Untold Italy · Friday, August 7, 2026
Nizim explains the Italian tradition of 'aperitivo,' which originated in Milan. It involves having a drink, often with digestive benefits like a Spritz, between work and dinner. This ritual prepares the palate and aids digestion, reflecting Italy's food-centric culture and focus on digestibility.
“So you mentioned aptidivo, which is the practice of having like a drink before your meal. So it's something that started in Milan, if I remember correctly, between say like five when you were let out of work and around eight when you would go to dinner, you would go to a bar in Italy as a cafe where they also serve alcohol, and you would get like a drink.”
“Often that drink has digestive benefits. So the Sprits is the most popular appity TiVo drink.”
“Apparol has bitterness to it, so does Compoti, which is The other main liquor that you use for sprits is compody, is a lot more bitter, and bitterness is one of these digestive tricks.”