ice
- Pour equal parts of Martini Riserva Speciale Bitter and Martini Riserva Speciale Rubino and finish with a splash of soda
- Mix and garnish with an orange slice and a lemon zest
Spritz
Sparkling & refreshing - loved by many and a symbol of "La dolce vita"
9 cl of Prosecco
6 cl of Aperol
3 cl of soda
1 slice of orange
Ice to taste
- Fill the glass to the brim with ice
- Pour the prosecco and the Aperol
- Go with a splash of soda or alternatively simple sparkling water and finally, mix with the help of a metal spoon
- Garnish with the orange slice
