It’s summertime in Italy and that calls for fresh cocktails with a view. During this time of the year, whether you’re on a rooftop terrace or outside a bar, wherever you turn around you’ll find someone sipping on a very particular drink: the spritz. A bright orange cold drink that’s the main character of the aperitivo, one of the most Italian rituals.
What is an aperitivo?
The aperitivo is a pre-meal drink that takes place after a workday and before dinner. Like its name says, it is meant “to open” the stomach before dining, clinking glasses with friends or colleagues over some appetizers in a chill, relaxed and very social atmosphere. This is a tradition that showcases true italianity at its best, as you can have aperitivo in every city of the peninsula. If you’re a visitor, this means aperitivo is a great way to deep dive into the local culture, enjoy some people-watching and to feel like a local after a long day of sightseeing and walking around.
Punctuality is important for an aperitivo. It is generally done between 6 and 8pm and it consists of having a drink that is carbonated, bitter, and low-in-alcohol, matched with some salty food like olives, peanuts and crackers. Just remember that an aperitivo shouldn’t replace your dinner, you have the apericena for that!
With all these characteristics, the king of the aperitivo is the spritz.
The spritz
Born in Veneto in the 1800, the spritz is one of the most famous and beloved Italian cocktails. Its name comes from the German word “spritzen”, since during this time, the Austro-Hungarian soldiers would ask the bartenders to “spray” some water in their wines because the local wine was too strong for their customs. The spritz we drink nowadays is much more sophisticated and has a very simple, but perfectly balanced composition, that makes for the perfect summer drink that will light up the room with its vibrant orange hue.
If you feel like having an aperitivo at home, here’s the traditional recipe for a perfect spritz, done in less than 5 minutes.
- Get a big glass and fill it with ice cubes
- Combine prosecco or sparkling wine and Aperol or Campari in equal parts
- Add a dash of soda
- Garnish with an orange slice
- Feast on your quintessential aperitivo
A good spritz just makes you think of enjoying La Dolce Vita, it doesn’t matter where you are. As soon as you start sipping on a spritz, you will immediately feel in Italy.
Certainly, nothing better than to enjoy this classic aperitif during holidays in the Belpaese, so go ahead, visit us and enjoy this and much more in our private trips in Italy.