Lecce: The Art of Italian Aperitivo

The Italian aperitivo is a beloved cultural ritual, designed to "open" the appetite. It is a social tradition focusing on light, often bitter drinks paired with stuzzichini (small bites) that highlight local specialty ingredients. Italians balance the drinks with salty and savory bites to create a "symphony of tastes. Aperitivo hour is the Italian’s happiest hour. An early evening ritual for drinks and small bites before dinner.