The best part of summer is arguably aperitivo hour, a time to gather, take in the elongated days, and simply relax. An Italian hospitality ritual, this pre-dinner drink—derived from the Latin word aperire (meaning “to open”)—is designed to ramp up the appetite for the main course to come. Add a few snacks for noshing, a strand of twinkly lights, and your favorite people, and you have a recipe for success.
So, break out the blates, fill up the ice bucket, and crack open your favorite beverage. Below are some suggestions to help you create your best aperitivo hour, whether it’s a party of one or many.
