The Italians tend to do everything with a little more style than the rest of us, especially when it comes to food and drink. Take for example the concept of "happy hour." In the US, bars will serve discounted drinks usually between 5:00-7:00 p.m. There may be a few bar nuts involved in the mix, but it's mostly about the beer, wine, vodka and gin.

In Italy, the concept of having an aperitivo, or a drink which opens the appetite, before dinner is quite different. Imagine you say to your friend, "Prendiamo un aperitivo." You would go to a bar and order a drink, but you'll notice that it won't be at a discounted price. In fact, it's even more expensive during aperitivo hours (roughly between 7:00-9:00 p.m.). Why the surcharge? Your aperitivo is served with small plates of snacks like small sandwiches, olives, cheese and cured meats. Another difference is the drinks don't fall into the "sticky sweet" category. No apple or chocolate-peanut butter martinis here. Check out how to re-create some of the classic Italian cocktails.

Americano 

1 oz. sweet vermouth
1 oz. Campari liqueur
club soda

 Pour the vermouth and Campari into a tall, chilled glass with ice cubes. Stir and garnish with an orange slice.

Bellini 

1 oz. white peach puree (or peach schnapps)
3 oz. chilled Prosecco 

Pour the puree into a chilled champagne glass and top up with Prosecco. Stir until mixed.

Aperol Spritz

2 parts Aperol
3 parts Prosecco
splash of soda or seltzer 

Pour ingredients in a short glass with ice. Stir and garnish with an orange slice. 

Negroni

1 oz gin 
1 oz sweet vermouth 
1 oz Campari
1 fresh orange peel

Pour the gin, Campari and vermouth in a short glass. Add ice. Stir until chilled, then strain into a martini glass. Garnish with and orange peel. 

Bicicletta

2 oz. Campari liqueur
2 oz. dry white wine
splash of club soda

Pour Campari and wine into a tall glass with ice cubes and top with club soda. Garnish with a slice of lemon.

You can also experience aperitivo at the following restaurants:

Ovest Pizzoteca, 513 West 27th Street New York, NY (212) 967-4392

I Trulli, 122 E 27th St # 1 New York, NY (212) 481-7372