Aperitivo is an important part of Italian culture because it serves not only as a pre-dinner drink, but also as a social gathering and an opportunity to relax and unwind after work. It is a time for friends, family, and colleagues to come together and enjoy each other’s company, while sipping a drink and nibbling on small bites.
In addition to the social aspect, aperitivo also has a practical purpose. The small bites and drinks are intended to stimulate the appetite before dinner, and help to make the meal more enjoyable. In some regions of Italy, aperitivo is served with a variety of local specialties, which can showcase the flavors and traditions of the region.
The Negroni is a popular aperitif made with gin, Campari, and vermouth, and it is believed to have originated in Florence, Italy in the early 20th century. The drink was reportedly created by a bartender named Fosco Scarselli, who was asked by a regular customer named Count Camillo Negroni to make his Americano cocktail stronger by adding gin instead of soda water. The result was a delicious and potent cocktail that quickly became popular among the Count’s friends and acquaintances, and eventually spread throughout Italy and beyond. Today, the Negroni is considered a classic cocktail and is enjoyed by people all over the world.
Here is a classic Negroni recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Gin
- 1 oz Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth*
- 1 oz Campari
- Orange peel or slice, for garnish
- Ice
*Carpano Vermouth is an artisanal Italian sweet vermouth that was first produced in Turin, Italy, in the late 1700s by Antonio Benedetto Carpano. It is made from a blend of wines, fortified with a neutral spirit, and infused with a secret blend of botanicals, which can include herbs, roots, spices, and flowers. The best vermouth on the market.
Instructions:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add the gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
- Stir the mixture for about 20 seconds until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with one large ice cube.
- Garnish with an orange peel or slice.
Overall, aperitivo is an important part of Italian culture because it represents the importance of socializing, relaxation, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life.