What is the Christmas Aperitivo?
At its core, the Aperitivo is a cornerstone of Italian social life. It’s a moment to transition from the workday to the evening, meeting with friends and family over a refreshing drink and light snacks. During Christmas, it becomes even more special. Families and friends gather at home to exchange greetings and share small bites before the large Christmas Eve or Christmas Day feasts. It’s a relaxed, informal affair that emphasizes connection over formality.
What to Drink: Aperol Spritz, of course!
No Italian Aperitivo is complete without the iconic Aperol Spritz. Its vibrant orange glow shines like a festive ornament in your glass, and its signature bittersweet taste is the perfect start to any holiday meal. You can mix your own Aperol Spritz with our perfect serve recipe or keep it effortless with our ready-to-drink Aperol Spritzes.
If you choose to prepare it yourself, our official Aperol Party Planner makes planning easy: just enter your guest count and servings per person, and it calculates exactly how many bottles of Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water you’ll need. Because the only thing you should worry about is the time spent together.
15 Festive Italian Appetizer Ideas
Now for the food! The key to a successful aperitivo is a variety of small, flavorful bites that are easy to eat while mingling. In Venice, they call them Cicchetti: savory snacks served, similar to Spanish tapas. Here are 15 festive appetizer ideas that pair beautifully with the bittersweet notes of an Aperol Spritz.
Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Pomegranate
Description: Toasted baguette with whipped ricotta, honey drizzle, and pomegranate seeds.
Difficulty: Easy
Why It Pairs Well with Aperol Spritz: Creamy ricotta and sweet-tart pomegranate balance Aperol’s bittersweet profile.
Artichoke Hearts in Oil with Parsley
Description: Tender artichokes marinated in olive oil, garlic, and parsley.
Difficulty: Easy
Why It Pairs Well with Aperol Spritz: Slight bitterness harmonizes with Aperol; herbs add a fresh finish.
Mini Caprese Skewers
Description: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, balsamic drizzle.
Difficulty: Easy
Why It Pairs Well with Aperol Spritz: Fresh tomato and basil cut through richness; mozzarella complements Aperol’s bubbles.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon
Description: Sweet melon wrapped in salty prosciutto.
Difficulty: Easy
Why It Pairs Well with Aperol Spritz: Saltiness enhances Aperol’s orange notes; a timeless Italian pairing.
Marinated Olives and Feta
Description: Mixed olives and feta marinated in olive oil, lemon zest, and herbs.
Difficulty: Easy
Why It Pairs Well with Aperol Spritz: Briny olives and creamy feta cleanse the palate and complement Aperol’s freshness.
Rosemary and Sea Salt Grissini
Description: Crunchy breadsticks served with dips.
Difficulty: Easy
Why It Pairs Well with Aperol Spritz: Light, salty crunch pairs well with Aperol’s crisp, bubbly character.
Festive Cheese Board
Description: Italian cheeses served with figs, grapes, candied nuts, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Difficulty: Easy
Why It Pairs Well with Aperol Spritz: Variety of textures and flavors balance Aperol’s bittersweet profile.
Selection of Salumi
Description: Prosciutto, salami, mortadella.
Difficulty: Easy
Why It Pairs Well with Aperol Spritz: Savory cured meats are cut through by Aperol’s bubbles, refreshing the palate.
Olives and Taralli
Description: Marinated olives and crunchy taralli.
Difficulty: Easy
Why It Pairs Well with Aperol Spritz: Briny olives and crunchy taralli are classic companions to Aperol’s refreshing taste.
Focaccia with Rosemary
Description: Warm focaccia drizzled with olive oil and rosemary.
Difficulty: Easy
Why It Pairs Well with Aperol Spritz: Aromatic rosemary and olive oil harmonize with Aperol’s herbal notes.
Polenta Bites with Mushroom Ragù
Description: Grilled or fried polenta squares topped with earthy mushroom ragù.
Difficulty: Medium
Why It Pairs Well with Aperol Spritz: Hearty, savory flavors contrast beautifully with Aperol’s light, sparkling notes.
Mortadella Mousse with Pistachios
Description: Airy mortadella mousse served on crackers, topped with crushed pistachios.
Difficulty: Easy
Why It Pairs Well with Aperol Spritz: Savory, delicate flavors are enhanced by Aperol’s orange undertones.
Gorgonzola and Walnut Crostini
Description: Toasted baguette with gorgonzola, honey drizzle, and walnut.
Difficulty: Easy
Why It Pairs Well with Aperol Spritz: Bold gorgonzola balanced by honey sweetness; stands up to Aperol’s complexity.
Spicy Italian Sausage Rolls
Description: Puff pastry wrapped around spicy Italian sausage filling.
Difficulty: Medium
Why It Pairs Well with Aperol Spritz: Warm, savory flavors cut through by Aperol’s crispness.
Mushroom and Truffle Oil Crostini
Description: Crostini topped with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and truffle oil.
Difficulty: Medium
Why It Pairs Well with Aperol Spritz: Deep umami flavors pair elegantly with Aperol’s bittersweet orange notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find Aperol for my Christmas party?
Aperol is available at most major liquor stores and online retailers. On Aperol website, you’ll find a list of online retailers where you can order it directly.
Can I prepare the appetizers in advance?
Absolutely! Most cicchetti can be prepared ahead of time. Toasts can be made, and toppings can be prepped and refrigerated. Simply assemble them just before your guests arrive to ensure freshness.
How long should an Aperitivo last?
Typically, an Aperitivo lasts for about one to two hours. It's the social bridge leading up to dinner, not the main event itself.
What is the best Prosecco for an Aperol Spritz?
We recommend using a dry (Brut) Prosecco D.O.C. Its crispness perfectly balances the sweetness of the Aperol, creating the signature bittersweet taste.
Can I pre-mix Aperol Spritz for a large party?
Yes, you can! To save time, you can combine the Aperol and Prosecco in a large pitcher. When your guests arrive, simply pour the mix into ice-filled glasses and top with a splash of soda and a garnish. This ensures the drink stays fresh and bubbly.
What time is Aperitivo in Italy during Christmas?
The Christmas Aperitivo typically takes place in the early evening, usually between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, before heading to Christmas Eve dinner or as a precursor to the main Christmas Day meal.