Italian aperitivo culture gains ground in American homes

Italian aperitivo culture inspires Americans to keep the drinks simple: a chilled base poured over ice, topped with bubbles and finished with citrus. A few ingredients and quick prep deliver a polished glass ready before the next medal ceremony.

The tradition behind aperitivo

The word aperitivo comes from the Latin term “aperire,” which means to open. In ancient banquets, hosts began meals with small bites and fragrant wines meant to stimulate guests’ appetites. The modern version emerged with the rise of fortified wines blended with botanicals, known for a balanced mix of bitter and sweet. 

Aperitivo became a daily ritual built around a shared drink and easy conversation before dinner. It usually takes place in the late afternoon or early evening, serving as a pause between the workday and the rest of the night. Drinks stay light, and the food remains modest, meant to accompany the glass rather than replace the meal.

Olympics spark Italian flavors

The 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games will run from Feb. 6 to March 15 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, bringing weeks of competition from Italy to American screens. Viewers in the United States can stream events through major network apps and live TV services that carry the official broadcast. Major sports competitions often turn into watch parties at home, and hosts tend to match the menu to the country hosting the games.

With Italy hosting this year, many fans look to Italian drinks when deciding what to pour. Spritzes and sparkling wines fill glasses throughout the evening, bringing a taste of the host country into living rooms across the country.

Spritz hour at home

At home, an aperitivo often begins with a spritz poured over ice in a large wine glass. The classic orange version blends sparkling wine with a bitter orange aperitif and a splash of soda, finished with a slice of citrus. A lighter interpretation uses dry white wine topped with soda water and a strip of lemon peel for a cleaner, less sweet profile.

Some hosts experiment with fruit-forward takes, adding peach liqueur or elderflower liqueur to sparkling wine and soda for a softer edge. Others turn to blood orange or grapefruit aperitifs for deeper color and a gently tangy finish. A rosé-based spritz mixed with soda water offers a crisp alternative that still fits comfortably into the pre-dinner hour.

Bitter liqueurs for early evenings

Italian bitters often define the at-home aperitivo table since they call for little more than ice and soda. Campari poured over ice and topped with club soda, finished with a strip of orange peel, delivers a firm bitter edge that wakes up the palate. Aperol mixed with sparkling water and a slice of fresh orange offers a lighter option that still carries a gentle bite.

Other labels, such as Luxardo Bitter Bianco, stirred with tonic and a twist of lemon brings a pale, citrus-forward profile to the glass. Cappelletti served tall with soda and a wedge of grapefruit leans toward a wine-based bitterness that feels fuller.

Producers such as Contratto and Martini & Rossi keep the lineup varied with simple builds that suit early evening gatherings. Contratto paired with mineral water and citrus zest stays clean and crisp. Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Bitter mixed with soda and an orange wheel provides a steady balance that fits easily into any watch party spread.

Zero-proof pre-dinner pours

For those who prefer zero-proof options, an aperitivo at home can still feel complete and considered. Many hosts serve nonalcoholic botanical blends over ice and finish them with a citrus twist to achieve a gentle bitterness similar to traditional pours. Others brew hibiscus tea and mix it with fresh orange and a squeeze of lemon for a bright drink that fits neatly into the pre-dinner hour.

Fresh ingredients add variety without complicating the setup. Muddled cucumber and basil topped with sparkling water create a clean, herb-forward drink. Bitter citrus sodas inspired by Italian chinotto offer a ready option when served cold with orange peel. Cold-steeped herbal teas such as rosemary, mint or chamomile round out the spread with choices that keep everyone included.

American evenings embrace aperitivo

The Winter Olympics bring more than competition to the screen; they give American households a reason to lean into the atmosphere of the host country. By pouring Italian-inspired beverages, fans can take part in the country’s pre-dinner ritual without leaving home. In that way, an aperitivo at home becomes a simple, intentional way to connect with the culture behind the games through what is in the glass.

Jennifer Allen is a retired professional chef and long-time writer. Her work appears in dozens of publications, including MSN, Yahoo, The Washington Post and The Seattle Times. These days, she’s busy in the kitchen developing recipes and traveling the world, and you can find all her best creations at Cook What You Love.

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