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Mom's Italian Recipes

La Famiglia. Forever.

Italian-Cocktails-1800

What Is Aperitivo?

Aperitivo is Italy’s version of a pre-dinner pause — a relaxed hour, usually between 6 and 8 PM, when light drinks and small snacks set the tone for the evening. It’s meant to gently awaken the appetite and ease the transition from day to night. More than anything, though, it’s about being together. People linger over their glasses, swap stories from the day, and enjoy the rhythm of slowing down.

Drinks are often served in elegant glassware with bright garnishes like orange slices or fresh herbs adding a touch of color. The pace is leisurely,  there’s no rush to finish. Aperitivo is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the food and drink.

The Drinks

The classics are beloved for a reason. Across Italy , you’ll find tables with familiar favorites:

  • Spritzes: Aperol, Campari, and Hugo Spritzes are light, refreshing, and slightly bitter — just enough to wake up your palate.
  • Vermouth and Wine: Served simply over ice with a slice of citrus, vermouth is a traditional choice. Local white or sparkling wines are just as common and equally welcome.
  • Creative Twists: Many bars now feature seasonal cocktails that draw on local herbs, citrus, and other coastal flavors, adding a fresh spin to tradition.

The Food

Aperitivo isn’t complete without something to nibble on. The snacks are small and meant to be shared,  nothing complicated, just good ingredients prepared simply:

  • Marinated olives — briny and bright
  • Local cheeses — from soft mozzarella to sharp pecorino, often paired with honey or jam
  • Crostini — toasted bread with tapenade, pesto, or ricotta
  • Roasted nuts — for a satisfying crunch
  • Cured meats — thin slices of prosciutto or salami

Together, these bites are enough to satisfy without spoiling your appetite for dinner.

Where It Happens

Aperitivo can take many forms. On the coast, it’s often enjoyed at cafés and bars with views of the sea — a place to watch the evening unfold with a glass in hand. But it’s just as likely to happen at home, gathered around a small table with family or a few friends. The setting doesn’t matter as much as the intention: to pause, share, and enjoy the moment.

With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can bring this Italian tradition into your own evenings too. Please enjoy!

Vivian

What Is Aperitivo?

Italian Cocktails

White Negroni

White Negroni

White Negroni The White Negroni is a spin off from the classic Negroni cocktail, which originated in Italy. The White Negroni is a lighter version of the classic Negroni. Ingredients 1 ½ ozs gin 1 oz Lillet Blanc ½ oz Suze gentian liqueur Lemon or grapefruit twist for garnish Ice Directions 1. Fill a large glass with ice and all the liquid ingredients. 2. Stir for about 20 seconds. 3. Strain into a tumbler glass with ice. 4. Squeeze the lemon or grapefruit rind into the glass. 5. Rub the rim of the glass with the rind . 6. Serve […]

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Peach Bellini Recipe

Peach Bellini

Peach Bellini The Peach Bellini is a classic cocktail that originated in Venice, Italy. This drink is known for its refreshing taste and vibrant color, making it a great choice for brunches and celebrations it is also very simple to make. Ingredients 2 ozs Goya peach nectar 4 ozs Prosecco Sliced peach for garnish Directions 1. Pour the peach nectar into a champagne flute. 2. Add the Prosecco. 3. Stir well. 4. Garnish with peach slice.  

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Peach Basil Martini

Peach Basil Martini

Peach Basil Martini A light  refreshing cocktail. Perfect for summer time gatherings. Ingredients 3 fresh basil leaves 2 ozs peach nectar 2 ozs vodka ½ oz lime juice Basil and peach slice for garnish or lime wedge Directions 1. Muddle the fresh basil in a cocktail shaker. 2. Add the peach nectar, vodka and lime juice. 3. Add ice and shake. 4. Strain and pour into a martini glass. 5. Garnish with basil and peach slice.  

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Negroni Recipe

Negroni

Negroni The Negroni cocktail is believed to have originated in Florence, Italy, and named after   Count Camillo Negroni. This is a classic drink enjoyed all year round. Ingredients 1 oz Gin 1oz Campari 1 oz Sweet Vermouth Orange peel for garnish Directions 1. Fill a tall glass with ice. 2. Add the Gin, Campari and Sweet Vermouth. 3. Stir well until chilled. 4. Pour into a Scotch glass 5. Garnish with orange peel  

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Limoncello On The Rocks

Limoncello On The Rocks

Limoncello On The Rocks This is a great before dinner drink with some appetizers or after dinner drink to help with digestion. It’s so refreshing,  pretty to look at and  super simple to make. Ingredients 4 ozs limoncello Lemon slices for garnish Basil for garnish Directions Pour into a tumbler with ice and garnish with a lemon slice and a sprig of basil.  

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Limoncello Cocktail

Limoncello Cocktail

Limoncello Cocktail Limoncello is a traditional Italian liqueur that originates from the southern regions of Italy, particularly the Amalfi Coast. It is made from lemon zest, alcohol, water, and sugar, resulting in a sweet and tart flavor.  Limoncello is typically served chilled as an after-dinner digestif or used as an ingredient in cocktails. This cocktail is light and refreshing making it  the perfect summer time drink. Ingredients 2 ozs Limoncello 3 ozs Prosecco 1oz club soda Lemon and mint for garnish Directions 1. In a glass add the Limoncello, Prosecco and club soda. 2. Stir well 3. Garnish with a […]

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Italian Lemon Drop Cocktail

Italian Lemon Drop Cocktail

Italian Lemon Drop Cocktail Light and delicious. Perfect summertime drink. Ingredients 2 ozs vodka 1 oz limoncello liqueur 1 oz Grand Marnier ½ oz simple syrup 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice Lemon twist Lemon quarter Sugar for rim of the glass Directions 1. Rub the rim of a martini glass with the lemon. 2. Roll the rim of the glass in the sugar. 3. In a shaker ½ filled with ice, add all five ingredients, and shake well. 4. Pour into the martini glass and add the lemon twist.

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Cranberry Aperol Spritz

Cranberry Aperol Spritz The Cranberry Aperol Spritz is a delightful cocktail that combines the classic flavors of an Aperol spritz with the festive taste of cranberry, making it perfect for winter and holiday celebrations. Garnish with cranberries and a sprig of  rosemary. You will impress your guests! Ingredients 1oz cranberry juice 1 oz Aperol 3 ozs Prosecco Splash of club soda Garnish with cranberries  and orange wedge Steps: Add ice to a wine glass Add the cranberry juice, Aperol and Prosecco. Stir Add a splash of club soda Garnish with cranberries and orange wedge.

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Cappuccino Martini

Cappuccino Martini

Cappuccino Martini Sumptuous and rich in flavor, traditionally known as a dessert cocktail. Ingredients 1 oz coffee liqueur 0.5 oz cinnamon liqueur 1 oz vodka 1.5 oz light cream Coffee beans to garnish Directions Pour all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds. Strain into a chilled martini glass Garnish with coffee beans  

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Aperol Spritz

Aperol Spritz Aperol Spritz is a very popular Italian cocktail especially enjoyed in the summer months, with its vibrant orange color and refreshing taste. It is super simple to make with only three ingredients; Prosecco, Aperol and seltzer water. You can make it by the glass or for bigger gatherings by the pitcher. It is served over ice in a wine glass and garnished with a slice of orange and makes a very festive presentation. We enjoy them all year round. Ingredients 3 oz Prosecco 2 oz Aperol 1 oz Soda Water Orange slice for garnish Directions Fill a large […]

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