Recipes
All you need for an Italian aperitivo at home: a few good drinks, some salty snacks and plenty of time to linger. No plane ticket or passport required.
In Italy, aperitivo is a popular pre-dinner tradition that kicks off the evening with light drinks, small bites and good company. The word aperitivo comes from the Latin word for “to open,” and the tradition has long been associated with “opening the stomach,” or stimulating the appetite for dinner. Think of it like a warm-up to the main meal, when people meet between 6 and 9 p.m. for cocktails made with bitter spirits, like Campari or Aperol. These aperitifs pair perfectly with salty snacks, like marinated olives, crostini, arancini and cured meats, which are light enough to enjoy without overshadowing dinner.
Aperitivo isn’t quite like an American happy hour, and that’s part of its appeal. Both can be an excuse to meet up and socialize over drinks and snacks, but aperitivo is less about maximizing a discount and more about easing into the evening. The food and drinks are only part of the experience—it’s more about taking your time and catching up with friends.
The next time you’re planning a happy hour, offer an Italian aperitivo instead. Make a few tried-and-true cocktails, set out some salty bites and give everyone plenty of time to linger before sitting down for a homemade Italian dinner.
1/17
Recipes
Aperol Spritz
From the Recipe Creator:
An Italian classic, this cocktail is light, refreshing and packed with citrusy orange notes from Aperol. The drink’s bitterness is well-balanced with the combination of bubbly club soda and sweet prosecco, creating an enjoyable sip. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
2/17
Recipes
Hugo Spritz Cocktail
From the Recipe Creator:
This light and refreshing Hugo spritz cocktail takes notes from fresh mint and elderflower. It’s the perfect summer sipper. —Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon
3/17
Recipes
Limoncello Spritzer
From the Recipe Creator:
A perfect hint of lemon highlights in this popular, refreshing cooler.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
4/17
Recipes
Lambrusco Spritz
From the Recipe Creator:
A Lambrusco spritz is basically an Aperol spritz that uses your favorite red wine instead of Prosecco. If you love Aperol or Lambrusco, this simple drink is worth a try. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
5/17
Recipes
Negroni
From the Recipe Creator:
A classic Italian cocktail, the Negroni is a great go-to drink for any occasion, requiring only three ingredients. It’s easy to whip up and will impress guests with its bold and flavorful ingredients. —Lauren Grant, Minneapolis, Minnesota
6/17
Recipes
Bruschetta
From the Recipe Creator:
I drew inspiration from my grandma’s recipe for this garden-fresh bruschetta. The crisp bread and tomato goodness make a great party appetizer, but the dish also works alongside your favorite Italian entree. —Jean Franzoni, Rutland, Vermont
7/17
Recipes
Marinated Olives
From the Recipe Creator:
Our son often made these olives for holiday get-togethers. They are simple to make and add a little zest to the other offerings on the buffet table. —Marguerite Shaeffer, Sewell, New Jersey
8/17
Recipes
Charcuterie Board
From the Recipe Creator:
Knowing how to make a charcuterie board is a great skill to rely on when hosting any type of gathering. This recipe has everything you could ask for on a board—cheeses, meats, crackers, fruits and veggies and pickles and nuts. —Josh Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
9/17
Recipes
Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia
From the Recipe Creator:
This bread looks inviting and doesn’t disappoint when you take a bite. The sun-dried tomatoes and red onions give it an extra-special appearance, making it fit for any celebratory meal. —Kathy Katz, Ocala, Florida
12/17
Recipes
Caprese Skewers
From the Recipe Creator:
Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
13/17
Recipes
Whipped Goat Cheese Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve learned to bake a double batch of these crisp dunking cookies, because one batch goes too fast! —H. Michaelsen, St. Charles, Illinois
14/17
Recipes
Saffron Arancini
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother moved in with us about eight years ago and started making this side dish. Now that she is her ninety’s, I’ve taken over the duty of making these unique rice balls. Everyone in our family is thrilled to see them when they are placed on the table.—Elizabeth Blake, Chesapeake, Virginia
15/17
Recipes
Red Pepper Tapenade
From the Recipe Creator:
When entertaining, I often rely on my pepper tapenade recipe because it takes only 15 minutes to whip up and pop in the fridge. Sometimes I swap out the almonds for walnuts or pecans. —Donna Magliaro, Denville, New Jersey
16/17
Recipes
Grilled Nectarine & Cheese Crostini
From the Recipe Creator:
At our house, we love the summer tastes of sweet grilled nectarines and fresh basil over goat cheese. I can usually find all the ingredients at the farmers market. —Brandy Hollingshead, Grass Valley, California
17/17
Recipes
Spicy Nut Mix
From the Recipe Creator:
Cumin and chili powder give extra oomph to the classic homemade nut mix. It’s a smart solution for holiday snacking and gift giving. —Delores Hill, Helena, Montana