The aperitivo attracts everyone, from colleagues grabbing a spritz or a glass of wine after work to friends trying to catch up during the week. But how to make the aperitivo a different experience (and maybe even meet new people to share it with)? Here are six aperitivo ideas for an unusual happy hour!
The Apericena
It's aperitivo time, the craving is for a spritz, but hunger is already at dinner. The solution? The apericena!
Whether “Venetian style,” linked to the tradition of cicchetti—small plates and selections of appetizers, tartines, and sides—or “Milanese style,” more like a buffet, the aperitivo that turns into dinner is a must for a tasty yet informal evening.
Shareable dishes, trays, large plates full of focaccia and pizza slices, but not only that: real meals, from roasted skewers to rice salad. Many happy hour attendees come in groups of at least two or three: guests might feel the need to choose between a full dinner or just drinks, but you can make the decision easy by offering various easy-to-share dishes to choose from.
Some venues offer food and drink pairings, for example wine bars that serve boards of local cured meats and cheeses paired with the best wines. There are also special foods or drinks available only during aperitivo, or a special dish with unique homemade sauces. This creates an aura of exclusivity around the so-called apericena. In some bars and venues, chefs may also test new dishes during apericena to gauge interest before adding them to the official menu: discover and taste them first!
Aperitivo... at Lunch!
Who said aperitivo is only in the evening? Play with the unique timing of happy hour!
Aperitivo at lunch can be a great way to enjoy a lively break, with a friend or maybe colleagues, or an affordable meal alternative during the lunch break.
By the way, what do you think about brunch?
Aperitivos with Events
Art exhibitions, small concerts, language events like tandem or aperitivo events to meet new people.
Many venues organize events in collaboration with artists and artisans, combining the pleasure of a spritz with live music or a small local market where you can buy handmade clothes or handcrafted objects.
If you're not into art, you can always opt for fun evenings based on games: from beer pong, where players toss a ping-pong ball back and forth trying to land it in a beer glass, to quizzes involving the whole crowd, creating new opportunities to meet people.
Vegetarian Aperitivo
Can an aperitivo be light and even healthy? Yes, if you choose venues that offer organic craft beers, local wines without sulfites, and a selection of vegetarian tartines and snacks.
Discover the variety of vegetarian foods paired with the right wines or cocktails and take the opportunity to visit new venues, especially those opting for genuine and unique products instead of the usual industrial beers and chips.
Ethnic Aperitivo
Have you ever heard of Taco Tuesday? It's a trend very popular lately in America, drawing people to Mexican restaurants and bars on Tuesday nights to enjoy cerveza, margaritas, and tacos to their heart's content at a special price.
Well, you can look for similar special evenings for your aperitivo: Mexican night, Lebanese night to enjoy tabbouleh and falafel, Spanish night rich in tapas and sangria. Find your typical aperitivo and try new combinations of food and drinks!
Out of Town
In the mountains, on a boat, at the beach, or simply away from the usual downtown spots to enjoy better prices. Wide spaces, gardens, a beautiful view of the gulf or hills: wherever you are, you'll find places to drink well and accompany your drinks with local specialties.
By the way, have you ever tried aperitivo in a vineyard?