Aperitivo and Digestivo – a factual introduction

Important note on alcohol

What is an Aperitivo?

An Aperitivo is not just about the glass, but about being together: a table with small bites, an unhurried pace, conversation. If you are not drinking, choose a non-alcoholic drink with a bitter note, soda with a slice of citrus or a non-alcoholic bitter. That, too, is entirely in the spirit of the tradition.

The Aperitivo is the convivial drink before the meal, often with small snacks such as olives, cheese or bread. It is meant to stimulate the appetite, which is why the drinks are usually light, bitter or fresh and tart, and not too strong. The Spritz comes from the Veneto and is the best-known example.

Spritz: basics

1. Fill a large glass with plenty of ice.
2. First the Prosecco, then the bitter, then soda – in a 3 : 2 : 1 ratio.
3. Stir briefly, garnish with an orange slice (and often an olive).

The more ice, the more slowly the drink gets watered down. Bitter and Prosecco should be well chilled. You can find the full recipe at Spritz.

Bitter styles: orange and red

Aperitivo bitters are liqueurs made from herbs, roots, citrus peel and bittering agents. Recipes are generally secret.

If you want to keep it simple, start with an orange bitter. To experiment, soda, tonic or orange juice work as a mixer in place of Prosecco. The color is also often shaped by coloring agents and says little about the taste.

Sweetness, bitterness and alcohol content differ from brand to brand. Read the label and compare.

Digestivo: Grappa

Grappa is a brandy made from pomace, that is, the press residue of wine grapes (skins, seeds, stems). In the EU, "Grappa" is a geographically protected spirit name: it must be distilled from pomace that was fermented and distilled in Italy. However, that says nothing about quality or taste.

• Single-varietal (monovitigno): The pomace comes from one grape variety. This shows the aroma profile of that grape; blends (polivitigno) are often more balanced.
• Young (giovane) or aged (invecchiata): Young Grappa is clear and fresh. Aged Grappa is stored in wooden casks, takes on color and wood notes and is rounder. Legal rules govern what aging period a label may claim, so pay attention to the designation.
• Serving temperature: Young Grappa is often enjoyed well chilled, aged Grappa rather at room temperature.
• Storage: Bottle upright, in the dark and cool, tightly closed. Unlike wine, Grappa does not continue to mature in the bottle.

Glasses

• Spritz: A large wine glass or wide tumbler, with enough room for ice.
• Grappa: A small, stemmed tulip-shaped glass that concentrates the aromas. An ordinary shot glass works too, but the aroma develops less well.
• Neat or on ice: A tumbler is suitable for bitter on the rocks.

You can find more on glass shapes in the guide to table and crafts.

Small bites for the Aperitivo

An Aperitivo without something to nibble on is rare. The small bites are meant to stimulate the appetite, not replace it, so they are small and rather savory or salty. In Veneto, people know Cicchetti, small bites served at the bar alongside a glass of wine or Spritz.

• Olives and pickled vegetables, ideally well drained.
• Cubes of cheese and thinly sliced ham or salami.
• Bruschetta or toasted bread with tomatoes, olive oil or spreads.
• Grissini, taralli or salty snacks.
• Nuts and chips when you need something quick.

Arrange everything on wooden boards or small bowls. You can find ideas for accessories on the Aperitivo page.

Non-alcoholic variations

Not everyone wants to or is allowed to drink alcohol, and that is of course part of it. There are non-alcoholic bitters that can be mixed with soda, tonic or orange juice. A glass of soda with ice, an orange or lemon slice and a sprig of rosemary also looks nice and tastes refreshing. For ready-made products, read the alcohol content on the label.

A simple way to start: a glass with plenty of ice, one part non-alcoholic bitter, three parts soda or tonic, plus an orange slice. Adjust the ratio to taste, since sweetness and bitterness vary by product.

Ice, temperature and glass

• Plenty of ice: Large ice cubes melt more slowly than small ones and dilute the drink less.
• Well chilled: Prosecco and soda straight from the fridge, and if needed, the glass briefly in the freezer beforehand.
• Prepare fresh: A Spritz tastes best right away; if it sits for a long time, it loses carbonation and freshness.
• Garnish: An orange slice adds aroma and looks good, while an olive suits the bitter note.

Aperitivo culture

In Italy, the Aperitivo is above all a social moment in the early evening. Habits differ from city to city: in the north, for example in Milan, a small buffet often comes with the drink, while in Venice the Spritz with Cicchetti is more the center of attention. The recipe matters less than the relaxed company.

A simple setup is enough at home: a table or balcony, a few bowls of small bites, chilled drinks and enough glasses. Plan several small bites per guest rather than one large portion, so everyone can help themselves as they like. Offer water and a non-alcoholic alternative with every alcoholic drink, and remember that spirits and drinks containing spirits may only be served to those aged 18 and over. If you still have to drive, don't drink anything.

As of: October 2026 · Legal notes under the German Youth Protection Act (JuSchG); Grappa as a geographical indication under the EU Spirits Regulation. General information, not health advice.