Aperitivo

This word comes from the Latin aperire, meaning ‘to open’, and generally signifies an alcohol-based drink taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite. It is today more generally served as a means of marking the beginning of a celebration or a simple meal among friends.

At midday aperitivi are taken in Italy’s numerous bars. In summer, water or soda water is often added to make refreshing drinks as well. Aperitifs are usually based on stimulating herbs, and are sometimes strongly coloured, like Campari. Other well-known aperitifs are Americano, Cordiale and Cynar (which is based on artichokes). There is also a series of aperitifs based on wine, with the addition of a little alcohol and of herb infusions. Vermouth is the most widely known, of which Cinzano and Martini are the most popular worldwide. These wines, which can be dry, sweet-white and sweet-red, are served on ice or diluted with soda water, but are also used for mixing cocktails, like negronis or martinis.