In Italian culture, the aperitivo is a beloved tradition that takes place every evening before dinner. It’s more than just pre-dinner drinks, it's a social experience meant to stimulate the appetite while celebrating flavor and community.
To enjoy the aperitivo hour (typically starts around 6pm and lasts until around 9pm), you need the right aperitivo recipes, from classics to modern ones.
We’ve crafted a complete guide to aperitivo drink recipes that strike the perfect balance between bitter and refreshing, along with thoughtfully paired aperitivo food recipes to elevate your next gathering.
Understanding the Aperitivo Tradition
The aperitivo hour usually begins around 6 PM and winds down before dinner. Drinks tend to be low in alcohol but rich in complexity. Think of bitters, herbs, and citrus all designed to awaken the senses.
Here are some great recipes to try:
Classic Aperitivo Drink Recipes
Negroni
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Gin (dry works best)
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions:
Stir the mentioned ingredients with ice in a mixing glass. Strain over ice in a glass and garnish with an orange slice, preferably thick.
Aperol Spritz
Ingredients:
- 3 oz Prosecco
- 2 oz Aperol
- 1 oz Soda water
-
Orange wedge
Instructions:
Fill a wine glass with ice. Add Aperol, Prosecco, and a splash of soda. Stir gently and garnish.
Americano
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- Splash of soda water
- Lemon twist
Instructions:
Add fresh ice in a highball glass. Add Campari and vermouth, add soda water and garnish with a twist of lemon.
Vermouth & Tonic
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Dry or Sweet Vermouth
- 3 oz Tonic water
- Lemon slice or green olive
Instructions:
Serve in a balloon glass over ice. Add vermouth, top with tonic, and garnish with a slice of lemon.
Modern Aperitivo Cocktails with a Twist
Cynar & Grapefruit
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Cynar (artichoke liqueur)
- 3 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 0.5 oz honey syrup
Instructions:
Shake all ingredients well with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Add a grapefruit peel for aromatics.
Campari Mule
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Campari
- 4 oz ginger beer
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- Mint sprig
Instructions:
Build in a copper mug. Add Campari, lime juice, and ice. Top up the ingredients with ginger beer and garnish with mint.
White Negroni
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Gin
- 1 oz Lillet Blanc
- 1 oz Suze
Instructions:
Stir all the ingredients with ice and serve chilled in a glass. Garnish with lemon peel.
Aperitivo Food Recipes for Perfect Pairings
Olive & Citrus Tapenade
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pitted green olives
- 1 garlic clove
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
Blend all ingredients into a coarse paste. Serve on crostini or crackers.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon
Ingredients:
- 8 slices cantaloupe
- 8 slices prosciutto
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions:
Wrap melon with prosciutto and tuck in a basil leaf. Chill before serving.
Mini Caprese Skewers
Ingredients:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella balls
- Basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions:
Thread ingredients onto toothpicks. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Stuffed Peppadew Peppers
Ingredients:
- 10 peppadew peppers
- 4 oz goat cheese
- Cracked pepper and chives
Instructions:
Pipe goat cheese into each pepper and sprinkle with chives. Serve chilled.
Seasonal Aperitivo Ideas
Summer Aperitivo
- Drink: Hugo Spritz ( a combo of Elderflower liqueur, Prosecco, mint, and soda)
- Food: Grilled zucchini ribbons with lemon zest
Fall Aperitivo
- Drink: Blood Orange Negroni
- Food: Roasted butternut squash on focaccia crostini
Winter Aperitivo
- Drink: Mulled vermouth with clove and cinnamon
- Food: Warm mushroom bruschetta with truffle oil
Spring Aperitivo
- Drink: Limoncello Fizz with basil
- Food: Asparagus spears wrapped in pancetta
Tips for Hosting a Perfect Aperitivo Hour
- Keep drinks simple: No need for complex mixes, bitters and bubbles are your friends.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled: Avoid over-freezing cold items. Room temperature enhances flavors.
- Offer variety: Provide both alcoholic and non-alcoholic aperitivo drink recipes so every attendee feels included.
- Use high-quality ingredients: Especially for vermouths, cheeses, and charcuterie.
Non-Alcoholic Aperitivo Options
Sanbitter & Orange
Instructions:
Serve the soda over ice with a wedge of fresh orange for garnishing.
Cucumber Spritz
Ingredients:
- 1 oz cucumber juice
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 3 oz tonic water
Instructions:
Shake the cucumber and lemon with ice. Strain over fresh ice and top with tonic.
Make-Ahead Aperitivo Drink Recipes for Events
If you're planning for a group, consider these large-batch options.
Aperol Pitcher Spritz
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle Prosecco
- 12 oz Aperol
- 6 oz soda water
- 6–8 orange slices
Instructions:
Combine everything in a large pitcher with ice. Serve in wine glasses.
Negroni Punch
Ingredients:
- 1 cup gin
- 1 cup Campari
- 1 cup sweet vermouth
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- Orange wheels
Instructions:
Stir in a punch bowl with large ice cubes.
Conclusion
A well-curated selection of aperitivo drink recipes and accompanying aperitivo food recipes sets the mood for meaningful conversation and relaxed indulgence.
Whether you prefer the classic allure of a Negroni or the subtle charm of a spritz, pairing these drinks with thoughtful bites brings the spirit of Italy to your table. Start simple, mix boldly, and serve generously, your aperitivo hour awaits.
No matter what recipe you’re planning to try, shop the best alcoholic beverages at the top-notch store Community Wine and Spirits and get your drinks perfected.
