Don’t know your aperitivi from your digestivi? Level up your cocktail know-how with this guide to the essential Italians drinks cupboard

Most of us are familiar with the ubiquitous charms of Aperol but when it comes to other Italian drinks there’s much more to explore, from the bittersweet, herbal intensity of amari to the easy-going charms of spritzes, the punchy fire of grappa and the rituals of aperitivo hour.

Aperitivi and digestivi

Much of traditional Italian drinking culture is orientated around mealtimes and drinking in a way that enhances the dining experience.

Aperitivo are drinks designed to stimulate or whet the appetite in anticipation of the evening meal. Usually lightly alcoholic and/or bitter in taste, they’re drunk from late afternoon to early evening, often with salty snacks. It’s not a uniquely Italian ritual – you can find it across southern Europe from France to Spain – but it’s thought that it first originated in Italy. An aperitivo can include anything from a glass of chilled sparkling wine (Italian varieties range from prosecco to franciacorta and lambrusco) to vermouth and cocktails made with amari, such as negronis and spritzes. For the latter, a useful ratio to remember is two parts bitter or liqueur to three parts sparkling wine and a splash of sparkling water (and remember, Aperol isn’t the only choice – see opposite for more ideas).

Whereas aperitivi drinks are designed to open up the palate, digestivi are traditionally drunk after the end of a meal to aid digestion and settle the stomach. These can range from bitter, herbal amari to sweet dessert wines, liqueurs, brandies and other spirits.

Alternative aperitivo cocktails to try

Milano Torino Campari and sweet red vermouth (or add sparkling water to make an Americano)

Bellini White peach purée and sparkling white wine

Negroni sbagliato Campari, red vermouth and sparkling wine

Cardinale Campari, gin and dry vermouth

Boulevardier Campari, red vermouth and bourbon

White negroni Suze or other white bitter aperitif, Lillet Blanc and gin

Sgroppino Sparkling wine, vodka and lemon sorbet

Vermouth

Fortified wines flavoured with an array of flowers, herbs and spices, vermouths can be found across Europe. In the past, Italian vermouth was used to describe sweet red varieties, while French vermouth was synonymous with white, dry ones (such as Noilly Prat). The reality, however, is that you can find Italian vermouth brands that produce both styles. One of the most versatile ingredients in your drinks cupboard (and long-lasting – an opened bottle will keep in the fridge for weeks), vermouth is used in an array of cocktails – from negronis to manhattans – but it can also be drunk neat with a slice of citrus, or mixed with tonic water for a low-ABV serve. Italian brands to look out for include Martini & Rossi, Carpano Antica Formula, Punt e Mes, Cocchi and Cinzano.

Experiment!

Do feel free to play around with all of these drinks. Aperol, for example, goes well in a mimosa (find the recipe on Omagazine.com) or try adding a dash to a Belgian wheat beer; while Cynar works winningly in a rum negroni. Averna amaro is a great swap for sweet vermouth in a manhattan, and grappa works well in an espresso martini or in a highball.

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