The aperitivo is a sacred ritual in Italian culture. Though most often celebrated in the northern part of the country it’s freely enjoyed in Rome as well.

Aperitivo consists of a round of cocktails, mocktails, wine or beer between 5 and 7pm (before dinner) and accompanied by savory bites included in the price of the drink. Few activities beat the relaxing nature of sitting at a sidewalk cafè in the bustling Eternal City, while sipping an Aperol Spritz, Negroni, or flute of prosecco and munching on focaccia and olives.

Looking to get in on the action? Whether your in Italy or not, here’s the low-down on the traditional Italian aperitivo.

What to Drink

Aperol Spritz

The most classic Italian aperitivo cocktail. It’s made with Aperol (a bitter mixer made from Italian bitter oranges), prosecco, and sparkling water. Traditionally served in a stemmed glass with a slice of orange, it’s probably the most popular drink at any typical aperitivo.

Negroni

The other classic Italian aperitivo cocktail. It’s made by combining one part gin, one part dark vermouth, and one part Campari (an even more bitter liqueur made from an infusion of fruit and herbs) and served in a short glass with an orange slice.

Martini Cocktail

Not to be confused with an American-style Martini, the Martini cocktail is more like a cordial. It’s usually just a glass of ice with Martini brand vermouth, which is much sweeter and less alcoholic than the American counterpart gin and vermouth.

Bellini and Rossini

Both prosecco cocktails, Bellini is mixed with fresh peach purée while Rossini is mixed with a fresh strawberry purée. Both are fruity and delicious, perfect for a hot summer day.

Wine & Beer

Certain palates may prefer wine or beer with their Italian aperitivo, so a chilled Italian wine or beer is perfectly acceptable. While nearly all bars and restaurants will serve the mainstream Italian beers, like Moretti, Peroni, and the Italian Budweiser equivalent, Nastro Azzurro, you’ll often find that small craft beer producers are available as well. Try an ice cold brew by Baladin, certainly Italy’s most groundbreaking craft beer brewery from Northern Italy.

Fruit Juice or Mocktails

If you’re not one for too much alcohol – or you’ve frankly had enough – there’s no shame in ordering a fruit juice or mocktail. For something really Italian order yourself a Chinotto, a kind of dark-colored Italian soda made from a specific kind of orange tree. It tastes a little tangy-er than Coke.

With the price of your drink, enjoy a selection of savory bite-sized snacks

What to Eat

There are two ways to enjoy an Italian aperitivo: more elegant places will serve you a plate of assorted bite-sized snacks. Otherwise you’ll find a loaded buffet set up. With the cost of your drink, you’re invited to hit the buffet as many times as you’d like, while when you’re served a plate that’s pretty much all you get unless you order something else.

Aperitivo isn’t really supposed to replace your dinner. Instead it’s just to hold you over until dinner, which in Rome is typically at 8 or 9pm. As the all-you-can-eat buffets became more popular, so did the concept of AperiCena – essentially a more substantial version of the traditional aperitivo with the expectation of a full meal. In this case don’t expect any culinary masterpieces but enjoy a serious bang for your buck.

Sip a spritz in the small, intimate piazzetta next to Bar del Fico [photo credit: Bar del Fico]

Best Italian Aperitivo bars in Rome

There are so many great bars and restaurants in Rome that offer a delectable aperitivo. Here’s a list of some of our favorites:

Young Roman Crowd: Freni e Frizioni

Via del Politeama, 4/6 – 00153 Roma | www.freniefrizioni.com

Literally “Brakes & Clutches”, Freni e Frizioni is a traditional go-to spot for Trastevere Romans and international tourists looking for local culture. Located on the Lungotevere that hugs the river that opens onto a spacious piazza for hanging outdoors during the warm Roman summer.

Good Value with a View: Hotel Locarno

Via della Penna, 22 – 00186 Roma | www.hotellocarno.com

Head to the rooftop of the Hotel Locarno near Piazza del Popolo for a peaceful and relaxing roof garden environment, cool refreshments, and an assortment of savory delights.

Best aperitivo in Piazza: Bar del Fico

Via Della Pace, 34/36 – 00186 Roma | www.facebook.com/bardelfico

Tucked away in a side street off Piazza Navona, Bar del Fico (named after the fig tree in the adjacent piazza), lays out a serious aperitivo buffet, served with an extensive menu of classic and signature cocktails, and enjoyed in the intimate piazza shaded by the fig tree.

Classy and elegant, the aperitivo at Suburra 1930 is top-knotch, with well-made drinks and delicious savory morsels. [photo credit: Suburra 1930]

Best Kept Secret: Suburra 1930

Piazza della Suburra, 13/15 – 00184 Roma | www.suburra1930.it

In the far depths of the Piazza Suburra in the heart of Monti you’ll find Suburra 1930 bar and restaurant, decadently dressed in marble, chartreuse velvet, and gold with a fun art nouveau vibe. The cocktails are world class, carefully prepared by the professional barmen, and accompanied by a savory plate of miniature works of art.

Ex-pat Aperitivo: Barnum Cafe

Via del Pellegrino, 87 – 00186 Roma | www.barnumcafe.com

Avoid the tourist traps surrounding Campo de’ Fiori and head to the Barnum Cafe, a local haunt that appeals to the international ex-pat community for it’s friendly service, well-made cocktails, and reliable internet.

How do you enjoy your Italian aperitivo? Share your experiences in the comments below!