Forget flying to Italy – these bars around the world are bringing the magic of aperitivo hour straight to your doorstep. From characterful cocktails to irresistible snacks, they’ve got everything you need to sip, snack, and soak up the atmosphere like a true Italian.
Italy’s refined approach to drinking has spread far beyond its borders, with the country’s timeless tradition of aperitivo hour now embraced in bars around the globe. Choose one of these genuinely authentic aperitivo-serving bars where the vibe is as smooth as the drinks.
Bar Leone, Hong Kong
@barleonehk
Aperitivi with Italian fried chicken at Bar Leone
There are bars that borrow the motifs and traditions of Italian drinking culture, and those that go the whole hog, imbibing the spirit and amore-filled hospitality you’ll find across the peninsula. Hong Kong’s Bar Leone is one of these, bringing its philosophy ‘cocktail popolari’ – meaning ‘cocktails for the people’ – to the art of the aperitivo. Doors open at 5pm – perfect for catching a pre-dinner livener – and there are plenty of delicious drinks to choose from, from the foamy Garibaldi to the classic negroni. If you’re sticking around, the food menu is worth a peek, including a hulking mortadella sandwich, alongside the bar’s world-famous smoked olives.
Lupo, Zurich
@lupo.bar
Fresh tagliatelle at Lupo
There are three things that Zurich’s Lupo takes seriously: pasta, natural wine and cocktails. It’s this third element that comes to the fore during aperitivo hour: enjoy pre-dinner cocktails in the bar’s stylish, pared-down space, kicking off with Lupo’s signature negroni (made with pomegranate and fragrant bergamot) or with a spread of refreshing low- and no-alcohol serves. Natural wine lovers will be delighted by the selection – pair with the cappelletti stuffed with lemon and ricotta on the terrace during balmier evenings.
Dante, New York
@dantenewyorkcity
Dante's light-filled interiors
This New York City staple has been a pioneer in Italian hospitality away from home, having first opened its doors in 1915 and earned the title of The World’s Best Bar in 2010. Recently, the café has taken aperitivo to new heights, with moreish cocktails such as the Salty Dog, made with vodka, pink grapefruit, salted rosemary and black lava salt and the Amalfi Limonata, which uses gin, limoncello, lemon juice and limonata. Negroni fans, assemble: there’s an extensive selection including an on-tap option, a vintage offering and a number of variations including Caffe, Bianco and a Mezcalito.
Dean & Nancy on 22, Sydney
@deanandnancyon22
Views across Sydney from Dean & Nancy on 22 (Image: Ben Warren)
If you’re in Sydney, Dean & Nancy on 22 is all about the elevated aperitivo. Set on the 22nd floor of the A by Adina hotel, snag sunset vistas from the bar’s wraparound windows, with charming tinkling from the resident grand pianist. Aperitivo hour is also happy hour here, with the focus between 5-6pm daily: plump for the zingy Tramonto, made with Aperol, raspberry, grapefruit and sparkling wine, or a 50/50 Martini with garnish of your choice.
Hey Palu, Edinburgh
@heypalu
The Wild Strawberry Negroni at Hey Palu
Bringing a slice of Italy to Edinburgh is Hey Palu, where a range of amari is the USP, touting 75 bottles from across Italy. Explore the bar’s negroni flight, where you’ll taste a trio of miniature iterations, including a White Strawberry twist. This creative splash extends to the rest of the cocktail menu, with riffs on classics such as a Rhubarb Americano (rosso vermouth, rhubarb and soda).
Café Ocampo, Mexico City
@cafe.ocampo
Aperitivo hour in full swing at Café Ocampo
This buzzing Mexico City café-slash-bar combines typical amari and vermouths with a menu that moves effortlessly between classic Italian cocktails – think Aperol spritzes and white negronis – and coffee-infused concoctions including espresso martinis and carajillos. Swing by in the day for more exceptional coffee served in a cup instead of a cocktail, or if you’re in the area on Thursdays, stick around till 8pm for the bar’s weekly Martini Sessions.
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