In recent times, Americans have wholeheartedly adopted the Italian tradition of aperitivo hour, a time for relaxing and indulging in low-alcohol beverages accompanied often by appetizers, serving as a prelude to dinner. The adoption of this culture is stateside suggests a changing dynamic in the way Americans approach social gatherings and unwind after a day’s work. The question is: Why and how did the aperitivo hour magnetize America?

Initially, aperitivos were beverages imbued with bittersweet liqueurs or vermouth, concocted to cleanse the palate and ignite a sense of hunger before a meal. The aperitivo was more than a drink; it encompassed a philosophy of leisure, of savoring the simple joys of life, represented by a chilled glass carrying hints of citrus and spice that invoked a convivial atmosphere.

It was and still is, a celebratory act of coming together, an early evening respite to catch up with friends or colleagues. Marissa Huff elucidated this in her book, defining it as a core aspect of Italian society, a practice that transformed an ordinary early evening into an opportunity for relaxation and camaraderie.

The Historic Developments of Aperitivo

The Aperitivo tradition originates in Turin, Northern Italy, a locale that pioneered the production of bitters and vermouth in the late 18th century. The creation of vermouth is credited to Antonio Benedetto Carpano, setting a precedent for an array of beverages, enjoyable not just for perceived health benefits but for their delightful sweetness.

Gaspare Campari then spearheaded the next revolution in the 19th century, introducing the world to his renowned crimson liqueur. This era also witnessed the inception of the iconic Milano-Torino cocktail at Caffè Camparino in Milan, which later evolved into the Americano and inspired the birth of the Negroni in the 1920s. Each of these milestones shaped the varied palette of drinks we associate with aperitivo today.

It Flowed over In America

Over the last ten years, we’ve seen a remarkable shift in the way we Americans enjoy our evenings. The Italian tradition of the aperitivo hour has significantly influenced this change, extending its delightful presence throughout the entire evening, much past its customary pre-dinner time frame. It offers us a relaxed, prolonged, and enriched drinking experience centered around the enjoyment of light alcoholic concoctions paired beautifully with appetizers that please both the palate and the eye.

The aperitivo hour, a cherished Italian tradition, is rooted in the leisurely enjoyment of bittersweet beverages, specially crafted to enhance the sense of anticipation for the meal to follow. It’s not just about the drink itself but the state of mind it evokes — one of relaxation, camaraderie, and a sense of ease that encourages us to slow down and enjoy the moment.

What has notably caught our fancy is the kaleidoscope of flavors these aperitivo drinks bring to our evenings. Traditional Italian liquors have found a comfortable home here, with many being utterly enamored by their varied profiles. Simultaneously, innovative spirits have burst onto the scene, bringing a whirlpool of fresh, vibrant flavors like yuzu, ginger, and orange peel, expanding the aperitivo palette to new, exciting directions.

But how did we stumble upon this fantastic ritual that blends leisure with enjoyment so seamlessly?

It seems that our evolving tastes and the desire for relaxed, prolonged social interactions have guided us here. Over the past decade, as we opened ourselves more to global influences and sought experiences that prioritize enjoyment without haste, the aperitivo hour found a perfect match in our evolving lifestyle. It resonates with our inclination to value the present, indulging in hearty conversations over drinks that are more about the moment than the drink.

So, when we talk about the aperitivo hour, we talk about more than a tradition. It is a celebration of the here and now, a time to unwind, reconnect, and simply enjoy being in the good company of friends, with a fine drink in hand. It’s a ritual that encourages us to find joy in the simple things, to appreciate the blend of good company and good flavors, and to do so with a sense of ease and delight.

The Science Behind the Ritual

The very crafting of an aperitivo drink considers the human physiological response to bitter flavors, perceived traditionally as a sign of poison, inducing a craving for nutrients to counteract the supposed harmful effects. This is the magic behind the appetite-whetting quality of these cocktails

Easy-to-Make, Pleasure-to-Serve

A significant aspect steering the popularity of the aperitivo in America is the simplicity of preparation. A classic example is the Spritz, which embodies the essence of aperitivo with just three primary ingredients, forming a beacon of Italian culture in a glass.

There’s an abundant variety to choose from, and one can experiment with different liqueurs and ingredients without getting bogged down in complex recipes. The emphasis is on enjoying the drink, the company, and the moment, a mantra reinforced by Pablo Moix, co-owner of Scopa, encouraging enthusiasts not to overthink it, but to indulge in the simplicity and pleasure that aperitivo brings. That being said, here is your quick tip guide to crafting 2 of the top aperitivo hour cocktails to make the most of your evenings:

Spritz

This cocktail is both easy to make and delightfully refreshing. Here’s how you can create the classic Spritz at home:

Ingredients:

• 2 parts Aperol or Campari
• 3 parts prosecco or any other sparkling wine
• 1 part soda water
• Ice cubes
• A slice of orange for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass (typically a wine glass) halfway with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the Aperol or Campari, followed by the prosecco.
3. Top it off with a splash of soda water.
4. Gently stir to combine the ingredients well.
5. Garnish with a slice of orange.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing cocktail that brings Italy to your home.

Americano

Another simple yet classic cocktail you can enjoy during the aperitivo hour is the Americano:

Ingredients:

• 1 part Campari
• 1 part sweet vermouth (like Cocchi Vermouth di Torino)
• A splash of soda water
• Ice cubes
• An orange slice or a twist of lemon peel for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a lowball or Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes.
2. Add the Campari and sweet vermouth to the glass.
3. Add a splash of soda water to bring a refreshing fizz to the cocktail.
4. Stir gently to blend the ingredients harmoniously.
5. Garnish with an orange slice or a twist of lemon peel to add a zesty note.
6. Your Americano is ready to be served. Enjoy this classic that has stood the test of time, offering a harmonious blend of bitterness and sweetness, coupled with a fizzy delight.

Beneath these tangible aspects lies the innate human desire for connection, relaxation, and a break from the routine, elements that the aperitivo hour perfectly provides. It’s an example of the slow life, an invitation to sit back, converse, laugh, and appreciate the present, anchored by a drink that is as rich in history as it is in flavor.

In the end, the adoption of the aperitivo hour is more than a trend; it is America’s nod to a tradition that values the beauty of the moment, establishing it as a practice here to stay, offering a slice of Italian culture.