Sip, nibble, chat; repeat. Aperitivo hour is almost a true ritual in Italy, where people glide through sleek bars or streetside cafes for the after-work drink.

As the sun starts its slow descent and rays of sunshine splash the pavement, the drinking scene begins. The tradition is repeated thousands of times every day, with classics like negroni consumed by Italians and cocktail enthusiasts.

It’s the equivalent to our happy hour, starting between 6pm and 9pm. Australia has caught up to the trend, as cocktail crowds trickle into rooftop bars and restaurants to take advantage of late afternoon drinks served with traditional Italian snacks – think olives, prosciutto and arancini balls. 

The trend is so embedded in the Italian lifestyle that it almost feels impossible to compete. Don’t fret. Whether it’s an after-work tradition, a cosy evening for two or dining outdoors with friends, it’s easy to recreate your own version of an aperitivo hour.

From delicious nibbles and signature cocktails (plus ones you can create at home), to the best songs to get you grooving, here’s how you can savour the hour.

Great out pours

Italian signature cocktails are the la dolce vita of aperitivo. Whether it’s a punchy negroni or fruity limoncello tipple, your cocktail-making skills are guaranteed to impress guests.

Legend has it that the negroni, a classic blend of bitterness and sweetness, was created by a drinker, not a bartender. Count Camillo Negroni, who always ordered the americano, asked the bartender at his regular haunt in Florence to add a splash of gin. Word soon spread and locals started ordering the aperitif done “the Negroni way”. Using gin, campari, sweet vermouth and an orange twist (for garnish), pour them into an ice-filled mixing glass and stir. 

Combine with some fried snacks, sliced salami and some gouda, and aperitivo hour has begun. Australia’s thriving bar scene can also accommodate your next pre-dinner cocktails.

For the table: Smoked almonds and green olives make for great social noshing.

Social mixers

Enjoy celebratory moments with friends in your own backyard, even if it isn’t the size of a piazza. On balmy evenings a platter of cured meats or pâtés, as well as cheeses, crackers and bread served with a jug of spritz or citrus infused water makes for a very smooth start to a night. The enormously popular vanilla mule is a delicate twist to the classic mule, with a ginger kick. All you need is a bottle of Galliano Vanilla, lime juice, ginger ale and a mint sprig to garnish.

Or how about a Cinzano extra dry – an authentic Italian blend of herbs, spices and wine served in a tall glass over ice with sprigs of mint? Dry, cold and incredibly fresh. 

Drink tip: For the vanilla mule, add 3 dashes of Angostura bitter for a more complex, aromatic touch. A great add on in flavour fitting the ginger and vanilla taste. Instructions found here.

Listen to: Lightenup by Parcels

Chillout sessions

As the spritz season continues, sip on exotically-coloured drinks made with delicious autumn ingredients at your local restaurant or bar with friends. Unwind at Catalina, Rose Bay’s iconic waterfront restaurant, for an hour or two, and enjoy classics such as the king earl iced tea, cucumber cooler, or the Catalina martini served with olives. 

The ruby-red Gia Langhe Rosso from Italy, best drunk straight up on ice with lemon, is best paired with some Sydney’s finest rock oysters. Indulge in an all-Australian wine pairing at $80 per person, or go premium for $170 per person.

For the table: Head to the bar area for marinated olives or tempura prawns

If you’re in the mood for a little dolce vita …

There’s something so rewarding about making dessert from scratch. If guests are arriving (and you haven’t finished cooking), stimulate their appetites by whipping up the viral liquid vanilla cheesecake made with only two ingredients – freshly squeezed lemon squash and Galliano Vanilla. Serve with fruit salad and crisp shortbread biscuits as everyone relaxes the early evening indoors.

Drink tip: Enhance it with 15 ml of Strawberry liqueur. Alternatively, get creative and experiment with your favourite fruit variations. Instructions found here.

Listen to: Candle Flame by Jungle

Drinks for two

Finish the night with a shot of campari or a flute of local sparkling with your loved one. Or, in a truly Italian moment, mix the two drinks together and share. In lieu of that near-bedtime coffee, we suggest recreating an espresso martini with some help from your coffee machine. Dial the fun and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Put on Spotify’s Aperitivo Time playlist or stream one of the ever-popular rom-com flicks.

Drink tip: Replace the sugar syrup with Galliano Vanilla for a subtle vanilla, herbal undertone. Replace the vodka for tequila to make it a Mexican Martini. Use a martini glass and garnish with coffee beans. Instructions found here.

The original taste of Italy. Golden Yellow in colour with a light green hue. Galliano Vanilla is made from a selection of more than 30 herbs and spices such as star anise, juniper, musk yarrow, ginger, lavender and last but not least, the delicate and smooth flavour of vanilla.