What Is It and What Are Its Origins?
There’s nothing like a good Italian Aperitivo Selection to whet your appetite before dinner. An ancient tradition, aperitivo is the perfect way to enjoy some delicious snacks with friends and family while sipping on a refreshing drink. But what is it exactly? And where did it come from?
Aperitivo (meaning “to open up” in Latin) originated as early evening Pre-meal Italian drinks taken before the main course was served. It usually consisted of delicate food items such as olives, cheese, cured meats, and bread. In more recent times, however, its definition has broadened to include any alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage enjoyed with small finger foods.
As a result, aperitif hour has become one of the most popular traditions in Italy – so much so that there are now dedicated bars devoted entirely to serving them!
The typical Italian aperitivo spread features an assortment of tasty tidbits that can be savored while seated at the bar or standing around chatting with friends. Olives, nuts, bruschetta, focaccia, assorted pizzas, and pastries are all common fixtures on menus across the country. Some establishments even get creative by offering regional delicacies such as seafood.
Types Of Drinks Served as Part of Aperitivo Selection
There is no definitive answer to this question, as the drinks that are served during an aperitivo hour vary from place to place. However, some of the most common beverages that are enjoyed during this period include wine, beer, and cocktails.
In particular, Italian wines are often considered the perfect accompaniment to pre-dinner snacks. This is because they tend not to be overly strong or heavy, so they won’t overwhelm your palate and distract you from enjoying your food. In addition, there is a vast array of different types of wine available in Italy (ranging from crisp whites to robust reds), meaning that everyone can find something that suits their taste preferences.
Beer also tends to be popular during aperitivo hours, particularly among those who enjoy the light and refreshing brews over heavier ones. And lastly, cocktails – which can generally encompass any drink – offer versatility by catering to those who want something sweet or fruity and those who prefer more potent libations!
Selection Of Delicious Italian Appetizers to Enjoy with Your Drink
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a delicious Italian appetizer and your Refreshing Italian drinks during aperitivo hour. From savory meats and cheeses to sweet pastries and fruit, there are countless tasty options to choose from.
Suppose you’re looking for something salty and savory. In that case, some of our favorites include assorted olives, meatballs in marinara sauce, prosciutto-wrapped melon slices, Parmesan crisps dipped in balsamic vinegar reduction, and bruschetta with creamy mozzarella cheese and fresh tomatoes.
For those who prefer something on the sweeter side, we recommend trying arancini (fried rice balls stuffed with risotto), bomboloni (deep-fried doughnuts filled with jam or Nutella), crostata di Frutta (a rustic tart made of shortcrust pastry crust filled with various types of fruit), cannoli (cream-filled tubes of Sicilian origin typically filled with ricotta cheese but also can be found versions containing tiramisu filling or chocolate chip filling), and fried pizza Fiori di Zucca (pizza dough rolled out very thin then deep-fried). Yum!
