Milanese aperitivo, try it and you'll love it

Aperitif comes from the Latin word " apérivus", which means "to open". And this was precisely the purpose of the bitter alcohols served before meals in ancient Rome. Even today, the main drinks enjoyed before meals have a bitter aftertaste, but we now know that this is not by chance, but rather a way of whetting our appetites for the evening's menu. And since Italian cuisine is one of our favourites, we're not going to complain!

The ancestor of the aperitif as we know it originated in Turin, where a shopkeeper had the brilliant idea of making a flavoured wine that would later become very popular: Vermouth. Since then, the tradition has spread from the streets of Turin to its neighbour in Lombardy, flooding the whole of Italy. Other creators have taken up the baton and created other recipes, such as Campari, which is also very popular as an aperitif. This custom spread throughout Europe and far beyond, before taking root throughout the Mediterranean boot. Today, it's much more than a tradition, it's a way of life.

It was in Milan that the Aperitivo culture took root, and the city became Italy's aperitif capital. From the 2000s onwards, Happy Hour arrived in the UK, competing with its Milanese cousin with preferential rates on drinks for a few hours. Bars in Milan adapted to this new trend, charging fixed prices for cocktails and offering an all-you-can-eat buffet. Aperitivo as we know it today was launched. Much more than just peanuts, the tables were filled with pizzas, plates of cold meats, cheese boards and the typical large green olives. A feast before its time!

A menu to suit all tastes

For specialists, there's no need to introduce the famous coloured cocktails, which can take on several shades depending on the liqueur. The Spritz served with Aperol, originally from Venice but now fully integrated into Milan, adopts an orangey look while its brother, Campari, more intense and therefore slightly more bitter, gives a red tone to the recipe.

Lighter, fruitier and with bubbles, we prefer a delicious glass of Prosecco, which is similar to a sparkling wine. If James Bond is one of our favourites, the inevitable Martini with a little green olive will do the trick.

Not forgetting the irreplaceable Negroni Sbagliato. More Milanese than the Duomo itself, this recipe is the result of a bartender's mistake when he accidentally poured gin into the glass, changing the traditional recipe. This accident marked the history of this cocktail, which originated in the Basso bar in Milan and still exists today.

This custom, which marks the end of the day, is not just for cocktail addicts: there are other choices to satisfy every palate. For a non-alcoholic selection, we recommend a Sanbitter rosso, produced in the region, or a Crodino, which follows in the footsteps of its first cousin the Spritz but in a non-alcoholic version.

The popular bar Rita & Cocktails

A not-to-be-missed address on the canals of Milan's emblematic Navigli district, Rita & Cocktails invites you to take your time and enjoy the simple pleasures of a drink and a few delicacies to share with friends: the perfect definition of idleness. This bar is one of the institutions of the Lombardy capital, but we advise you to get there early, as the bar is often fully booked due to its success. But don't panic, as the restaurant has an online booking facility (it's a gift!).

📍 Address: Via Angelo Fumagalli, 1, 20143 Milan, Italy

⏰ Times: 5.30pm - 2 hours

👛 Price: from €8

The authentic Cantine Isola

Nestling in the heart of Milan's Chinatown, this little troquet is a spot for gourmets. Founded and run by a passionate team, the restaurant continues the tradition of good food at a fair price. Here, you can sit on the terrace or at a small table inside, surrounded by friends and family! It's a good idea to choose the counter to enjoy one of the barman's recommendations, with a selection ranging from the simplest to the most precious, depending on your tastes. All accompanied by a well-stocked board. Buon appetito!

📍 Address: Via Paolo Sarpi, 30, 20154 Milan, Italy

⏰Opening times: 10am - 10pm

👛 Price: between €9 and €23

👉 Booking: the house does not take bookings

The iconic Bar Basso

Founded in 1947, this establishment serves over 500 different cocktails, ideal for an aperitif! The drink is accompanied by typical olives and small sandwiches served by the friendly staff. According to local legend, this bar was the first to serve Milanese Aperitivo and also the one that invented the famous Negroni we told you about above. We'll let you see for yourself!

📍 Address: Via Plinio, 39, 20133 Milan, Italy

⏰ Times: 9am - 1.15am

👛 Price: around €20

The vertiginous terrazza Aperol

With its aerial view over Piazza Duomo, dominated by Milan Cathedral, this address is enough to make its neighbours blush. Once you've settled down on the upstairs terrace, aperitif in hand, it's hard to leave the premises, which are like a privileged bubble in the centre of the fashion capital. From the bar to the panoramic terrace, the entire décor is a meticulously orchestrated artistic creation. Just the thing to spend a lovely moment at the end of the day with the sun falling on Milan's famous esplanade.

📍 Address: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, 20121 Milan, Italy

⏰Opening times: daily from 11am to 11pm and Saturdays until 1am

👛 Price: around €18