FOOD & DRINK

HOW TO APERITIVO LIKE AN ITALIAN

An Aperol Spritz is more than just a cocktail. It’s a shared moment – to relax and unwind, the Italian way. It’s a mood, a little slice of Italian sunshine poured over ice. It’s the drink that signals the shift from day to evening, from ‘busy’ to let’s enjoy this moment together. And in Italy, this transition has a name: aperitivo. A much-loved Italian tradition built around light drinks, small bites and easy conversation. And a perfect Aperol Spritz serve is the drink of choice for this quintessential Italian ritual.

And because we’re passionate about Italian culture here at ASK, we’ve shared below why the iconic Italian aperitivo serve is so perfectly suited to all your Italian dining moments. With locations dotted across the country, from the north of Scotland to Cornwall in the south west, we have the perfect aperitivo moment just waiting for you, wherever you live.

To begin, we need to find out how to make this most classic of Italian cocktails. And we thought the best way to do this was to consult with the experts over at Aperol. Here’s their recipe…

The Classic 3-2-1 Serve

Fill a large glass with ice

First pour 75ml of Prosecco

Add 50ml of Aperol

Top with a 25ml dash of soda

Garnish with a slice of orange

Enjoy with friends

Now you know how to make the perfect Aperol Spritz, it’s time to explore what makes this the ideal aperitivo drink.

OUR SPRITZ LINE UP

Spritz season is well and truly here at ASK Italian. We’ve got a Spritz to suit every taste.

Aperol Spritz, Sarti Spritz, Limoncello Spritz and our brand new Hugo Spritz.

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WHEN TO ENJOY YOUR APEROL SPRITZ

To begin, we need to understand what the word aperitivo means. Originating from the Latin, ‘aperire’ – which means ‘to open’, this popular Italian tradition is designed ‘to open’ your stomach and stimulate your appetite before your main meal. A drink with a light meal that has evolved into an Italian pre-dinner ritual. A social moment that bridges the workday and dinner, with connection at its core.

Served from 6pm as the sun begins its descent, Italian apertivo signals the time to relax. This isn’t about rushing. It’s about easing into the evening with good friends, sharing a few plates and letting the conversation flow. Here is a social ritual that celebrates connection, flavour and unmistakable Italian generosity.

In bars across Italy, friends and family gather in the early evenings to enjoy aperitivo. You might see them along the Venetian canals with an Aperol Spritz in hand or in the piazzas of Milan, sharing in a selection of small plates. This lively Italian tradition is as much about the atmosphere and company as it is about the drinks and small plates.

The scene has been set. Cue a table laden with sharing platters and the perfect Aperol spritz recipe and you have the ideal warm up to dinner. This is a drink that is vibrant and uplifting but light and refreshing enough that is doesn’t overpower the food. The kind of drink that invites sharing – the perfect companion to Italian dining.

So, how can you capture the spirit of Italian aperitivo in the UK? Well, that’s easy. ASK Italian is the perfect spot for all your aperitivo moments. We’ll supply the perfect Aperol Spritz serve with platters and plates brimming with Italian flavour, all that remains is for you to join us with your friends. Whether that’s meeting for drinks and nibbles ahead of a big birthday bash, winding down after work, relaxing after a shopping trip or catching up with your tribe on a Friday evening. We have the perfect spot to recline into, whatever your reason for joining us.

THE PERFECT PAIRINGS

Imagine this – you have a perfectly poured Aperol Spritz in hand, friends at your side, now it’s time to order some seriously delicious Italian food. Finding the right food to pair with your Aperol Spritz is an essential part of the Italian aperitivo tradition. This is a drink that is light and convivial in nature – a drink that perfectly captures the spirit of celebration. And here at ASK, we have just the right dishes to match that moment.

Choose a classic match with our Antipasti Classico. A platter just bursting with flavour and variety from the salty Milano salami & coppa ham to the fresh creaminess of the mozzarella. Together with riserva cheese, green olives, rocket, rosemary & olive oil bread this is the perfect Italian sharing dish.
Our breads make the perfect share and tear option to eat alongside an Aperol Spritz. And we have no shortage of choice from our classic Rosemary & Olive Oil bread to our stone baked Wildfarmed Mozzarella Garlic Bread.
Aperol Spritz brings the perfect crisp, citrusy edge to cut through the rich creaminess of our Burrata Tricolore. Indulge in this velvety burrata dish, topped with pesto and served on a salad of slow-roasted & plum tomatoes and rocket.

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WHICH ASK ITALIAN PIZZA MATCHES YOUR SPRITZ PERSONALITY?

Some pairings are about flavour. These ones are about energy. Because sometimes the best match for your pizza order isn’t what tastes similar — it’s what feels right.

Whether you’re loyal to a timeless classic, chasing sunshine in a glass, bringing main-character energy or living your chic European summer fantasy, there’s an ASK Italian pizza with your name on it.

So, read on to find out Which ASK Italian Pizza Matches Your Spritz Personality.

Aperol Spritz + Margherita

Classic, confident, effortlessly stylish. You bring the golden hour vibe to any situation. Here is a timeless pairing for someone who appreciates simplicity – done beautifully.

Limoncello Spritz + Pollo Roquito

Bright, zesty and full of sunshine. You’re the sun-kissed friend who brings the holiday vibes, even to a mid-week meal. This pairing is for the energetic optimist who loves a little heat and a lot of fun.

Sarti Spritz + Fiery Trio di Carne

Vibrant, spirited and not afraid to make an entrance. You bring the energy to the group – this is a punchy pairing that matches your fire.

Hugo Spritz + Truffle Funghi

Chic & calm. Refined yet completely approachable. You embody an ‘effortless Italian summer vibe. The perfect pairing where elderflower freshness meets truffle indulgence.

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