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- How much food per person for an Italian aperitivo?
- For a standing aperitivo lasting 1.5 hours, plan 8–12 finger food pieces per person. This breaks down as: 3–4 stuzzichini/bruschette, 2–3 mini sandwiches or tramezzini, 2 savoury pastries (vol-au-vent, tartine), 1–2 sweet bites for the end. For longer events (2h+) or if no dinner follows, increase to 14–16 pieces.
- How much to drink per person at an aperitivo?
- Standard Italian aperitivo service: 2–3 drinks per person over 1.5 hours. Each drink is typically 100–150 ml for prosecco/wine or a 5 cl cocktail pour. Plan for: 40% prosecco/wine, 30% Spritz/cocktails, 30% non-alcoholic (acqua, succhi, analcolici). A 750 ml bottle of prosecco gives 6–7 flute portions.
- What is a typical Italian aperitivo menu?
- Classic Italian aperitivo buffet: bruschette al pomodoro, crostini con salumi (prosciutto, mortadella, salame), mini arancini, olive ascolane, caprese skewers, frittatine di pasta (Neapolitan style), mini tramezzini al tonno, grissini con prosciutto, tartine di salmone. For a Milanese aperitivo, generous food portions are customary — the food replaces a light dinner.
- What is the difference between aperitivo and buffet?
- An aperitivo is a standing pre-dinner drinks event with finger foods — typically 1–2 hours before a sit-down dinner. A buffet is a full meal served standing or at tables. Aperitivo portions are 30–40% smaller than buffet portions. This calculator is calibrated for aperitivo; use the catering portions calculator for full buffet quantities.
- How many waiters for an aperitivo?
- For a standing Italian aperitivo: 1 waiter per 20–25 guests for passing finger foods and 1 bartender per 40–50 guests for drinks service. For a high-end event, increase to 1 waiter per 15 guests. The aperitivo flow is more relaxed than a seated dinner, but guests expect constant refills of drinks.
- Can the aperitivo calculator be used for a Spritz event?
- Yes — the calculator lets you customise the drinks mix. A Spritz-heavy aperitivo (Aperol Spritz or Hugo) typically serves 2.5 cocktails per person over 1.5 hours. Plan for 1 litre of prosecco + 400 ml Aperol + 200 ml sparkling water per 5 guests for Aperol Spritz.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much food per person for an Italian aperitivo?
For a standing aperitivo lasting 1.5 hours, plan 8–12 finger food pieces per person. This breaks down as: 3–4 stuzzichini/bruschette, 2–3 mini sandwiches or tramezzini, 2 savoury pastries (vol-au-vent, tartine), 1–2 sweet bites for the end. For longer events (2h+) or if no dinner follows, increase to 14–16 pieces.
How much to drink per person at an aperitivo?
Standard Italian aperitivo service: 2–3 drinks per person over 1.5 hours. Each drink is typically 100–150 ml for prosecco/wine or a 5 cl cocktail pour. Plan for: 40% prosecco/wine, 30% Spritz/cocktails, 30% non-alcoholic (acqua, succhi, analcolici). A 750 ml bottle of prosecco gives 6–7 flute portions.
What is a typical Italian aperitivo menu?
Classic Italian aperitivo buffet: bruschette al pomodoro, crostini con salumi (prosciutto, mortadella, salame), mini arancini, olive ascolane, caprese skewers, frittatine di pasta (Neapolitan style), mini tramezzini al tonno, grissini con prosciutto, tartine di salmone. For a Milanese aperitivo, generous food portions are customary — the food replaces a light dinner.
What is the difference between aperitivo and buffet?
An aperitivo is a standing pre-dinner drinks event with finger foods — typically 1–2 hours before a sit-down dinner. A buffet is a full meal served standing or at tables. Aperitivo portions are 30–40% smaller than buffet portions. This calculator is calibrated for aperitivo; use the catering portions calculator for full buffet quantities.
How many waiters for an aperitivo?
For a standing Italian aperitivo: 1 waiter per 20–25 guests for passing finger foods and 1 bartender per 40–50 guests for drinks service. For a high-end event, increase to 1 waiter per 15 guests. The aperitivo flow is more relaxed than a seated dinner, but guests expect constant refills of drinks.
Can the aperitivo calculator be used for a Spritz event?
Yes — the calculator lets you customise the drinks mix. A Spritz-heavy aperitivo (Aperol Spritz or Hugo) typically serves 2.5 cocktails per person over 1.5 hours. Plan for 1 litre of prosecco + 400 ml Aperol + 200 ml sparkling water per 5 guests for Aperol Spritz.