sparkchaser

<i>Any suggestions for a non-alcoholic pre-dinner drink in Italy?</i>

Water or Bud Light. But I repeat myself.

suze

You do see this original question is 13 years old, right? But welcome to Fodor's forums nonetheless!!

bvlenci

I know it's old, but I see that no one mentioned a favorite non-alcohoic beverage, Crodino. It's a bitter carbonated beverage based on herbs, and is usually served with a slice of orange.

The general name for a pre-dinner drink is apertivo. They would usually be served with the antipasto, and are supposed to stimulate the appetite. Crodino would be served as an apertivo. I don't know if they count as "pre-dinner", as the antipasto is really part of the dinner. Another apertivo is a small flute of a bubbly wine. The after-dinner digestivo, which aids the digestion, is much more common in Italy, and there are all sorts, including limoncello.

The idea of pre-dinner drinks, meaning before any food is served, is not common in Italy, although the custom is catching on among younger people.

Italian people in general don't drink much. Italy has the lowest rate of alcohol consumption in Europe.

suze

Posts must have been removed. I would not have made the comment I did to the post that now shows directly above mine. How embarrassing!

Tulips

I was thinking Crodino as well - before I noticed the date of the post. Still a good answer, though.
A bit like an alcohol-free Aperol. I always have it in the house for those who are driving.