The Italians have got it right. Not just in their approach to life, measured by pleasure as opposed to productivity. Proper lunches, unhurried conversations, a perfect espresso, a walk before dinner. Their cultural instinct to savour, pressing pause, even briefly, and enjoying the in-between moments. Nowhere is this more beautifully expressed than in the aperitivo hour. Not a party, not a meal, just a small window of time carved out for good drinks, simple bites, and better company. Sometimes, a day just needs a soft landing. A little space between work and whatever comes next. That’s where aperitivo comes in.

What to Pour

Aperitivo is 50 percent importance on the drink and 50 percent on the snack. We're not into anything too hard for an aperitivo, it's usually still daylight after all. A few favourites that feel right with the evening light:

  • Aperol Spritz (of course) - we like to go for 3,2,1 parts of Aperol, Prosecco, and soda on top of lots of ice, it's the best ratio, trust us
  • Vermouth on ice - red or white over ice, with a slice of orange or lemon peel
  • Negroni Sbagliato - equal parts sweet vermouth, Campari, and Prosecco
  • Sparkling water with a slice of blood orange - chic, refreshing, and non-alcoholic
  • Prosecco, icy cold rosè or Sancerre - don't be afraid to slip a few ice cubes into your wine, it's the right thing to do on a warm evening

What to Serve

No need for full plates, just a few small things that taste delicious and tide us over to dinner:

  • Marinated olives with orange peel
  • A bowl of almonds, lightly warmed in the oven
  • Thick cut crisps with cream cheese and caviar
  • A wedge of cheese and a small spoon of honey
  • A few good dips (whipped feta, trout pâté, green tahini)

How to Enjoy It

The key is doing it often enough that it doesn’t feel like a treat, it just feels like a good part of life. Even on weekdays. Especially on weekends. Make the best of it, use a linen napkin, sit outside in your garden, on your balcony or next to an open window. Hear the bustle outside slow. Allow the day to settle. Let yourself transition to a restful evening.

You don’t need the Italian coastline to make the day feel good, just a few small, thoughtful choices and the head space to enjoy them. That’s the aperitivo hour. A moment, well taken.

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