Italian Aperitivo: A Refined Lifestyle Ritual

here’s something deeply sophisticated in the way Italians begin the evening. Far from a mere pre-dinner drink, the italian aperitivo is a genuine ritual of conviviality and taste: glasses clink gently among friends, elegant nibbles are shared, and conversations linger softly.

But the aperitivo is more than just a drink before dinner. It’s a cultural, social, and gustatory experience that lets Italy shine through every sip. It encourages us to slow down, savour the moment, and create simple yet unforgettable pleasures.

Prosecco and Italian Sparklings

It’s impossible to talk about the Italian aperitivo without mentioning Prosecco, the sparkling wine from Veneto. Lighter and often friendlier than Champagne, Prosecco perfectly embodies the festive and approachable spirit of the aperitivo.

Its fine bubbles, floral and fruity aromas, and refreshing mouthfeel make it one of the most sought-after choices to kick off an evening. Served well chilled in a flute or a wine glass, either on its own or in a cocktail, it immediately evokes busy Milanese terraces or sunsets on the Amalfi Coast.

Check out our interview with one of the founders of Prosecco Fiol, Gian Luca Passi, for even more on the product.

The Aperol Spritz: The Icon of the Modern Italian Aperitivo

If there’s one cocktail that symbolizes the Italian aperitivo internationally, it’s definitely the Spritz, especially the Aperol Spritz. The history of this iconic and memorable cocktail is fascinating: in the 19th century, Veneto was occupied by Austrians, and the soldiers touring Venetian taverns were looking for something akin to beer—but found only robust local wines. Unused to such intensity, they decided to lighten their drink with cold water, asking to spritzen mit wasser, literally “water sprayed on.”

This method is still used in some areas like Trieste in Italy, and in Eastern European countries like Romania, Moldova, or Hungary. The orange-hued cocktail has since become the official ambassador of Italian late afternoons.

Classic Aperol Spritz (3‑2‑1 method)

• 3 parts Prosecco
• 2 parts Aperol
• 1 part soda water

Served over ice in a large wine glass, it is lightly bitter, refreshing, and low‑alcohol—perfect for awakening the palate without overpowering it.

Ingredients:

• 3 parts Prosecco
• 2 parts Aperol
• A splash of soda (or San Pellegrino)
• Garnish: orange slice

Method:

1. Fill a wine glass nearly to the brim with ice
2. Pour in Aperol
3. Add Prosecco
4. Add a splash of soda
5. Garnish with an orange slice (and optionally a green olive)
6. Stir gently
7. Sip and enjoy

Available at SAQ (Code #11639070) and LCBO (Code #176834)

Alta Pianura: Another Apéritif‑Based Recipe

A crisp and refreshing cocktail that balances the intensity of lime with rich agave, subtle cherry notes, botanical depth, and a light bitterness.

Ingredients:

• ¾ oz Italian apéritif
• ¾ oz Ocho Blanco
• ¾ oz Luxardo Maraschino
• ¾ oz lime juice

Instructions :

1. Combine ingredients in a mixing glass
2. Add quality ice
3. Shake vigorously and strain into a coupe

Classic Italian Aperitivo Cocktails—Negroni, Americano & Friends

Italy is rich with iconic cocktails to enjoy before dinner. Here are a few classics to rediscover:

Negroni

• 1 part gin
• 1 part sweet vermouth (preferably Carpano Antica Formula)
• 1 part Campari
• Serve over ice with an orange slice

Powerful, bitter, and complex, the Negroni is a bold choice for an experienced palate. Learn more about this legendary drink here.

Americano

• 1 part sweet vermouth
• 1 part Campari
• Topped with soda water
• Serve over ice with a citrus twist

Sweeter and lighter than a Negroni, it offers an elegant introduction to bitters.

Sbagliato

A “mistaken” Negroni, where gin is swapped for Prosecco—a happy accident perfect for a lighter aperitivo.

Prefer Less Spirits? Peroni Beer Is the Perfect Aperitivo Companion

If you prefer something lighter, Peroni Nastro Azzurro—including the non-alcoholic version—fits beautifully into the aperitivo experience. Its crisp, refined, lightly hoppy character makes it ideal alongside savoury snacks or shared boards.

Paired with style, served ice-cold in a sleek glass, it evokes the relaxed terraces of Rome or Naples, where conversation stretches as the sun sets.

For those wanting to explore further, several Italian beer brands—often with a pleasantly saline note—are now available at specialty beer retailers.

Salad: A Fresh Start to the Aperitivo

Unlike French tradition where salad often arrives at the end of the meal, in Italy, it’s placed at the beginning, especially during an aperitivo. A mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, shaved parmesan, or even fennel with citrus adds welcome freshness. It pairs beautifully with Prosecco or a Spritz.

It’s also a wonderful way to showcase Italian olive oil—often drizzled over grilled bread (bruschetta) with a few olives or marinated vegetables.

Want to impress your guests even more? Try ourBurrata, peaches ans strawberries salad—a delightful addition to your Italian Aperitivo.

The Italian Aperitivo According to Glorindo Clara of Gino’s Negroni & Lasagna

At Gentologie, we enjoy exploring traditions with people who truly embrace them. That’s why we spoke with Glorindo Clara, owner of Gino’s Negroni & Lasagna, who travels regularly to Italy and has immersed himself in its diverse aperitivo culture — from the elegant bars of Torino to seaside sips in Sicily.

He tells us that the aperitivo as we know it began in Turin, around 1786, when Antonio Benedetto Carpano created vermouth—a sweeter, more aromatic wine designed to please people before dinner, especially women.

This sparked a tradition: a glass with a few snacks offered before the meal. Quickly, this became common in cafés across northern Italy, especially in Milan and Venice, where free food was served with drinks to encourage patrons to stay longer.

Glorindo also shares how much traditions vary by region—Venice favours cicchetti, small bites served with Spritz. Milan leans toward generous buffets with charcuterie, cheese, and warm bites. His team brings that spirit to Montréal with a menu that marries Italian authenticity to local tastes.

And yes, vermouth remains central—even delicious enough to be served alone with ice or to bring depth to a classic cocktail.

Aperitivo at Gino’s Negroni & Lasagna

At Gino’s Negroni & Lasagna, aperitivo is simple, accessible, and delicious. Expect to find Taralli pugliesi, olives alla giardiniera, chips, pistachios, roasted almonds—and their latest addition: mortadella with truffle served alongside gnocco fritto. A combination that illustrates southern indulgence and northern elegance.

The three styles of Aperitivo in Italy

• Classic: complimentary bites with your drink
• Apericena: buffets that may replace dinner
• Gourmet: refined à la carte bites curated by the chef, this is the only one offered at Gino’s Negroni & Lasagna at the moment of writing.

At Gino’s Negroni & Lasagna, the essentials always feature olives, taralli, nuts, Italian cheeses, crostini, and salumi, paired with Negroni, Spritz, Americano, dry white wine, or amaro.

They also present a regional aperitivo tour:

• Milan: bitter cocktails and plentiful buffets
• Venice: Spritz, white wine, cicchetti in bacari
• Turin: elegant vermouths, fine cured meats, mild cheeses
• Rome: crostini, pecorino, supplì, pizza bianca, artichokes
• Naples: limoncello, amaro, street-fried treats
• Sicily: hearty bites like caponata, arancine, ricotta salata, paired with Grillo wine or Mandarinetto

“And once, at Palermo’s Villa Igiea, they even served me oysters with my drink—on the house. That’s aperitivo: style, simplicity, generosity. . . always with a Negroni in hand”. – Glorindo Clara

Create Your Own Italian Aperitivo at Home

No plane ticket required. Settle in on your terrace or living room and gather:

• A few types of drinks: Prosecco, vermouth, Aperol, Campari
• Delicious nibbles: olives, charcuterie, cheese, nuts, crostini
• A light salad, good music, and soft lighting

Pour a drink, nibble, and share. It’s a refined happy hour with purpose.

More Than a Drink—A Way of Life

The Italian aperitivo isn’t just about drinking or eating—it’s a way of life that embodies la dolce vita. It invites us to celebrate the everyday.

Thank to Glorindo Clara of Gino’s Negroni & Lasagna

Gino’s Negroni & Lasagna

4639 boul. Saint-Laurent
Montréal, QC
H2T 1R2

Tel. : (514) 987-4246

Website : ginosmtl.ca