5 APERITIVO DRINKS TO ADD TO YOUR BAR MENU
Originating in Northern Italy, aperitivo is a popular tradition among both locals and tourists alike. While many travelers associate aperitivo with an American happy hour, it’s actually much more than that. The latin roots of the word actually mean to open or be open to, in this sense the drink and light snacks which are meant to stimulate your appetite before dinner. This concept is directly related to the Italian belief that appetite comes when you eat. An aperitif serves as a way to whet your appetite before dinner while also allowing you to unwind with friends and family by chatting and catching up. Connecting with friends and family is at the very heart of Italian culture and aperitivo is one of the ways in which Italians celebrate this idea.
A fun way to incorporate some local flare into your wedding is by simply adding a few aperitivo staples to your bar menu. These drinks are not only attractive but they also taste delicious!
Spritz
This quintessential cocktail is extremely refreshing and vibrant, perfect for your summertime wedding! The classic spritz consists of prosecco, Aperol, and a splash of soda water garnished with a fresh slice of orange.
Bellini
Sweeter than an aperol spritz, the peach bellini is made with white peaches and prosecco. Also colorful and full of flavor, this delicious drink pairs perfectly with a summer wedding.
Negroni
The negroni is a classic aperitivo drink perfect for your guests that like gin based cocktails and more bitter citrusy drinks. This cocktail is made with gin, campari, sweet red vermouth, and garnished with a fresh slice of orange.
Hugo Spritz
The Hugo is a revitalizing cocktail creating by mixing together elderflower cordial, prosecco, fresh mint, and lime. This classy drink is sure to kick off your big day in style!
Americano
The iconic americano is prepared using campari, red vermouth, a splash of soda water, and of course, garnished with a fresh orange slice. Like the negroni, this drink is decidedly on the bitter side and a great way to enjoy the lively flavors of campari.
Give your guests a taste of Italy and your bar menu a pop of color by adding any or all of these Italian aperitivo cocktails to your destination wedding bar menu! On your special day, celebrate connecting with family and friends with this twist on a classic Italian tradition.