The Milano Files

The Italian aperitivo with Carlo Carnevale part 1: evolution and retrograde

Season 2 Episode 5

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The aperitivo is one of Italy's most romanticized traditions, and Milan-based drinks writer and journalist Carlo Carnevale joins Jaclyn DeGiorgio to delve below the surface and discuss its history and significance, with a focus on its role in Milanese social culture. This is part one of two episodes. Follow his adventures fueled with cleverly crafted cocktails and then some on Instagram.

If you're visiting Milan and would like to book a food tour with Jaclyn when you're in town, send her an email: jaclyndegiorgiofoodtours@gmail.com

Jaclyn's blog: A Signorina in Milan

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Show notes:

  • Merenda sinoira is the Piedmontese term mentioned meaning "snack before dinner"
  • Carpano Classico, the original vermouth
  • Vermouth di Torino PGI regulations 
  • Vinicio Valdo is the man who pioneered the Happy Hour-style aperitivo in Milan. His bar was called Roialto, and you can read a recent interview with him here. It's in Italian, but we live in the age of AI. :) 
  • The Botanical Club in Isola opened in 2015 but is no longer open. 
  • Rita in the Navigli is the 20-year-old cocktail bar in Milan that Carlo mentions -- it's excellent! 
  • The Milano Files season 1 episode 7 discusses natural wine in Milan, and you might want to give that a listen as well as there is some overlap with certain facets of Milan's contemporary beverage culture.  


If you're visiting Milan and would like to book a food tour with Jaclyn when you're in town, send her an email: jaclyndegiorgiofoodtours@gmail.com

Jaclyn's blog: A Signorina in Milan

Click here to sign up for Jaclyn's newsletter.