From Rome to Home: Embracing the Italian Aperitivo for a Perfect Evening Unwind

By A Venturing Nomad 

The act of early evening drinks is not unique to Italy; in colonial days, the act of sun-downers was legendary amongst a certain 'set'; our North American sisters will certainly enjoy cocktail hour, and I've even visited some bars closer to home that have their 5'O Clockers crowd that stop for a beer on their way home from work. But like most things, the Italians just seem to do this better, and Aperitivo is as much a part of Italian culture as a British Sunday Roast.

Coming from the Italian word Aperto, to open, this is literally designed to 'open' the stomach before dining, much later in the day. So around five pm-ish, you will gradually notice the bars and cafes gently filling up, especially outside on a warm summer evening when the heat of the day is starting to subside and the evening respite encourages a more social soiree as couples and groups effortlessly fill the chairs and tables under the ever-present parasols.

By six pm, most cafes and bars are quietly full, and the gentle tide of people fills up around you without you noticing. For a town's main square, there seem to be more people than you've seen all day. It feels like the piazza is a party, and everyone seems to be invited. Aperitivo is not just about the drinks and food; it's about the shared experience and the sense of community it creates.

To outsiders, this can feel slightly unsettling, as if, like me, I stumble upon this practice on my first trip to Italy rather than be introduced to it. After the gentle increase in the number of people, the next sign is the small bites of food that will start to accompany your drink orders; my original naivety was to say, "Oh I didn't order this" It can be as simple as some crisps or nuts, each bar tends to have its way of doing things. Some teeny-cut sandwiches can be ceremoniously delivered as can some small pizza squares, meatballs and a dipping sauce, really anything that can be handled by fingers and shared with friends.

There is an air of civilisation to this magical couple of hours, for as soon as it's started, by 7.30, it is time for the next act on stage as people gradually drift away to change for dinner. This tradition is so lovely that it's one I have brought home, and especially during that balmy summer of lockdown, my daughter and I would finish our respective screen time around 5 pm and wander to the sunny evening corner of the garden, a cocktail for me, an apple juice for her (she was only ten at the time) and a selection of little bites to savour and share.

Just like when we were in Italy, it's a chance to slow down, to sit and talk, to put devices away, to enjoy a libation, the evening sun, and snacks—a perfect way to end the working day. So whether it's Rotherham or Rome, do as the Romans do and have an Aperitivo.

Not travelling overseas until age 19, this Venturing Nomad's work and life have taken her to just under 70 countries, with more adventures always planned. Twelve years as a Diplomat led to excitement and adventures across the globe, and she is now enjoying travelling with her young daughter and seeing the world afresh through her eyes.

A published author in fact and fiction, she firmly believes in the mantra "take only photos - leave only footprints". More of a feeder than a foodie, she has cooked her way around the globe, from the hill tribes in Thailand, Nonna's kitchen in Italy to the beachfront hotel in Morocco. There is always a story and, more importantly, a recipe.

You can contact her at [email protected]