Aperitivo Hour with Lulu & Georgia

My most favorite time of the day – and how to make it yours, too!

My favorite time of the day? Aperitivo hour. Technically a pre-dinner cocktail, but really a wonderful cultural ritual. I love that in Italy, whether you find yourself at a sidewalk cafe, a locals-only bar, or a 5-star hotel, your drink always comes with some sort of nibble. A little bowl of olives, or potato chips, or salty nuts. (Or, all three.) In my mind, no cocktail should ever be served without a snack.

The epitome of lazy-fancy, a fried sage leaf is like a potato chip but with an epicurean accent. Sage leaves are best served hot, so when your guests arrive, give them a job: One can dunk the leaves in batter while you man the frying pan; another can pour your pre-batched Negroni Bianco.