The aperitif is a typical Italian custom, it reflects perfectly the Italian way of life. In fact, the tradition spread from one of the capital of the fashion: Milan.
From Milan the custom for the evening appetizer, the happy hours, spreads in the rest of Europe and then the world.
But what is the Happy hour for Italian? The time of the appetizer or aperitif, as you prefer, is the time of day before dinner, between 6 and 8 pm, when people meet in a café or trendy pub to have a special drink, usually based on alcohol. Together with the drink you eat also small portion of food, depending on the place you can find different things like peanuts, chips, rice, pasta and pizza etc.
The aperitif was consumed also by Romans who used to drink the mulsum based on wine and honey before their meal. The trend of appetizer blew up during the 1800 across all the major Italian cities: Florence, Venice, Turin, Rome, Milan.
Why do not propose an appetizer for parties to relatives and friends? This could be an original idea to welcome people at home: a good drink, little snacks, delicious cakes and the atmosphere becomes magic.
Amaze your guests with original cocktails and fill your house of love and joy. Here are the exclusive recipes of appetizers: most origine directly from the Italian tradition.
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10. Bellini
Bellini dates back 1950 and it was invented by Giuseppe Cipriani, owner of the famous Harry’S Bar in Venice for a particular event. The special occasion refers to the inauguration of the art exhibition of the painter Giovanni Bellini.
How to make it? Blend peach and raspberry and add an abundant quantity of dry sparkling wine.
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9. Mimosa
The drink has been named after the famous flower, which in Italy is given to women for the women’s day in March. The drink is a mixture of prosecco and organic orange juice, alternatively you can substitute prosecco with champagne. Easy and delicious.
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8. Rossini
Rossini was a famous music composer in the 1800 and the drink holding the same name is a pleasant mixture of fruity notes. In fact, it is a glass of prosecco mixed with mashed strawberries and some lemon drops.
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7. Bloody Mary
This drinks took the name from Mary the First, Queen of England in 1500, who prosecuted ans executed thousands of protestants.
A part from the intriguing history, it is always a suitable cocktail for the happy hour and is also a good meal since it contains tomato sauce, celery, limon. Nevertheless, the Bloody Mary remains an alcoholic drink mainlymade up of vodka so be careful when you drink it.
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6. Cool passion
Cool passion is a trendy anahalcolic aperitifs, ideal to serve in a big carafe so that your guests can drink it all the night long. Surely more chic than the classic sugary bubble drinks. Here the ingredients for a perfect cool passion:
1 litre ananas juice
1 and a half litre of lemonade
crushed ice
Take all the liquid ingredients and shake them or stir energetically, then add the crushed ice.
This is a delicious mixture appreciated also by children.
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5.Negroni
One of the most common Italian is Negroni. This is a powerful mixture of alcoholic beverages, thus it is recommendable only for strong stomach. Here the secret recipe:
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4.Martini dry
Far more posh is the cocktail called Martini dry. The drink has misterious origin, in fact, someone claims that it derives from the name of the bartender who made if for first in a New York venue, other people do not agree.
Make sure you have all the ingredients and mix savly gin and dry vermut. Add a green olive and a slice of lemon. Obviously, all served in a Martini Glass.
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3. Fruit tonic
The analcholic version of the Gin Tonic is the fruit tonic: an explosive idea. How to do it?
In a big glass mix orange and lemon juice in the same quantity, then add tonic water to fill the glass. Trick the glass out with exquisite pieces of fruits in a stick: they will love it.
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2. Red Bikini
The name might lead you to think about tropical beaches and sun and then delight your guest with a touch of sunshine with a Red Bikini.
Easy to make, use a martini glass: stir a large portion of Martini Bitter, a bit or orange juice and it is done.
Remember to add some ice and a slice of lemon to make it more fresh.
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1. Spritz
Spritz is probably the most well known appetizer, sometimes you can even use this word as a substitute for the word aperitifs in Italian.
Its recipe is quite simple but tasty at the same time.
Do you want to surprise your guest, let’s prepare a true Italian spritz. Make sure you have Aperol, which is an alcoholic drink slightly bitter.
Take a glass half full of ice, then add some Aperol and white wine in the same quantity (better if sparkling), stir it. Add just a little quantity of soda water and a slice of orange.
Are you already thinking to prepare an aperitif to welcome some friends at home? Well, this sounds a perfect idea and if you prepare enough food for the event it might end up in a casual dinner without too much effort. But remember, the quality and the taste of drinks is fundamental in this occasions, then make it right and follow our recipes.