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Italian Aperitivo: Going to Italy for the Aperitif!

Italian Aperitivo - Cover

Italian is known to be festive.  So we have decided to offer you some very Italian suggestions for the Italian Aperitivo and more!

Classic cocktails for the Italian Aperitivo.

You probably all know the Spritz. Made with an Italian Apero, but in addition to the classic Aperol of the Campari family we will propose some others. But let’s start with his story.

The story of Aperol Spritz and the Aperol Classic

The story of this iconic and memorable cocktail is very interesting. In the nineteenth century, the Veneto then occupied by Austrians and Militaries who roam the taverns of Venice in search of a drink reminiscent of beer but find only strong wine of the region. Not being used to it, he decided to lengthen the drink with fresh water “spritzen mit wasser”, literally “sprinkling water”. This method is still used in certain regions such as Trieste in Italy or in Eastern European countries such as Romania, Moldova or Hungary.

Italian Aperitivo - Aperol Aperitivo

Photo: Aperol

 

Thus, the Aperol spritz was born from this ingenious invention to add water to this liquor. Venetians modify the recipe by replacing the water with prosecco (sparkling white wine) and Aperol is added to flavor the bitter orange cocktail. At this moment, Aperol Spritz is flourishing in all the bars and cafes in the country. Obviously, we recommend you to consume this cocktail in moderation. Cheers!

Available in SAQ 

Available in LCBO

The Santoni Aperit: Pure Italy

In addition to the classic Aperol, there are also other alternatives like Aperit:

Italian Aperitivo - aperit-dettaglio

Photo: Aperit

This is a bright orange color with a lively character, its distinct flavor is sweet but tart. Aperit is a deliciously refreshing Italian aperitif. Infusions of oranges, herbs and quality roots are mixed with rhubarb, which gives the drink a sweet and balanced bitterness that gives perfect harmony to the senses.

Available in SAQ

Capo Capo, Italian, but with Canadian roots

Want to be a little more local while keeping the Italian side? Capo Capo is a brand new Italian app made by guys from Toronto, but made in Trentino, Italy. The best of both worlds! Distributed by our Ambassador Isaac Delaney of Delaney Wines & Spirits in Quebec!

 

Italian Aperitivo -Capo Capo Bottle

Photo: Capo Capo

Available in SAQ

Available in LCBO

Before the Spritz, a simple recipe, Alta Pianura

Alta-Piannura

Photo: Capo Capo

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

Ingredients

  • ¾ oz Capo Capo
  • ¾ oz Ocho Blanco
  • ¾ oz Luxardo Maraschino
  • ¾ oz Lime

Preparation

  • Combine ingredients into mixing tin.
  • Add good quality ice.
  • Shake hard and strain into your favourite coupe.

How to make the perfect Aperol Spritz for Italian Aperitivo

It’s quite simple, we start with the ice, then we pour the Prosecco, the Aperol and we add a little sparkling water. Decorate with an orange slice. This method of preparation prevents Aperol from settling in the bottom of the glass.

Preparation time: 5 minutes

  • Drop ice cubes into a wineglass
  • Pour Prosceco and your aperitif to match
  • Add a splash of sparkling water

Decorate with an orange slice

But what Prosecco to serve for the Italian Aperitivo?

Fiol Prosecco

Photo: Fiol by Lori Waltenbury

We recently had an interview with one of Prosecco Fiol’s founders, Gian Luca Passi, here. Want to know more, follow the hashtag #HowDoYouFiol on Instagram.

Available in SAQ

Available in LCBO

You are less into Spirits? Peroni is what you need for your Italian Aperitivo!

This delicious Italian beer made its debut in the Canadian landscape just a year ago. You will find it in different restaurants and grocery stores.

peroni

The Peroni Beer

Add some Burrata, speck, prosciutto, and there you go! You are well equipped to succeed an Italian Aperitivo tonight!

Peaches-strawberries-tomatoes-and-burrata-salad----Fiol-Rosé-and-Glass

Photograph: Normand Boulanger | Gentologie

Wha t a salad for the Aperitif? Try our Burrata, peaches ans strawberries salad, it’s delicious!

Founder & Editor In Chief of Gentologie

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