This Sunday, September 19, 2021, the aperitif day is celebrated. Taking an aperitif is a deeply rooted tradition in Spain, but does the same happen in other countries?
It is a way of socializing, and consists of taking a moderate variety of food accompanied by a drink .
Although it can be taken in the late afternoon, the most common in Spain is to enjoy the aperitif before lunch , at noon: tapas, snacks, pinchos, rations … These foods are accompanied by vermouth, beer, wine or must.
Costa Azul and Italy
The aperitif is how the aperitif is called on the French Côte d’Azur. Here it is also taken before lunch , although it is increasingly common to postpone it until before dinner. It consists of a simple snack (cheeses, sausages, olives and nuts) accompanied by wine or other drinks.
In Italy the aperitif is taken before dinner due to the inspiration of the American afterwork. It’s not about eating, it’s just about drinking, and the most popular drinks are vermouth, aperol, beer, campari, and spritz.
Portugal
Although vermouth time is not very common in Portugal, now it is starting to drink a little more. In this country there is a drink that has the name of Favaíto, and it is the national aperitif. It is usually mixed with beer, tonic or even soda .
Germany
In Germany, the aperitif culture is hardly widespread , unlike in southern countries. The pre-meal aperitif is only made on special occasions, and consists simply of one drink, usually a glass of wine or beer.
Eastern mediterranean
The aperitif is a custom in Mediterranean countries, so Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia and Turkey have their own way of enjoying it. In Greece and Turkey a salty snack is usually taken with wine or beer .
United Kingdom
And finally, in the UK nobody knows vermouth. There is no aperitif culture , although there is something that resembles it in part: brunch. It is an early meal that is made on weekends and holidays that combines sweet and savory foods: waffles, muffins, smoothies, French toast, Eggs Benedict …
