The Italian Aperitivo and the Tradition of the Spritz

There are customs that shape a country’s identity just as much as its cuisine or culture. In Italy, one of them is the aperitivo, a moment to pause during the day, gather with others, enjoy a conversation and embrace a slower pace of life.

Over the years, this ritual has spread far beyond Italy and is now enjoyed around the world. Yet few traditions remain so closely connected to the Italian way of life, where gastronomy, hospitality and the pleasure of sharing still play a central role.

Among all the drinks associated with this occasion, the Spritz has become its most recognisable symbol. Behind this iconic cocktail, however, lies a much richer story that helps explain why this tradition continues to be one of Italy’s most cherished daily rituals.

The Aperitivo: An Everyday Italian Ritual

More Than a Drink Before Dinner

The word aperitivo comes from the Latin verb aperire, meaning “to open“. Originally, it referred to drinks made with bitter or aromatic ingredients intended to stimulate the appetite before a meal.

Although the custom of enjoying these drinks dates back to Ancient Greece and Classical Rome, the meaning of the term has evolved considerably over time. What began as a way to awaken the appetite gradually became a tradition where drinks and gastronomy came to share the same importance.

The Moment When Italy Slows Down

Towards the end of the afternoon, terraces, cafés and piazzas begin to fill with people gathering before dinner. Friends, colleagues and families come together around the table while conversation naturally sets the pace of the evening.

Alongside the drinks come some of the most representative flavours of the Italian aperitivo: olives, freshly baked focaccia, cured meats, cheeses, bruschette, nuts and small bites prepared for sharing. In many regions of Italy these delicacies are known as stuzzichini and are an essential part of the aperitivo experience.

Rather than replacing dinner, this moment is an invitation to pause, enjoy good company and savour the time before the evening continues.

It is a tradition deeply rooted in the Italian lifestyle and one of the most authentic expressions of the philosophy we know as La Dolce Vita.

From Vermouth to Spritz: The Birth of a Tradition

The Origins of the Modern Aperitivo

Although the aperitivo has much older roots, many historians trace the birth of the modern tradition to the late eighteenth century, when Antonio Benedetto Carpano created a new recipe for vermouth in Turin using wine, aromatic herbs and spices.

His creation marked a turning point in Italian gastronomic culture and helped establish vermouth as one of the defining drinks of the aperitivo.

How the Spritz Won Over Italy

The story of the Spritz began in northern Italy during the nineteenth century. At the time, soldiers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire stationed in the Veneto region found the local wines too strong and started adding a splash of water to soften them. From this habit came the German word spritzen, meaning “to spray” or “to splash”.

Over time, that simple mixture evolved with the addition of sparkling water, sparkling wines and different Italian bitters, eventually becoming the Spritz we know today. Light, refreshing and closely linked to the aperitivo ritual, it soon became one of the great symbols of the Italian lifestyle.

A Tradition That Continues to Evolve

Over the years, countless interpretations of the Spritz have appeared, combining different liqueurs, bitters and Italian sparkling wines. Yet beyond the recipe itself, they all preserve the same essence: accompanying one of the most representative moments of Italian culture, where conversation, gastronomy and good company remain the true protagonists.

The Italian Aperitivo Tradition at Velissima Barcelona

Aperitivo by Marina Vela Port

Inspired by the Amalfi Coast and the Mediterranean lifestyle, Velissima embraces the Italian tradition of the aperitivo in a setting where gastronomy and time spent together share the same importance.

Before lunch or as the evening begins, the terrace overlooking Marina Vela Port invites guests to enjoy this moment with a selection of Italian aperitivo specialties, signature cocktails and small bites, keeping alive the tradition of gathering around the table before dinner.

Among the highlights of the cocktail menu are the Fiero Spritz, Martini Bianco Spritz, St. Germain Spritz, Limoncello Spritz, together with the Vermut della Nonna, a creation that connects both to the origins of the Italian aperitivo and to the universe of La Famiglia Marinelli.

More than simply a cocktail selection, they reflect a way of experiencing Italian gastronomy where conversation, good company and the pleasure of sharing a table remain at the heart of the experience.

The Taste of the Italian Aperitivo at Velissima

For centuries, the Italian aperitivo has preserved what makes it truly unique: transforming an everyday moment into an opportunity to gather around the table, enjoy great food and let conversation set the rhythm of the occasion.

If you would like to discover this tradition inspired by the Italian way of life, explore our menu and reserve your table at Velissima Barcelona to experience the aperitivo overlooking Marina Vela Port.

Whether sharing freshly baked focaccia, a selection of Italian cheeses or raising a Spritz as the sun sets over the marina, some moments are made for slowing down and enjoying good company.

Perché la vita è… Velissima.

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