The Future of Aperitivo

Aperitivo has been around since Roman times—yes, way back then. What started as a little appetite-stirring ritual with herbal drinks has turned into something much bigger. It’s no longer just Italian; it’s gone global. And today, it’s taking on some seriously interesting twists.

So, what´s a classic?

I am going to prove my clairvoyant skills to you and say that you thought of Aperol Spritz. That orange bubbly, slightly bitter delight we´ve all come to love and adore. Any other? I am sure you thought of good old Campari, and if not, then a vermouth. Of course, whenever we hear aperitivo, we associate it with a bitter-sweet taste and some snacks on the side, with a beautiful terrace and a sunset in the background. Times are changing, and while we all love a good classic, it’s fair to ask: is aperitivo ready for its own twist? Spoiler alert: it already is.

The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Aperitivo

Ever since the “Sober Curious” movement started to grow its follower base, people wondered if they had to cancel their aperitivo time. Absolutely no! The beverage industry was ready for you way before you could imagine. For example, Crodino, an Italian non-alcoholic orange-flavored beverage, has been a favorite for years among those who don’t want a percentage in the glass. You can have it on its own, or make a spritz out of it. I tried it, it’s delicious.

What other option can we explore?

There are plenty of herbal and botanical infusions that could be served hot or iced. Want something fizzy? Try a kombucha or a crafted soda. And if you still want it a little stronger, but maybe on the lower side of the scale, more and more bars and mixologists offer low-ABV flights. For example, Americano has been the low-alcohol choice over Negroni for decades, and it’s just as good.

Aperitivo as a Wellness-Ritual

Wellness has become part of our lives. The more we learn about our health, body, and mental health, the more we want to take care of it. How does aperitivo fit into this lifestyle? Stress is one of our biggest enemies, leading to many health issues. Now, imagine we could take this magic hour to take a breath. There are many ways to make aperitivo more relaxing, yet health-conscious.

For example, offering a healthier herbaceous beverage full of nutrients, substituting classic snacks for superfood-infused ones like kale chips. And let’s not forget our mind. Now picture this: a bar where no phones are allowed during aperitivo hour. Just you, your friends, some good drinks, and zero notifications buzzing. A total “Digital Detox” — and honestly, I think it could be the next big thing. Don’t we all need a breather from our screens?

Sustainable Aperitivo

Everyone thrives on sustainability in any industry, and Food & Beverage is no exception. I see more and more places going more sustainable even at aperitivo time. Wondering how? Let me show you.

Going zero-waste. More and more bars have started offering so-called “Zero-Waste Aperitivo Hour.” Creating cocktails that utilize everything: the peel, the grain, to ensure that nothing ends up thrown away. Add some zero-waste snacks, and you have your perfect sustainable formula.

If you want to go further, go local! Curious as I am, I have tried so many local bitters and vermouths worldwide that are not a drop worse than the commercialized ones. It’s good and can even be more cost-effective while being more community-oriented and helping our planet.

And to top it off? Serve it all in reusable serveware: platters and glasses made with eco-friendly materials.

Aperitivo Meets Global Fusion

How about we take Italian traditions and fuse them with global flavors? I know, but hear me out. The idea has been growing among foodies. We love it all, so give it all to us at once. Imagine sushi-inspired aperitivo like tuna tartare crostini? And next to it, you get a Sake Spritz or yuzu-infused Negroni. Or something more leaning towards Mexican cuisine? Mezcal-based cocktails and spiced guacamole bruschetta.

This is the real deal when it comes to twisting the classic. Sure, I’ve seen a cocktail or snack here and there with a global twist, but who’s brave enough to go all in? Imagine a whole aperitivo inspired by sushi, tacos, or mezcal. I think it’s time we made this a thing.

Aperitivo on the Go

This is something we see developing more and more. Nowadays, you can find various mixes and packs in boxes ready for preparation at home. On top of that, most of the biggest companies we associate with this time of the day have started producing individual premade formats: Campari Soda, or Aperol Spritz in little bottles. 

We also see more and more “aperitivo trucks” at food festivals, offering a drink and a snack, as well as little stand-up bars that do not provide seating and you can either take your aperitivo to go or at the counter standing.

Okay, so this one’s not as big yet, but hear me out: subscription boxes. See this — a package with seasonal snacks, ready-to-mix drinks, and all the aperitivo vibes delivered straight to your door every month. It’s a fun idea for businesses looking to bring aperitivo to their customers’ homes, don’t you think?

Some other ideas:

As of today, creativity and innovation are always welcomed, and although we all love a good old classic, people get more experimental as their thirst for something new grows. There are many ways we can diversify our “aperitivo hour”, so let me throw in a couple of more ideas:

• Seasonal aperitivo. Offer a spiced-up negroni and warm snack in winter, or botanical-driven cocktails in spring. This is also your chance to go green and sustainable, as you can offer bites based on seasonal availability. 
• Aperitivo Activities. You can do a tasting menu with mini cocktails, snacks, and combinations. Or collaborations with live music, or art exhibitions.

As you can see, everything evolves, and our aperitivo is transforming too. The options are infinite and there is always a creative way to twist that classic to satisfy any imagination or taste. So, what will your next aperitivo experience look like?