In Spain, going out for an aperitif is a tradition, as it is in other European countries such as Italy. But who said it is exclusive to the Mediterranean? We take a tour around the continent to see how the “la hora del vermú” is lived.
To learn about the origin of the aperitif we must go back to 19th century in Turin. From the capital of the Piedmont region it soon spread, as happens with all great “inventions”, to the north of the country. And with Italy conquered, to the Mediterranean.
And although in each country it is adapted to the local gastronomy, in all of them it maintains the essence of the term: a ritual to socialize while enjoying a drink and some kind of snack. In Spain it is such a deeply rooted tradition that it even has its own expression: “quedar para tomar el vermú”. Vermouth is not required, but it is a very widespread drink.
Another of the drinks most closely related to the aperitif is the Spritz, also of Italian origin, a simple cocktail that was born because, during the Austro-Hungarian domination, the foreign troops found the Italian wines too strong. Today there are numerous recipes for Spritz, but the mixture of dry white wine and sparkling mineral water is still the basis of this refreshment that usually precedes dinner.
In France, the main difference with Spain is in the moment of the day, since the Gauls are also used to having the apéritif before dinner. There, a glass of wine -or vermouth, beer or champagne- accompanied by cheese or a piece of charcuterie becomes the perfect formula.
And in Greece, if we want to comply with the most canonical tradition, we could order a shot of ouzo, the typical aniseed liqueur with the smell of licorice, and accompany it with the equivalent of the Spanish tapas, the mezzedes, from the famous tzatziki sauce to the delicious tyropitas, a kind of dumplings stuffed with feta cheese.
And then there is the United Kingdom, where the vermouth hour is replaced by brunch, although there is not much similarity either in the gastronomic ingredients or in its perspective of social gathering.
And what about this custom outside Europe? Well, for example, it is also common in Argentina as a time to get together before meals. There the options range from a beer or a wine to a vermouth or a fernet and cola, accompanied by picadas, a dish halfway between Spanish tapas and Italian antipasti. The picadas range from cheese or peanuts to sausages such as salami, salami and even blood sausage.
And if after reading all this you feel like opening a beer or pouring a vermouth with a snack, we suggest you complete the tasting with Cohiba White Club or Montecristo Open Mini, two Cuban mini cigars perfect for that moment as they are at the bottom of the table of strengths.
The White Club brings new flavour nuances in addition to those offered by the other minis of Cohiba, but its main feature is its rather soft blend. On the other hand, the Open line is Montecristo’s newest proposal and, as in the previous case, its blend is softer than the classic of this brand.
Now we can only wish you a happy summer aperitif from the country where you read us and whatever the pairing you usually choose. Enjoy!
