The Essential Italian Aperitivi!
As spring segues into summer there is nothing quite like the Italian pre-dinner cocktail or as they say the APPERITIVI! An aperitivo is your chance to transition from your day to dinner, lightly alcoholic to relax and with some flavor and nibbles to stimulate your appetite. The American saying is known as “Happy Hour!” As you end your day of sightseeing, shopping or just relaxing in one of the beautiful Italian cities what could be better?
The classic Italian Aperitivo is often based on one of the refreshing bitter vermouths of Campari or respected alternatives of Aperol and Cinzano. If bitter doesn’t appeal to you, sip a Bellini or a flute of prosecco, Italian sparkling wine — like champagne.
The Educated Barfly suggests that, “the origin of the Spritz dates back to 1805 during the Napoleonic wars. In the years following the end of those wars the Austro-Hungarian empire took ownership of the Veneto region of Italy, where Venice is located. The Austrians held that region for the next 50 years and developed a custom of adding a splash or in German a “Spritz” of water to the local wine”. According to Wikipedia, the Aperol Spritz derives its contemporary origin from the Venetian tradition of mixing white wine and soda. Adding that, “the acquisition of the Aperol brand by Gruppo Campari in 2003, along with a good marketing campaign, positioned Aperol Spritz as “the perfect drink for social occasions, increasing sales to four times pre-acquisition levels.”
Even in Italy there are different interpretations of Aperol Spritz depending on one’s locale. Variations on the Aperol Spritz theme may be found to exist in Florence compared, say, to Verona. But, any distinctions (within reason) start to fade as one begins to understand the phenomenon of Spritz/aperitivo as a mentality, an attitude, really, that is connected to lifestyle, socializing, and living well. In that context, rigid adherence to any one specific recipe seems not at all the point. One would do well to embrace variations when encountered and focus on the experience.
For an Aperol Spritz begin with a large-bowl wine glass. Add few cubes of ice and swirl them to chill the glass. Leaving the ice cubes in the glass, add 3 parts chilled Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part soda water. Following the suggested order of preparation prevents the Aperol from gathering at the bottom of the glass. Garnish with a slice of orange. What does a good Aperol Spritz taste like? Well, it is fizzy and slightly bittersweet with notes of citrus. The drink’s glorious orange color is a metaphor for sunny summer days, pretty sunsets, and an antidote to bad weather gloom. More important, perhaps, is what Aperol Spritz and the time you take to enjoy it, represent, i.e., that aforementioned Spritz mentality: a ritual of decompressing, taking life a bit more slowly, appreciating friends, an attitude for living well.
Other classic Italian Aperitivi are:
Famed in cinema, the Negroni combines 1 ounce (2 tbsp) gin, 1 ounce Campari, 1 ounce sweet vermouth (Martini is the classic Italian brand). The glass is garnished with a twist of orange peel.
The Americano is similar to the Negroni, with 1 1/2 ounces Campari, 1 1/2 ounces sweet vermouth and 3 ounces club soda. Garnish with a twist of orange peel.
From renowned Harry’s Bar in Venice, is the Bellini that features prosecco and peach puree for a very pretty presentation and a sweet taste. 3 ounces prosecco and 2 ounces peach puree.
Named for the hero of the unification of Italy, the Garibaldi is 1 ounce Campari, 3 ounces orange juice over ice. Garnish with half a slice of orange. A sipper.
AND let’s not forget the munchies aka cicchetti aka snacks! Especially delectable accoutrements with Aperol Spritz include premium potato chips, a classic, and personal favorite, olives, marinated onions, and small bites.