An authentic Italian dining experience is a multi-course affair. A leisurely journey through carefully crafted flavors, the evening meal officially begins with aperitivo. More than just a pre-dinner drink, aperitivo is a social occasion.
What is aperitivo?
In Italy, a relaxed pace of life is an important part of the culture, and dinner is rarely served before 8 or 9 pm. To keep hunger at bay, aperitivo is enjoyed as a delightful prelude to what is to come. Similar to the American happy hour, aperitivo goes beyond simply having a drink before dinner. It is a time when Italians meet to relax and socialize after work over a glass of wine or a light cocktail and finger foods.
Typical aperitivo cocktails include bubbly drinks like the Aperol Spritz and Italicus Spritz, made with a bitter liqueur and Prosecco, a sparkling white wine produced in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy. Accompanying appetizers, or assaggini (little tastes), revolve around something simple like cheese, olives, or bruschetta. Snacks are not meant to be filling, but to boost the appetite.
The History of Aperitivo
The word aperitivo comes from the verb aprire, meaning “to open.” Dating back to ancient Rome, aperitivo began when the wealthy classes enjoyed a pre-dinner cocktail hour with alcoholic drinks and an array of hors d’oeuvres. The modern version of aperitivo is thought to have originated in 18th-century Torino, when a distiller and herbalist named Carpano developed the first Italian vermouth. King Vittorio Amedeo III, the ruler of Sardinia from 1773 to 1796, took such a liking to the drink, he incorporated it into the royal household. The creation of vermouth meant ordinary Italians could afford to have it as a light refreshment before dinner, and aperitivo became a ritual.
A tradition deeply ingrained in Italian culture, aperitivo is about slowing down and savoring the moment.
Aperitivo in Italy
The aperitivo hour usually happens anywhere between 6 pm and 8 pm in Italy. The focus is on light alcoholic beverages and simple snacks. Olives, nuts, chips, and crackers are popular choices. Many bars, especially those in cities like Milan, offer a more substantial buffet during aperitivo, including small sandwiches, mini pizzas, cured meats, and even small plates of pasta. The food can be substantial enough to serve as a light dinner.
Specific fares may vary from region to region during this dedicated time meant for catching up with friends, unwinding after work, or just observing the local scene.
Aperitivo in Texas
To experience a real aperitivo happy hour in Texas, visit Partenope Ristorante. With locations in Dallas and Richardson, we offer a proper aperitivo Monday through Friday, from 4 PM to 6 PM. Available only in the bar or on the patio, aperitivo cocktails include the Italian beer Peroni, Italian red and white wines, and our signature spritzes made with Aperol and Italicus.
To aid in whetting the appetite, we serve assaggini like:
- Bruschetta:Â toasted house-made bread with tomato, garlic, basil, and balsamic
- Pane:Â bread with olive oil, sea salt, and rosemary
- Prosciutto E Olive:Â Prosciutto di Parma and Mediterranean olives
- Cavoletti Fritti:Â Brussels sprouts with Parmesan and balsamic
- Straccetti Di Pizza:Â fried dough with Parmesan and marinara
While you’re here, you can enjoy the full Italian experience at Partenope with a multi-course meal including antipasti, pasta dishes, salads, and pizza. Voted one of D Magazine’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2023, we are a top destination for la Vera Pizza Napoletana (true Neapolitan pizza) and other authentic specialties of Naples.
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