La Dolce Vita: Unwind the European Way With the Ultimate Aperitivo Hour

This article has been produced in partnership with Sandhurst.

The perfect embodiment of la dolce vita—the Italian concept of celebrating life’s pleasure and embracing a leisurely, indulgent way of living—aperitivo hour is no longer limited to sojourns to Italian shores. 

The tradition of unwinding with family and friends before dinner while enjoying light bites and refreshing sips may have started in lively piazzas far away, but these days, it’s become as much an Australian summer tradition as a quick, post-work dip at the beach. 

More than just a pre-dinner drink, aperitivo is a lifestyle. This cherished tradition encourages relaxation and socialisation—think savouring the sunset surrounded by friends—and is all about slowing down and enjoying the moment.

Of course, no aperitivo hour is complete without delightful small plates or the perfect antipasto platter, alongside beverages designed to refresh. With the help of Sandhurst, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to recreating the Italian tradition this season and embracing la dolce vita in your own space. 

Aperitivo may translate to “to open”, but the phrase doesn’t simply refer to the act of indulging in a pre-dinner drink and snack. A warm, welcoming space is key to setting the perfect aperitivo scene, so start by transforming your outdoor space with twinkling fairy lights or candles to evoke a dreamy European escape.

Whether you’re indulging in a quiet, solo moment made for reflection or hosting a sunset soirée with friends, no aperitivo hour is complete without a gourmet spread.

Antipasto platters, laden with the finest and freshest ingredients—like those from Sandhurst’s range—or small bites designed to share are essential. Offer balance and variety, and be sure to choose quality ingredients for an authentic and memorable experience.

A family-owned and operated business, Sandhurst puts Italian ingredients and traditional preserving techniques at the forefront of everything they do. Focusing on quality and innovation, the family—and their products—are custodians of Italian values, making them a perfect choice for your aperitivo-inspired recipes.  Prepare a platter using Sandhurst’s Whole Sicilian Green Olives, which have a mild, nutty flavour, and pair them with plump and juicy Semi-Dried Tomatoes that will transport your tastebuds with every bite.

Choose a variety of cured meats, like thinly sliced prosciutto and a slightly spicy salami, and pair with cheeses that mix textures and flavours. 

To further encourage a relaxed, shared dining atmosphere, serve up some delicious small plates, such as crispy artichoke bites or a colourful Sicilian-style salad using Baby Capers, and complement the food with your favourite drop of Italian wine or a zesty, refreshing Spritz.

With the gourmet food and drinks all sorted, the only thing left to do is to truly embrace the la dolce vita mindset. After all, aperitivo hour is as much about attitude as it is about the details.

Pop on some uplifting tunes, share stories, engage in jovial conversation, and even throw in a few fun games to elevate the good vibes, transporting your guests to a sun-soaked Italian piazza while truly embracing that Euro summer mindset.

This summer, embrace the idea of an Italian escape and host the ultimate aperitivo hour with authentic Sandhurst ingredients - just look for the iconic red lid.