The Art of the Aperitivo
Rosie's Wine Bar, Austin, TX | Image via Opulist
We’re making a genuine attempt to bring back the art of the aperitivo. The art of intentionally transitioning between chapters of the day. The art of gathering away from screens. The art of the perfect pre-dinner salty snack and bitter beverage pairing. We wholeheartedly believe this tradition, even lightly implemented, would improve society as a whole.
Photos via Opulist: Holiday | Jeffrey’s
What is Aperitivo?
Aperitivo is Italy's early evening ritual of pre-dinner drinks and light bites, designed to stimulate the appetite and ease into the night. Originating in Turin, this tradition blends bitter cocktails, simple snacks, and unhurried conversation into a daily moment of pause, and is considered the predecessor to today's happy hour.
In its simplest form, the ritual is built around lightly bitter beverages, typically low-ABV or non-alcoholic, such as negronis, Aperol spritzes, vermouth, or bitter sodas, all intended to stimulate the appetite ahead of dinner. These are paired with simple, salty bites like olives, chips, nuts, cured meats, and bread. A pairing that rarely disappoints.
Photo via Opulist: Commodore Perry Estate
The true art of the aperitivo lies not in the pairing of a pre-dinner drink and snack, but in the metaphorical, intentional pause it creates within the rhythm of the day.
In a world that's increasingly plugged in, working remotely and blending meals with screen time, the art of gathering and of intentionally transitioning from one chapter of the day to the next has largely fallen by the wayside.
Of course, an Italian life of leisure sounds idyllic in theory. But how do we actually make space for it in our hurried, overly optimized lives?
Photos via Opulist: Uchibā | Surf & Sand Laguna Beach
How to bring it into your life
Designate a stopping point in the day. Mark it with a simple at-home ritual: turn off the big lights, light a candle, pour a fun beverage into your favorite glass.
Work from spaces that naturally shift in mood. A café that turns into a wine bar. Let your final task roll into a drink.
Make plans in advance. Set a time to meet friends, either on a patio or at a bar with aperitivo offerings, so the transition is already built into your day.
Seek out nearby aperitivo or happy hour spots, and aim to arrive before the window closes.
Keep a go-to snack and beverage pairing on hand so creating your own aperitivo feels low-lift and custom-fit to your ideal tastes.
Set aside screens and devices so your attention can fully settle on the company and small pleasures at hand.
Photo via Opulist: Ospi
Set the scene
Half the ritual is in how it looks and feels. The right glass, the right accessories, the right atmosphere. Browse our Glassware and Cocktail Accessories shelves on ShopMy for everything you need to make your aperitivo hour feel like the real thing.
Shop here: Coupe Glasses | Cocktail Shaker
Romanticize the in-between. Bring back the art of aperitivo.
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