If you’ve ever travelled through Italy, chatted with an Italian friend, or scrolled through someone’s sun-drenched holiday stories from Sicily or Rome, chances are you’ve heard of aperitivo. But this isn’t just a fancy word for “snack.” Aperitivo is a ritual. A daily pause. A beautiful habit that invites you to slow down, breathe out, and let good flavors — and even better company — take center stage.

Aperitivo is as much about atmosphere as it is about taste, we recommend a simple setup: wooden boards, colorful ceramics, linen napkins, soft light, and music that makes you smile. Whether it's retro Italian tunes or mellow jazz, find your rhythm. You don’t need a reason to pause — only a willingness to enjoy what’s in front of you.

Now, whether you’re sharing a sunset table with friends or enjoying a solo moment before dinner at home, aperitivo creates space in your day — not just for food, but for intention. And here’s the best part: you don’t need meat, dairy, or even alcohol to experience it in all its Italian glory. At Vegaliano, we’re here to show you how to enjoy la dolce vita — the plant-based way.

Where It All Began - The tradition of aperitivo traces back to ancient Rome — the word itself stems from “aperire,” meaning “to open,” referring to opening your appetite. But it was in 18th-century Northern Italy, especially in cities like Turin and Milan, where the idea evolved into what it is today: a stylish, flavorful interlude between the demands of the day and the pleasure of the evening.

Far beyond being “just a pre-dinner drink,” aperitivo is a cultural mood. It’s casual and thoughtful. It’s snacks and sips with purpose. It’s how Italians soften the edges of the day — something we can all learn from.

The 3–2–1 Aperitivo Method - To make it easy, to create your perfect aperitivo experience there is the 3–2–1 formula: Three snacks, two cheeses, and one unforgettable spread.

Three Plant-Based Snacks - Your snack trio should offer contrast — think salty, crunchy, and zingy. Start with taralli — those rustic little bread rings from Puglia. Traditionally made with olive oil and flour, they’re crisp, addictive, and perfect for scooping up spreads or pairing with cheese. Add a bowl of marinated olives (we love ours with lemon zest, thyme, extra virgin olive oil, and a hint of our favorite vegan parmesan). Then round it off with something protein-rich, like herbed lupini beans or roasted chickpeas dusted in smoked paprika and sea salt.

This trio keeps your palate dancing — and sets the stage for the next delicious layer.

Two Cheeses, Please - Nothing says “Italian comfort” like a little cheese, and in our world, vegan cheeses are the stars of aperitivo. Pair one creamy option like vegan ricotta or something more aged and bolder, like our cheese crusted in herbs or edible flowers. We love adding a touch of vegan honey for a sweet-savory contrast. Next add a wedge of peppercorn-infused parmesan — thee classic will do, but we love an aperitivo with a mix of strong flavors. And because, can you ever have too much cheese? We don’t follow this rule very much and always want more vegan cheese, so add a smoky cheese alternative (think: a vegan scamorza).

One Spread to Rule Them All - A spread brings balance to your board and invites interaction — dip it, scoop it, share it.Our top pick? Artichoke cream. It’s smooth, tangy, slightly earthy, and tastes like Southern Italy in a jar. Made with fresh artichoke hearts, olive oil, lemon, and herbs, it elevates any piece of bread into a bite worth savoring. Of course, you can swap in sun-dried tomato paste, black olive tapenade, or pistachio cream — there’s room for creativity here.

To really make it Italian – A must in classic Italian fashion, aperitivo is often paired with a drink — and nothing’s more iconic than the Spritz. Traditionally made with Prosecco, bitter liqueur, and soda water, it’s fizzy, refreshing, and bright orange. At Vegaliano, we celebrate the same joy with a non-alcoholic twist, a must try thee non-alcoholic spritz.

Now sometimes thee 3-2-1 rule is not enough for those days were we really need to slow down with more flavors, we add some vegan cold cuts like mortadella or salami-style slices. Lay them alongside rustic bread, crunchy grissini, or sourdough crackers. These extras add depth, texture, and plenty of flavor for sharing.

Traditions Made Kinder - At Vegaliano, we believe in reclaiming rituals in a way that honors the past while respecting the future. That’s why every product we offer — from our cheeses to our spreads to our aperitivo-ready snacks — is plant-based, made with love, and selected for both flavor and heart.

Need help curating your own vegan aperitivo moment? Just send us a message — we’re always happy to offer free tips on vegan living, Italian traditions, or building your dream board. Reach us at veganliving@vegaliano.com

And if you put together an aperitivo yourself, tag us at #VegalianoAperitivo.

Explore our full Aperitivo essentials online or swing by our Málaga pop-up to browse in person. From smoky cheeses to cold cuts, from sauces to vibrant spreads, we’ve got everything you need to bring the soul of Italy into your kitchen — cruelty-free and joy-filled.

Because at Vegaliano, we don’t just share food — we share traditions, the kinder way.