Invite your friends or family over and create an authentic aperitivo moment in the comfort of your own home. Mix up a Campari drink following our recipe and watch its magical effects unfold. Did you know that this iconic liqueur is practically an encyclopedia of herbs?
From Tradition to Phenomenon
According to Italian custom, a drink called an aperitif is served before a good meal. In small amounts, thoughtfully, and in pleasant company. “A well-chosen aperitif can perfectly complement the food being served. Thanks to its properties, it triggers digestive processes in the body, leaving you with a healthy appetite. It stimulates gastric juices, so ideally you should have it 15 to 20 minutes before you start eating,” explains Anar Rzaiev, bar manager at Gatto Matto Panská. The wait for your meal transforms into pleasantly spent time – the so-called aperitivo moment.
Campari, an Herbal Wonder
Among the most famous aperitifs is certainly Campari, which is served straight over ice or as part of mixed drinks. This bittersweet bitter was first prepared in 1860 by Gaspare Campari in the Italian town of Novara. Its ruby-red color earned it the nickname “red passion.” The original recipe has been preserved and remains a company secret – rumor has it that only 3 people in the world know it. A single bottle contains around 70 different ingredients including spices, herbs, aromatic plants, and fruits.
“Without Campari, There Is No Bar”
That’s exactly what the producer claims. And indeed, at Gatto Matto Panská, we can’t even imagine life without it anymore. Our aperitivo bar was created with the help of bar consultant and ambassador Tony Velich, whom you can also meet at our events in collaboration with Italmarket Slovakia. Tony put together several mixed drinks and spritzes based on Campari. Our classic Negroni has become an absolute favorite. It’s a mix of Campari, vermouth, and gin. We serve several varieties, and there’s a charming story behind one of them. Negroni Sbagliato, which translates to “mistake,” supposedly came about when a certain bartender was admiring a beautiful lady sitting at the bar and mistakenly poured prosecco into the Negroni instead of gin. Today, it’s served this way in bars around the world.
Your Home Aperitivo Moment
Nothing can replace the experience of a bar where a skilled bartender prepares your drink. However, what matters most is who we’re with and how we savor the moment. Even in the comfort of home, we can prepare an excellent drink without having professional bar equipment. “What we find in any kitchen is enough, and the perfect aperitivo moment can begin. I recommend a drink I make very often – the Garibaldi Spritz,” says Anar, sharing the recipe:
- 100 ml prosecco
- 50 ml Campari
- 50 ml orange juice
- 2 orange slices
- ice cubes
“All ingredients should be stirred well with a long spoon so the flavors blend together. We serve this aperitif in a wine glass, with quality ice and orange slices,” the bartender reveals, continuing, “the advantage of making it at home is that you can adjust the proportions in your drinks exactly to what you’re in the mood for. I love adding more Campari to give it some kick!” The sky’s the limit when it comes to creativity.
Prepare some light snacks like bruschetta, cheese, olives, or prosciutto. This will surely pleasantly surprise any guests, whether friends or family. Try to relax for a moment and enjoy the aperitivo moment just like the Italians, who savor life to the fullest. SALUTE!
