EST. 2009

October 15, 2019

That Aperitif Trio


SOMETHING I MISS SINCE LEAVING SOUTHERN EUROPE is aperitif culture, fostered by personal and professional friends alike. Before lunch, aperitif is lovely on a terrace, usually sun-dappled and poised for people-watching. Before dinner, aperitif was usually at a rooftop bar, art gallery, or street-level terrace minus the morning sun.

Introduced in France in 1846, an aperitif is an alcoholic beverage served before a meal to stimulate the appetite. By the 19th century, it became popular in Italy and all across Europe as a staple at fashionable cafes.

Aperitifs today commonly include wines and spirits such as Dubbonnet, Lillet, Aperol, Campari, and Martini, served on the rocks or mixed as cocktails. I find that what makes the culture so lush goes beyond the beverage though, and toward the style that envelopes it. The conversation you bring, the outfits you wear, the location, and even the barware, all define the vibe, which varies across different cities and neighborhoods.

As an homage to aperitif culture, Argentine designer Augustina Bottono created the Calici Milanesi Glassware Trio. Comprising a martini glass, wine glass, and champagne coupe in rippled borosilicate, the set was inspired by the architecture of Milan; a city that loves its aperitivo.

Calici Milanesi Glassware Trio by Augustina Bottono, agustinabottoni.com

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