It’s a classically Italian ritual: priming the appetite with a pre-dinner aperitivo (or two). Flavio Carnevale, from Sydney’s Marta, is a master of the art. Here, we pair his heavenly spritzes and cocktails with savoury bites from Phoebe Wood and Charlotte Binns-McDonald.

Monti

“Inspired by the famous Moscow mule, this aperitif adds sweetness, acidity and freshness to a Montenegro’s herbaceous taste,” says Flavio.

Herb and chilli burrata with grissini

"Herbaceous warm olive oil makes creamy burrata even more irresistible" - Charlotte Binns-McDonald.

Gnocco fritto with prosciutto and fig jam recipe

Gnocco fritto with prosciutto and fig jam

These golden pillows pair perfectly with the saltiness of proscuitto and sweetness of fig jam.

Speck, honey and asiago crostini recipe

Speck, honey and asiago crostini

Dig into this open-plan Italian style toastie.

Santa marta

“Marta’s house spritz is made with a white vermouth, and is light, vibrant and fresh. We use Bordiga Bianco, but there are lots of options available,” says Flavio.

Bianco

"The combo of sour grapefruit and cucumber makes for a wonderfully savoury cocktail" - Charlotte Binns-McDonald.

Amalfi tuna crudo with artichoke and tomatoes recipe

Amalfi tuna crudo with artichoke and tomatoes

"Apervito on the Amalfi is all about fresh produce from the Med- tuna and ripe tomatoes are a favourite pairing" - Phoebe Wood.

Our smooth Negroni sbagliato is the perfect weekend companion

Negroni sbagliato

“Sbagliato means ‘mistake’ in Italian,” says Flavio. “Legend has it an Italian bartender accidentally (or drunkenly) poured prosecco instead of gin while making a Negroni. The Negroni Sbagliato was born, served over ice. This drink is a fun twist for a Negroni drinker who wants something lighter.”