Aperitivo Hour Classics: Discover Italy’s Best Cocktails

February 27, 2025 by

Aperitivo hour is more than just a pre-dinner ritual; it’s a celebration of life in true Italian style. Picture yourself with friends, sharing stories and laughter over lavish aperitivo cocktails as the sun sets after a busy day. Whether you’re enjoying an Aperol Spritz on a sun-drenched terrace or a Cynar Spritz at a quietly bustling neighbourhood bar, this cherished tradition brings people together to savour the simple pleasures of good company over easy eats and delicious sips.

Ready to discover the spirit of Italy’s beloved pre-dinner moment? Let’s dive into the world of aperitivo cocktail recipes and discover how to bring a bit of Italian magic into your own life.

The Italian tradition of aperitivo hour

Imagine the lively atmosphere of a bustling piazza, where friends and family gather to unwind after a long day. The warm glow of the evening sun, the clinking of glasses, and the shared smiles capture the essence of aperitivo cocktail culture of Italy. Aperitivo hour isn’t just about enjoying drinks; it’s a time to relax, connect, and indulge in a moment of joy.

The tradition of aperitivo dates back to the late 18th century in northern Italy, where it originated as a way to stimulate the appetite before dinner. Originally, it was all about enjoying a light, bittersweet drink paired with small bites to prepare the palate for the evening meal. Over the years, the practice evolved, becoming a cherished social ritual that spread across Italy, and eventually, the world. Today, it’s a time to slow down, appreciate the present, and savour both the company and the flavours on the table.

So, let’s look at Italy’s most iconic aperitivo cocktails. These drinks are more than just classy clinkers—they’re a gateway to understanding the heart and soul of Italian aperitivo cocktails. Get ready to discover the best aperitivo cocktails that bring a taste of Italy’s vibrant spirit to your glass.

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The Aperol Spritz: a symbol of summer

At the heart of aperitivo culture lies the Aperol Spritz, a cocktail that has become synonymous with a truly Italian aperitivo experience. This iconic drink, with its bright orange hue and zesty flavour, is a symbol of the carefree summertime spirit of Venice.

The Aperol Spritz has a celebrated history that reflects its evolution from a regional favourite to a global sensation. The origins of this delightful cocktail can be traced back to the Veneto region, where the tradition of combining Prosecco with a bitter liqueur was first dreamed up.

The Aperol Spritzowes its popularity to the innovative combination of Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water—a formula that was born in Padua and raised in Venice in the 1920s and 1930s.

Tasty pairings for your Aperol Spritz

Bruschetta with tomatoes and basil: The fresh, tangy flavours of this classic Italian starter pair beautifully with the bright citrus notes of an Aperol Spritz.

Arancini: These crispy, stuffed rice balls offer a savoury contrast to the drink’s bittersweetness.

Lemon sorbet: A refreshing and light dessert that harmonises with the zesty notes that underpin the drink.

Learn more: 9 Spritz Cocktails to Sip On this Summer

Campari Spritz: bitter elegance in a glass

The Campari Spritz is another classic aperitivo, a symbol of Milanese style and sophistication. This vibrant red cocktail is a harmonious blend of bitter Campari, bubbly Prosecco, and a splash of soda water. Its bold flavour and striking appearance have made it a global sensation. Whether you’re sipping on a terrace overlooking a canal or enjoying a rooftop view, the Campari Spritz is the quintessential accompaniment to your golden hour.

Mouth-watering pairings for your Campari Spritz

Grilled asparagus: The slightly charred, earthy taste of asparagus is a great match for the complex, herbal notes in a Campari Spritz.

Polenta fries: These crispy, golden fries offer a savoury pairing that complements the drink’s bold flavour.

Orange and almond cake: The citrusy, nutty flavours of this dessert echo Campari’s bitter orange notes, making for a harmonious pairing.

Also see: The 9 Best 3-Ingredient Cocktails to Try at Home

Cynar Spritz: bold bitterness and big flavour

For those on the lookout for a more adventurous aperitivo experience, the Cynar Spritz is a must-try. Made with Cynar, the distinctive artichoke-based amaro, this cocktail comes to the party with a complex and intriguing flavour profile.

Sweet, bitter, and herbaceous notes intertwine to create a truly unique taste sensation. If you’re an amaro lover or simply enjoy trying new things, the Cynar Spritz will surprise and delight your palate.

Food pairings to upgrade your Cynar Spritz

Focaccia with rosemary: The aromatic, herb-infused bread highlights the herbal notes in the spritz.

Stuffed mushrooms: These savory bites enhance the cocktail’s deep, bittersweet profile.

Dark chocolate: The rich, slightly bitter taste of dark chocolate provides a delightful contrast to the herbal bitterness at the heart of this interesting drink.

Cheers, dears! A Beginner’s Guide to Cynar & the Best Cynar Cocktails

Crodino: the non-alcoholic spritz

Crodino is a delightful and sophisticated non-alcoholic aperitif that has captured the hearts of those seeking an alcohol-free sipping experience. With its complex blend of herbs and citrus, Crodino offers a captivating flavour profile without the alcohol content. It’s the perfect choice for those days when you want to sip on something gorgeous without any ABV in the mix.

Food pairings to enhance your Cynar Spritz

Pinzimonio with balsamic vinaigrette: Fresh vegetables with a tangy balsamic dip enhance the alcohol-free drink’s herbal and citrus notes.

Cauliflower and corn fritters with minty yoghurt dressing: The earthy sweetness of the vegetables, combined with the fresh herbs and zesty, creamy dip, make the herbaceous notes shine.

Edamame and sesame salad: The nutty, slightly sweet flavours of sesame and the freshness of edamame are beautifully offset against a citrus backdrop.

Cin Cin! 12 Classic Italian Cocktails You Need to Try

Picon Bière: A French-Italian fusion

Picon Bière is the unsung hero of aperitivo hour. Hailing from France, this unique blend of bitter orange liqueur and beer eventually found its way to Italy and quickly became a local favourite.

The bitterness of the Picon liqueur balances perfectly with the crispness of the beer, setting the scene for a complex and invigorating sip. It’s a drink that surprises and delights, making it the perfect conversation starter.

Delicious food pairings for your Picon Bière

Fries with aioli: Crispy fries with a garlic aioli dipping sauce offer a delicious counterpoint to the drink’s bitterness.

Quiche Lorraine: This hearty, savoury dish complements the robust flavours of Picon Bière.

Apple tart: The sweet and tart flavours of this dessert pair nicely with the bitter-orange notes of Picon Bière.

There you have it – five amazing aperitivo cocktails to try if you want to enjoy the delicious tradition of the Italian golden hour at home. For more inspiration, visit the Campari, Crodino, Cynar, and Aperol websites.