Whether you prefer a bottle of dry, red wine with dinner or are more of the type who likes kicking back shots with the boys, Italy has something for you
My friend and I spent like our last Euros on these fancy boys at a bar on the beach in Civitanova. Probably should have saved that money for the train ride back, but how we were supposed to know we'd miss the train and have to buy new tickets at midnight. Worth every cent.
The other day my roommate theorized, "man the whole coronavirus thing is probably so bad for alcoholics. It's all they have left to do now and nothing is topping them." Our house definitely stocked up in anticipation of being stuck at home, unable to go anywhere remotely interesting.
Some of my favorite parts about the drinking culture in Italy
Wine with dinner is just a normal part of the meal, and they are much more particular about when it's acceptable to drink certain alcoholic beverages, expect for wine. However, they have this habit of diluting wine with water sometimes and I still don't know how I feel about that.
Many families make their own liqueurs from things they grow themselves. Family friends of mine make a cherry (amarena) liquor. My dad is pictured below toasting with the delectable beverage when we I took my parents back this past summer. My friend's dad declared with a heavy accent, "This is for friends only!" They sent us home with a small bottle that we finished within 24 hours. I'm surprised it lasted even that long.
Lots of people like to take an "aperitivo" around three, which involves light snacks and a drink (usually a spritz but I didn't like how bitter the aperol was). The pic above is a bit classier than we'd normally do because we actually ordered food. My friend is drinking a Spritz, in case you were wondering. Young people don't drink in secret like they do in the U.S. because there's no point. Drinking doesn't feel rebellious or wrong.
What they drink, similar to what they eat, varies greatly by region. In the region I lived in (Le Marche) they'd often finish off dinner by dipping a couple of biscotti (cookies) with almonds into a small glass of Vin Santo. The cookies are very hard and instantly soak up the sweet, late-harvest wine after a few seconds. It's quite possibly the best way to finish off a meal.
Bars have lots of shot options as well, which I wasn't expecting. There was this place we came across in Rome that offered shots in chocolate molds. Granted, I think the place was meant for tourists considering the shots had names like 69iner and blowjob. Still highly recommend though. The place was called Rivendita Libri Cioccolata e Vino.
They have disgestivi at the end of their meals, which are basically shots that are supposed to clear your palate and settle your stomach. The most popular options are Italian bitters (amari) like Montenegro or liquors like sambucca (made from anise seed) and limoncello. If you want something really strong they also have Grappa, which has up to 60% ABV. It's made from pomace: the skins, seeds and stems of grapes leftover from wine production. I wasn't a fan because of the extreme bitterness and pure strength of the drink. Italians also have this funny tradition of adding sambuca or grappa to their espresso to “correct” it.
Their mulled wine that you can find at any Christmas market is fantastic! People put in allspice berries, star anise, vanilla pods and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The zest of either oranges or lemons is essential. Sometimes people also throw in some raisins.