Book Review: Aperitivo

Books published by the estimable Ryland Peters & Small have found their way into my home before, as we struggled earnestly to achieve the minimal aesthetic presented in Hilary Robertson’s  Monochrome Home. But the independent publishing house places a premium on aesthetic quality, and Aperitivo is no different, albeit much more vivid and technicolor than minimally monochromatic.

Immediately from the table of contents, you can tell this is going to be a different book: recipes for food and drink are sectioned by thematic elements rather than page order, and everything one would need to have a great night in with friends, solo or a date night at home is right there. And speaking of food, there’s quite a bit here to choose from, all tempting in presentation and relatively easy to assemble if handy around the kitchen.

Aperitivo delves deep into the Italian tradition of having a drink and light snack, meant to relax and prepare the palate for a hearty meal later in the evening. Whether you’re a newcomer to mixology or a seasoned bartender who could construct each cocktail in their sleep, there’s plenty to create and enjoy here. Variations on classic spritzes, negronis, and Prosecco-based drinks take up the majority of the opening section, and the recipe for Sparkling Aperitivo Punch is a home run summer crowd pleaser tested at a recent gathering of people with a wide range of palates. I had to make it twice.

While the culinary section may prove challenging to novices, Aperitivo is an agreeable introduction to the world of aperitifs that is immersive and straightforward, and will put readers at ease with crafting drinks with minimal entry time and high levels of reward.

B+ / $17 [BUY IT NOW FROM AMAZON]

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