lina

Can anyone recommend some special italian aperitifs for sipping at a bar before dinner - somethng fairly light and not too sweet. I've been ordering campari and soda which I like, but I don't really know about other alternatives.

Sheila

Proseccho-Dry white sparkling wine; or, like Campari, Punt e Mes

karen

I like Aperol. It's a bright orange, bittersweet aperitif which is always served in a glass with sugar around the brim.

richardab

I like a Campari and Soda as an aperitif, its a little sweet and a little bitter. Its an acquired taste, but definitly Italian. <BR> <BR>While there try a Montenegro as a after dinner digestive . Its a strong floral scented drink from Bologna. Again, an acquired taste, but definitly Italian. <BR> <BR>Check out my websight for other Italian tips. The sight isn't completely finished but the path to Rome is almost done! <BR> <BR>http://home.earthlink.net/~richardab/ <BR> <BR>Follow the path Enter&gt;Fly&gt;Europe&gt;Rome <BR> <BR>There are a bunch of tips about eating in Rome. Click the "I" icon on the "Eat" page. <BR> <BR>

richardab

I like a Campari and Soda as an aperitif, its a little sweet and a little bitter. Its an acquired taste, but definitly Italian. <BR> <BR>While there try a Montenegro as a after dinner digestive . Its a strong floral scented drink from Bologna. Again, an acquired taste, but definitly Italian. <BR> <BR>Check out my websight for other Italian tips. The sight isn't completely finished but the path to Rome is almost done! <BR> <BR>http://home.earthlink.net/~richardab/ <BR> <BR>Follow the path Enter&gt;Fly&gt;Europe&gt;Rome <BR> <BR>There are a bunch of tips about eating in Rome. Click the "I" icon on the "Eat" page.

Hooked on Prosecco

Prosecco, definitely!

Christina

ciao lina! <BR> <BR>try the following aperitivi: <BR> <BR>- Baby Martini gold o rosso there's less alcohol instead to the normal Martini <BR>- Sanbitter <BR>- Spumante <BR>- Prosecco <BR>- Martini extra dry <BR>- Gin Tonic, very famous here in Italy <BR>- Martini Rosso <BR> <BR>there are a lot of things we Italians drink before dinner....... ;-) <BR>

Paul

Try a Cynar & soda. Cynar is an aperitif made from artichokes. It's not easy to find in the US, but common in Italy. It's not as sweet as Campari, and has an unusual taste. I find it very refreshing, and a great aperitif before dinner!

kam

Punt e Mes and soda with a twist.

lina

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'm really looking forward to giving some of them a try on our upcoming trip.

Jeanette

If you are in the Amalfi area, it's Lemoncello everywhere.

Dona

In addition to all the wonderful suggestions, when I'm not in the mood for something alcoholic, I like <BR>Bitter Bianco. It's very refreshing and great for the middle of the day when you just want to sit at a cafe... <BR> <BR>Also, I like a drink I tried at the Danieli in Venice - Prosecco with fresh strawberries (I can't remember the name). Other places have it but if the strawberries are not "fresca", the strawberry liqueur they use may make it a bit sweet for you... <BR> <BR>Have a great time trying all this out! <BR> <BR>Dona

Foster

I'm also interested in trying both before (apperitivi) and after dinner (digestivi) drinks in Italy. Does anyone have other suggestions? On Mario Eats Italy recently he was drinking a Negroni. Has anyone had one?

Ed

If you want to stay off the sweet side I'd suggest the Cynar. My favorite is Camparisoda, but the Cynar has a distinctly different, change of pace, taste. It's made from artichoke, by the way. <BR> <BR>twenj

richard j vicek

Would suggest two, Campari and orgnge juice and the old standby Cynar and for afterdinner an expresso doppie with a <BR>Sambuca Romano...Richad of LaGrange Park, Ill.

Valerie

In answer to the question about the drink called a Negroni: it is a vodka martini with a dash of Compari (can't vouch for my spelling) instead of vermouth.

Ursula

I suggest just a glass of dry white wine like Vernaggia di San Gimignano or Soave Classico. <BR> <BR>More about Italian food and drinks: <BR>www.italianfood.about.com

Ursula

Sorry, it's spelled Vernaccia...

steve

regarding after dinner drinks, definitely try the Vincento, which is a wine based liquour and in good restaurants, is served with crisp almond cookies. The cookies should be dipped into the vincento. It's excellent. Good vincento may be aged for 20-30 years.

Ursula

Steve: I suppose you are talking about Vin Santo and Cantucci (the hazelnut cookies). <BR>Yes, that's nice, I agree.