The Happiest Hour in Florence

Aperitivo: a pre-dinner Italian ritual meant to open the palate and prepare the mind for the meal that lies ahead. A glamified happy hour, this delicate meal allows for Italians to catch up with friends or family while enjoying a light drink and complimentary “tastes” of Italian food for only 5 to 10 euros. These “tastes” can include endless arrays of cold or hot food served at a buffet, where plates can be filled with couscous, various pasta and rice dishes, breads, or slices of prosciutto, just to name a few. Common drinks to pair with the food include cocktails or dry wines meant to keep the mouth refreshed and ready for the next bite.

To properly enjoy and understand this ritual, it is important to recognize the difference between aperitivo and aperitif. The aperitif is commonly confused with the aperitivo, and is the pre-dinner drink sipped before the meal arrives. It is meant to energize one's appetite and should be dry and low in alcohol content (e.g.; Prosecco or Americano).

Aperitivo was created in Milan during the late 1860’s by a man named Gaspare Campari. He opened Cafe Campari, a local city bar that offered customers a bitter drink meant to stimulate their appetite. Although this drink was peculiar for its time, today we know it as the classic aperitif - the Americano (a mixture of Campari, vermouth, and club soda). This creation sparked the idea of accompanying food with a beverage, causing aperitivo to be born and the social lives of many to be brought to life.

For the Italian people, eating is not just a time spent filling your stomach with food. It is an experience where spending time with family and friends is the main ingredient. The best part about this great Italian pastime is the ability to spend time with old friends, while simultaneously making new ones. Sitting around a table overflowing with both delightful food and people is how every meal should be greeted. When settling in at a local cafe or bar to enjoy your first or next aperitivo, it is important to take time to celebrate these moments and remember how great it is to be surrounded by those you love and be filled with the rich tastes of Italy. Don’t forget to also raise your glass and offer a proper Italian “salute” or “cin cin” to great food and friends.

This post was written by Kelsie Basile, a Junior studying Public Health. She plans to get her Masters of Public Health and aspires to become a Nurse Practitioner in Women’s Health.