Russell Hammond
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Verified Writer
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Flexible TravelEver noticed those cute little tables that spill out from Italian bars and onto open squares during the Golden Hour? You know — where locals sit about, sunglasses on, people watching while sipping on big glasses of Aperol or Campari Spritz with a plate of finger food.
This, my friend, is the art of aperitivo in action.
Aperitivo is the Italian equivalent of the international Happy Hour. Today, we're diving right into Italian Aperitivo culture and taking a look at where it all started!
Aperitivo is a modern Italian word that derives from the verb aprire (to open). To open what, I hear you ask? One's appetite, as it happens, which begs the question of why the Italians need to open their appetite given that their food is so globally adored.
And that you can never say no to a steaming plate of pasta.
Aperitivo's origins, as is so often the case, lie in ancient Rome. The ancient Romans loved a drink. They had a word gustatio, which describes the plentiful first course at a Roman banquet and has fed into the modern Italian word for wine or food tasting (degustazione).
The gustatio was effectively a pre-dinner consisting of salty snacks and sweet aromatic drinks with higher alcohol content. Sounds a lot like the aperitivo we love nowadays, right?
A Roman Feast by Roberto Bompiani (1821 – 1908)
The aperitivo we know today was born in Piedmont, the capital city of Turin which is one most famous and important regions in Italy. In 1786, Antonio Benedetto Carpano was bored of being a traditional distiller and started experimenting in his lab. Accidentally he added aromatic herbs and ingredients like vanilla, saffron, wormwood and more to create Vermouth.
Vermouth immediately became a fashionable drink in the region because it was a new bitter-and-sweet experience that satisfied the Tuscans without breaking anyone’s bank account. Many people started to drink it after a whole day of work before heading to dinner.
Carpano is Italy’s most versatile Vermouth. Here it is about to be enjoyed on our Rome Tipsy Tour
Bravo, Antonio! 😩🤌🍸
You not only invented a top-shelf liquor but also brought back the long-lost memory of the gustatio.
Immerse yourself in Aperitivo Culture on our Rome Tipsy Tour!
Gustatio was reborn in the north centuries later in 1876, but it didn't spread from Turin until about a century later. It's time to mention the other key person in the history of aperitivo: Count Camillo Negroni. Yes, the famous cocktail Negroni doesn’t have the same name as his family name by coincidence.
Early in 19th century Florence, Count Negroni invented a vermouth-based orange drink with Gin and Campari. The Negroni cocktail immediately became popular among the bartenders in Florence and wider Tuscany. Locals soon became sold on aperitivo culture with this new fashionable drink.
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A traditional Negroni
While the Tuscans were busy drinking Negroni, Turin and Milan were arguing over the origins of Vermouth! But the Venetians were about to change the game with the Spritz Veneziano (or the Spritz, as we know it today), which soared in popularity from the 1800s onwards.
Spritz was born during the period of the Habsburg domination in Veneto. The rumour is that the Austrian soldiers requested the Italian bartenders to make a weaker wine by adding water (not least because they were afraid of being bundled into the canals and drowned by peeved-off Venetians). The region of Veneto is a major producer of prosecco and had been for a long time before the invention of the Spritz. People say that somehow over time the water has been replaced with more favorable liquors
Over the years, the Italians also added different bitter liquor, and today we have the famous Aperol Spritz or Campari Spritz, along with a few other variations. Maybe, the Italians really couldn’t tolerate diluting their beloved Prosecco. The Venetians started to enjoy their new fancy drinks with their cicchetti, a sort of Venetian Aperitivo which you usually typically find in certain bars of Venice called bacari.
Almost three centuries later, what has changed about aperitivo today? Firstly, it has become an international saying for drinks deals in sunset hours.
Aperitivo is something more than just eating snacks and enjoying an evening drink. It has become an integral part of the Italian lifestyle that lets people gather with family, friends, co-workers, or the other people in the bar. It doesn’t really whether you choose Vermouth, Negroni, or Spritz.
The most important thing is enjoying the moment and giving in to a good gossip. What's going on with Pietro? Have you heard about Marco and Giulia? You know — some things you want to know, and undoubtedly some things you don't.
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Aperol Spritz: the most popular Aperitivo in Italy
There are no straight rules to follow to enjoy an Italian Aperitivo. It is generally a little informal and it's acceptable to use your hands. Here are some tips:
Typically aperitivo starts around 5:30 pm during the spring and summer months and lasts until 7:30 or 8. There's no hard and fast rule regarding aperitivo time, and lots of it comes down to which bars are open and where (places near big tourist attractions tend to be open for drinks and snacks all day).
To Italians, Aperitivo is to anticipate your dinner. Therefore, the locals truly take little bites as they sip on their Italian Cocktails. It can just be some chips or peanuts in some bars. After Aperitivo, most of the Italians will rush to restaurants ready for dinner. Or, head back home for a cosy home-cooked dinner. However, some places treat Aperitivo as a meal and offer a great selection that gets re-filled regularly. In this case, you can skip dinner.
The most useful way to avoid tourist traps is to check the prices and reviews on Google and TripAdvisor. Normally, a classic aperitivo in Rome should cost €10-12 euros. Of course, if you find a fancy rooftop with a great view then expect to pay a premium price.
The good news when it comes to aperitivo is that you can't really go wrong. To make it easy we have made you a list of our favorite Aperitivo hotspots in Rome.
Address: Via del Politeama 4, 00153
The bartenders at Freni e Frizioni are expert mixologists: tell them what flavours you like and they’ll create a cocktail for you using fresh fruit and a combination of liquors. The food is unbelievable.
Freni e Frizioni in Trastevere
Grab a cocktail, fill up a plate with snacks, and find yourself a seat on one of the little sofas. If you stay long enough, the music will pick up as the vibe becomes more energized.
→ Gusto
A top contender without a doubt. For €10, choose one of the excellent cocktails and head to the unlimited buffet.
Address: Borgo San Frediano 36r, Florence
Situated in what Lonely Planet recently voted as the world's coolest neighbourhood, MAD offers a creative menu that changes frequently, featuring themed drinks like "Flight Insurance" (rum with green tea, cinnamon, and lime) and "Hand Luggage" (gin with lemon and maraschino).
The atmosphere is laid-back, attracting a diverse crowd of locals, students, and in-the-know tourists. and the staff is known for their friendly service. Prices are reasonable given the quality, making it accessible for those looking to experience Florence's modern cocktail culture.
Address: Via dei Benci 34r, Florence
Soul Kitchen is a stylish lounge bar that blends great cocktails, music, and a lively aperitivo spread. The buffet is well-stocked with a variety of savoury and fresh options, making it a good choice if you're looking for a filling aperitivo experience in a modern setting.
Drinks are on the higher end price-wise, but the selection is diverse, with a focus on classic and signature cocktails. The bar transitions into a late-night spot, making it an ideal place to start with aperitivo and continue the night with music and drinks (or karaoke across the road at Red Garter).
Address: Piazza Santo Spirito 5r, Florence
Located in the lively Santo Spirito neighbourhood, Volume offers a unique ambiance, blending a cafe, bar, and art space. Guests can enjoy a variety of cocktails and wines, often accompanied by live music or art exhibitions.
The aperitivo here includes a selection of snacks and finger foods, providing a culturally enriching experience alongside your drink.
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