Italy is a much sought-after destination that many travelers hope to tick off their bucket list one day or another. From world-renowned museums and ancient ruins to beautiful beaches and delectable dining, the Bel Paese has it all. However, if there's one thing you should know — if you don't already — it's that many Italians are super protective of their culinary traditions. In fact, there are many Americanized "Italian" dishes that you probably won't find on the menu while visiting Italy, like pepperoni
pizza and chicken parmesan. You might also be interested in learning that ordering a cappuccino in Italy in the afternoon might earn you a few side eyes. However, if there's one Italian dining sin that you absolutely need to be aware of before your next getaway, it's that you should not order an Aperol Spritz with your meal.
Nothing spells a good time quite like a bowl of zesty pasta paired with a refreshing glass of Aperol Spritz on a balmy Italian summer evening, right? Wrong! That's not just our opinion; it's what Italians think. In fact, ordering an Aperol Spritz with your meal in Italy might even get you a dirty look. The reason for this is that this popular drink is a fizzy, light, low-alcohol beverage that is meant to be consumed a few hours before your main evening meal, during the ritual known as "aperitivo," which is similar to happy hour in the U.S. The rationale behind this tradition is that it's believed to help prepare your stomach for the meal ahead. As one Italian Redditor declared, "You drink it [Aperol Spritz] for aperitivo before you eat. You can spot tourists in a restaurant because they are always the ones with a spritz in front while eating pizza."
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When To Drink Aperol Spritz And What To Order With Your Meal In Italy?
Although variations of the drink exist, the quintessential summer drink known as Aperol Spritz is traditionally made using Aperol, prosecco, either club soda or plain sparkling water, and a slice of orange as a garnish. The flavor profile of this favorite beverage is everything from aromatic and bitter to refreshing and fruity. Believed to have originated in the Veneto region of northern Italy, today the drink is enjoyed in every corner of Italy and indeed every corner of the world during the sweltering summer months. Traditionally, snacks consumed with Aperol Spritz include appetizers like olives, crackers, nuts, cold cuts, and cheeses.
In Italy, it's important to thoughtfully pair your food with your drink of choice. The experience of an Aperol Spritz can be quite overpowering, and instead of complementing the exquisite nature of certain dishes, it may drown them out altogether. This explains why in Italy, locals are averse to the idea of ordering Aperol Spritz with their main course. Italians do love Aperol Spritz in the pre-dinner hour but are more likely to drink wine with their pasta or meat and beer with their pizza. Whatever you decide to eat and wherever you decide to dine in Italy, though, remember you should not expect a quick dinner during your trip and that dinners may sometimes not even start until 8 or 9 p.m.
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Read the original article on Islands.
