Spritz and Aperitivo: The Italian Art of Living Life Slowly
If you've ever been in Italy around 6-7 PM in the evening, you've probably noticed something magical happening. The streets fill with people holding colorful drinks, chatting animatedly and enjoying small bites - this is the sacred Italian tradition called aperitivo!
What is aperitivo really?
Aperitivo isn't just a drink - it's a lifestyle, a philosophy, a ritual that celebrates the transition from work to leisure. The word comes from Latin "aperire" meaning "to open" - the idea is to open the appetite before dinner with a bitter drink and light snacks.
But aperitivo is so much more than just food and drink. It's about taking time, meeting friends, enjoying the moment. Unlike other cultures where we often rush home after work, Italians stop and celebrate the end of the workday together.
Spritz - the king of aperitivo drinks
And what drink counts as the ultimate aperitivo drink? Spritz of course! This iconic drink has its roots in Venice and the Veneto region, but has conquered all of Italy (and the world).
The classic Spritz recipe:
3 parts Prosecco
2 parts bitter (Aperol or Campari)
1 splash of sparkling water
Ice cubes and an orange slice
But here comes the fun part - there are many variations!
Aperol Spritz 🧡
The most popular version with its beautiful orange color. Aperol is sweeter and milder, perfect for those who don't love bitter flavors. This is the "beginner's spritz" and the most Instagram-friendly!
Campari Spritz ❤️
For those who like it more intense! Campari has a stronger, more bitter taste and gives the drink a deep red color. This is for aperitivo experts who aren't afraid of character.
Cynar Spritz 🖤
Made with Cynar (an artichoke bitter), this version has a darker color and a unique, earthy taste. Less known, but definitely worth trying!
Hugo Spritz 🌿
A "northern" variant that's popular in South Tyrol, made with elderflower syrup, mint and lime instead of bitter. Fresher and more floral.
Limoncello Spritz 🍋
Perfect for summer, made with limoncello instead of bitter. Sweet, fresh and sunshine in a glass!
Aperitivo vs Apericena - the difference that changes everything
Aperitivo is the traditional version: a drink with some olives, nuts, chips or small bruschetta. The point is to stimulate the appetite before you go home for dinner.
Apericena (aperitivo + cena/dinner) is a modern evolution that has become incredibly popular, especially among younger Italians and in cities like Milan. Here aperitivo becomes a whole meal! The bars serve rich buffets with pasta dishes, salads, meat, cheese - everything you need for a complete dinner. You pay for the drink and get access to the buffet "for free."
The Italian aperitivo culture
Timing is everything
Aperitivo has its sacred hours: usually between 6:00-8:00 PM. Before that is too early, after that... well, then it's dinner time!
The social aspect
Italians never meet just for "a drink." They meet to talk, laugh, discuss everything from football to politics to family drama. The drink is just the excuse to be together.
It's not just for evenings
Weekends can include "aperitivo lunch" - yes, spritz at 12 PM on a Sunday is completely acceptable!
Why we all need more aperitivo in our lives
In our busy world, we could learn a lot from Italian aperitivo culture:
Slowness: Instead of stressing to get home, Italians take time to decompress.
Community: Aperitivo is about being together, not just about drinking alcohol.
Enjoyment: It's about savoring the small moments, tasting life.
Balance: Aperitivo marks a clear transition between work and leisure.
Create your own aperitivo experience at home
You don't need to be in Italy to enjoy aperitivo culture:
Set a time - make it a daily ritual
Make a simple spritz - Prosecco, Aperol, sparkling water
Prepare some snacks - olives, nuts, cheese, salami
Invite friends - or enjoy it alone as a meditative pause
Turn off your phone - this is time to be present
Aperitivo etiquette for tourists
If you visit Italy and want to experience authentic aperitivo:
Don't sit at a table unless you're going to eat food - stand at the bar like the locals
Order spritz with confidence - "Un Aperol Spritz, per favore!"
Snack in moderation - if there's a buffet, don't load up your plate as if it were dinner
Take your time - aperitivo isn't something you rush through
Be social - Italians are friendly, don't be afraid to chat
The perfect Italian evening
Imagine this: You're in a charming Italian city, the sun is beginning to set, and you're standing at a bar with a perfect Aperol Spritz in your hand. People are talking and laughing around you, and for a moment you feel the Italian lifestyle - where life isn't about chasing time, but about enjoying the moment.
This is the magic of aperitivo. It's not just a drink or a snack - it's a reminder to live life with taste, style and community. Salute! 🥂
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Here you'll find guides curated by Sara, our Italian-Norwegian daughter, with the pulse on places to visit when you come to Milan! For example, she recommends "La Chiesetta" a quirky little bar set in a deconsecrated church.
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A presto e buon aperitivo! 🥂
Have you experienced authentic Italian aperitivo? Which spritz variant is your favorite? Share your experiences in the comments!
Thanks to Gabriella Clare Marino and Francesco Liotti, Unsplash for the images.
