These are the drinks and snacks we’ll be rustling up for anyone who might want to join us in the garden – plus the accessories that set the whole affair off beautifully.
The Drinks
Summer aperitifs are best kept simple, light and refreshing.
Hugo Spritz
Olive Magazine
A chic alternative to the Aperol, the Hugo Spritz is fragrant with elderflower, bright with lime and mint, and topped with plenty of prosecco. Lighter, fresher and wonderfully easy to drink on a warm evening, serve it over ice in a large wine glass. Instantly celebratory.
Get the recipe.
White Peach Bellini
Gourmet Food Store
As any Venice cognoscenti knows, a proper Bellini – the cocktail that made Harry’s Bar famous the world over – is always made with the puréed flesh of white peach, and topped, of course, with prosecco (what else?). It takes a mere two minutes to pull together, is endlessly refreshing (not to say moreish) and delivers a slice of la dolce vita straight to your garden table.
Get the recipe.
Bicicletta Spritz
Olive Magazine
A lesser-known Italian classic, the Bicicletta combines dry white wine with Campari and sparkling water for a bittersweet aperitif that is crisp, refreshing and decidedly stylish. Less sweet than many spritzes, it’s the perfect way to see out the day as the sun begins to dip.
Get the recipe.
The Snacks
Crisps and olives will always be classic. But if you do want to push the boat out on the little bites front, try rustling up these highly moreish morsels to soak up the rounds of drinks.
Courgette Fritters
Julius Roberts
Julius Roberts is a big fan of cooking outdoors, so it stands to reason that he should know just what to rustle up for an aperitivo hour en plein air. We love the zingy mint and refreshing tzatziki accompaniment – these beauties encapsulate perfectly the flavours of the season, and will, doubtless be gone in flash.
Get the recipe.
Bruschetta With Ricotta & Crispy Prosciutto Di Parma
Parma Crown
Given that the Italians know a thing or two about proper aperitivo, it is naturally right and proper to mine their expertise in the matter. This medley of crunch, cream and salt could not be more beautifully balanced – nor more perfect for soaking up the drinks as they flow.
Get the recipe.
Easy Cheese Straws
BBC/ Michel Roux Junior
It is a scarce few who would not fall upon a plate of delicious cheese straws when presented at a party. Easy yet impressive and devilishly moreish, we guarantee they’ll be hoovered up no sooner than they hit the table.
Get the recipe.
The Accessories
An aperitivo hour is, of course, as much about the atmosphere as it is the drinks. Well-chosen pieces can transform a tray of nibbles and a bottle of prosecco in the sun into something that feels dreamy.
Toast
Hand Woven Siesta Check Bread Bag, £25
Toast's Hand-Woven Siesta Check Bread Bag is perfect for serving everything from grissini and cheese straws to hunks of focaccia, bringing a relaxed Mediterranean feel to the table.
Buy it.
Westwing
Hand-Painted Serving Platter Sirène, £49.99
The charming hand-painted Sirène serving platter provides a suitably elegant stage for olives, bruschetta and other small bites.
Buy it.
Garden Trading
Harlton Tablecloth Wide Stripe, £96
A striped linen cloth will always and instantly make your garden table feel chic, as this one from Garden Trading demonstrates beautifully.
Buy it.
Villa Bologna Pottery
Green Glug Glug Jug, £72
Villa Bologna Pottery's iconic Glug Glug Jug makes a wonderfully cheerful addition, whether filled with chilled water, spritzes or a handful of garden flowers.
Buy it.
The Glow Company
Citronella Firepot & Refills, from £4.99
Candlelight is the simplest way to create atmosphere – and all the better if, like this one, it deters pesky mosquitos from nipping at ankles.
Buy it.
Toast
Cotton Linen Napkin, £15
Finish with Toast's cotton-linen napkins adorned with summer motifs for an easy touch of colour – celebratory but without a whiff of the formal.
Buy it.
FAQs: Aperitivo Hour
What is an aperitivo?
An aperitivo is an Italian pre-dinner ritual centred around light drinks and small snacks designed to stimulate the appetite before a meal.
What drinks are traditionally served at aperitivo hour?
Popular aperitivo drinks include Aperol Spritz, Hugo Spritz, Negroni Sbagliato, Bellini, Campari and soda, and light white wines.
What snacks are served with aperitivo?
Olives, nuts, crisps, bruschetta, cheese straws, fritters and small savoury bites are all classic aperitivo accompaniments.
What time is aperitivo hour?
In Italy, aperitivo is typically enjoyed between 6pm and 8pm, as people gather before dinner.
Can you host an aperitivo party at home?
Absolutely. Aperitivo is one of the easiest forms of entertaining, requiring only a few drinks, simple snacks and a relaxed atmosphere.
What's the difference between aperitivo and happy hour?
While happy hour focuses on discounted drinks, aperitivo is a social ritual that combines drinks with carefully chosen snacks and is intended to lead into dinner.
