The Aperitivo is derived from Italy, “beverage that is alcoholic which is consumed prior to a meal with the intention to simulating the appetite”
This popular tradition comprises food and drink and who can resist, this should be a firm UK staple and a firm staple in my home so I thought I would share some tips and recipes on how to become the perfect Aperitivo hostess, complete with a shopping list to make life that little bit simpler.
Perfect time for Aperitivo:
7pm - 9pm.
What to drink
The classic aperitivo usually includes a cocktail with a bitter base commonly using Aperol or Campari mixed with a great fizz, such as Mionetto Prosecco and I have some recipes that you can create with ease, so it won't take you away from your guests.
You could even put the ingredients on the side on a bar cart with the recipe and let everyone create there own 'Pimp your Aperitivo'
The Mionetto Aperol Spritz
A refreshing Aperol Spritz, perfect for a chilled drink in the afternoon under the sun to start your Aperitivo with friends.
- Grab a balloon or wine glass.
- Fill with cubed ice (in this weather it would be a crime not to have this in your freezer)
- Combine 75ml of Mionetto Prosecco DOC Treviso with 50ml of Aperol
- Add a splash of Soda
- Garnish with a slice of fresh orange
Arancia Spritz
- 85ml chilled Mionetto Prosecco DOC Treviso
- 55ml San Pellegrino Aranciata
- 30ml Campari
- Fresh Mint
- Orange Slice
- Mix all the ingredients in a wine glass - leave the Mionetto Prosecco till the end.
- Add ice, then stir to chill.
- Top up with prosecco.
- Garnish with mint and a slice or orange.
Mionetto Italian Honeysuckle
- 75ml chilled Mionetto Prosecco DOC Treviso
- 1 slice of jalapeno
- 15 ml lime juice
- 15 ml sugar syrup
- 30 ml Blanco Tequlia
- Muddle the jalapeno slice and the lime juice.
- Add the sugar syrup, Blanco tequlia, ice - then shake.
- Strain into a glass, add the Mionetto Prosecco DOC Treviso
- Add a jalapeno slice to finish off your cocktail
Food
Transport your guests over to Italy for your aperitivi and create some delicious nibbles. You do not need to go wild but put on a small spread of some different items and use your creativity. In Italy each bar presents Aperitivi in a different way so feel free to mix it up in any way you would like.
Crostini
More fondly known as, ‘little toasts’ mine are the ones that come in a packet but if you want to go all out grab a ciabatta and baste in olive oil, garlic and roast some vine tomatos.
Pasta Salad
In a large bowl, toss together fusilli pasta, mozzarella pearls, salami,
bell peppers, spinach, tomatoes and olives. Prepare a simple dressing with
olive oil, vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, parsley, and chilli fakes and add
to the bowl. Season with salt and pepper and refrigerate before serving.
Roasted Vegtables
To add some beautiful colour to the table use a range of vegetables, I went for courgettes and vine tomatoes. I just covered with a bit of olive oil, basil and
oregano. Roast for 10-15 minutes.
Olives and more olives
You can't go to Italy and not have olives so create a medley of them - you can't go overboard.
Italian Cheese and Prosciutto Board
This is always a winner, grab a wooden serving board and place a selection of regional cheeses (my favourites are Reggiano Parmesan and slices of Pecorino with some chilli jam) and lots of prosciutto.
Ambiance
The key is to make the afternoon as relaxed as possible and a bit of sun never hurt anyone. So simplicity will help you here, don't over complicate it - you're not hosting a dinner party and everyone wants a stress free afternoon and hosts also need to be stress free.
Choose great friends to join you to eat and drink your perfect Aperitivi with great conversation.
For the decor you can add some Italian vibes with greenery and oranges - my little trees are from Ikea, which add to the simplicity of the afternoon.
This post is in collaboration with Mionetto.
