What is Milanese aperitivo?
In Milan and other parts of northern Italy, when you order a drink you at a bar will also get a few nibbles alongside, gratis. These are usually light snacks like olives, crackers, nuts etc.
Why?
Recreating this at home can be a fun, low-stress way to do appetisers, simply open a bag of crisps, a bag of peanuts and dish up some olives and voila, you’re done.
It brings a European flair, and pairs perfectly with a summer Aperol spritz. It’s also light, and isn’t too filling.
Note that this is different to milanese apericena which is a more filling, buffet style apertivo, common in Milan.
How?
Small dishes, restaurants and bars will use metal ramekins but any small ramekins and bowls you have will be fine.
- As fancy as you like, bring toothpicks and a small bowl for olive pits.
- Select a few things you like, the following are common in Milan in my experience but feel free to pick whatever you like best.
- Olives
- Crisps (Thin cut, ready salted)
- Peanuts
- Popcorn (yes, really)
- Saucisson
- Chunks of parmesan.
- Taralli
What you’re unlikely to see is heavy cheeses, lots of meat, or anything that requires a lot of prep*.