20 Oct Discover The Tradition of Aperitivo
When it comes to good food, Italy comes at the top of the list. And one of the most famous Italian cultures associated with dining practice is the Aperitivo. The good news is you don’t have to be in Italy to experience the Italian Aperitivo culture at our Italian Café In Calgary.
What is Aperitivo?
Anyone familiar with Spanish or Italian dining traditions must have heard of Aperitivo. It is a cultural practice quintessential of Italian dining tradition. For many Italians, their dining experience will never be complete without the Aperitivo tradition. It is an aperitif drink, or pre-dining drink specifically meant to spark your appetite.
In Italy, dining begins with a light social interaction over a glass of Aperitivo drink. For most Italians, it is a breather after a whole day’s work, a time to catch up with friends, relax, or enjoy the end of the day with a glass of Aperitivo. Aperitivo usually begins at 5 pm until dinner time.
Where Can You Find Aperitivo?
If you find yourself in the streets of Italy in the evening, don’t be surprised if almost all Italian cafes and bars serve Aperitivo. If you are a tourist, it is recommended to taste this Italian culture as it is an observance widespread in all of Italy’s cities. If you’re in Calgary, then visit our café in Kensington!
This drink comes in a collection of flavours. Fancier Aperitivo options are available in cocktail bars. Moreover, you don’t have to worry if you are not an alcoholic drinker, as there are non-alcoholic flavours.
Nevertheless, Aperitivo drinks are usually made with bitter liquor to prepare the stomach for dinner or a heavy meal. Some restaurants include Aperitivo in their dining package together with appetizers. Street cafes’ offer slightly cheaper deals than expensive bars.
Popular Aperitivo Drinks
The most iconic Aperitivo drinks generally include Aperol, Campari or Vermouth… you may have heard of the Aperol Spritz! Aside from these more popular drinks, other flavours may meet your fancy, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic. You don’t need to stick with the traditional as there is a wide range of tastes. Another famous cocktail in Italy is the Negroni, a powerful combination of dark martini, Campari, gin, and red vermouth. Other choices are crodino, a bitter drink without the spritz, or any cocktail without alcohol. You can even suggest to the bartender your choice of a mix.
Prepare the Perfect Aperitivo at Home?
If you can’t get enough of the commercial Aperitivo, concocting your flavour is always worth trying. Whether you host an evening Italian party or want to chill out in your veranda while watching the sunset, a homemade drink will complete the moment.
You can either choose alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages. However, for a beginner, we recommend making your Aperitivo light with a choice of non-alcoholic drink such as fruit juice-based or made from herbs or syrups.
On the other hand, if you prefer a bolder Aperitivo, you can choose an Aperol Spritz, Negroni, or Bellini. But if you are feeling adventurous, there are one hundred and one ways to mix and match Aperitivo drinks. Trust your instincts!
Does Aperitivo Come with Meals?
Since an Aperitivo is a pre-dining meal, you are not expected to go heavy. Aperitivo comes with bite-chunk meals that are not meant to make you full. They call it Cicchetti in Venice, meaning “small quantity.” They can be fried and grilled seafood, cheese and sliced meats, or even simply chips or olives. When you are in a restaurant, often Aperitivo snacks are laid out in a buffet style that comes with your order of Aperitivo.
Aperitivo in Calgary
If you feel like taking a break after work, join us at Amato Gelato Café and try an Aperitivo. You don’t have to be in Italy to experience the Aperitivo culture.