The art of the aperitif in Puglia
The aperitivo, or “aperitif” in Italian, is a tradition deeply rooted in Italian culture. In the Puglia region, the aperitivo is more than just a pre-dinner ritual and isn’t limited to a specific time. It’s a moment for relaxation, sharing, and conviviality. It’s an opportunity to get together, take your time with a cocktail, a glass of wine, or a cold beer.
What to enjoy as an aperitif?
The essential “tris”: chips, olives and taralli
“Tris” is a must-have aperitif in Puglia . It consists of olives, taralli and chips.
Olives play a significant role in Apulian cuisine. Bella di Cerignola olives, large green varieties , are prized for their firm flesh and mild flavor. For a more intense flavor, try Nere di Bari olives . Smaller and black, they are often marinated with local herbs.
” Taralli ” are small, round, crispy biscuits with a hole in the middle, originating from southern Italy and very popular in the Puglia region. They are slightly smaller in Salento, where they are called tarallini. Typically flavored with fennel, garlic, chili pepper, or olive oil, they have a unique taste.
A successful aperitif with a “tagliere,” a secret of which the Italians are known.
Local cheese and charcuterie boards pair perfectly with taralli , under the name “tagliere misto di salumi e formaggi” (mixed cheese and charcuterie platter). Among these charcuterie items are “Salame di Canosa” and “Capocollo di Martina Franca,” two regional specialties. The former is a traditional sausage made with pork and a blend of spices, while the latter is a smoked ham, renowned for its intense aroma and rich flavor. If you order a tagliere misto, you’ll likely also have the opportunity to try “Caciocavallo Podolico,” a stretched-curd cheese.
A rustico shared among friends
It’s common to see a ” rustico ” cut into quarters as an appetizer to be shared. Rusticos are emblematic dishes of Puglia. They are warm, puff-style pastries, recognizable by their domed shape due to the tomato filling, and are topped with mozzarella and béchamel sauce. The name ” rustico ” means “rustic” in Italian, which perfectly reflects their simplicity and authentic flavor.
Panzerotti: the typical “fried calzones” of Bari
Panzerotti are small culinary specialties from the city of Bari, in the Puglia region. Similar to small calzone pizzas, they are filled with mozzarella, tomatoes, and sometimes ham, before being fried until golden brown. These crispy, melt-in-your-mouth turnovers are a must-have appetizer in Puglia .
“Puccie”: sandwiches from Puglia
” Puccie ” are typical sandwiches from Puglia, often served as an appetizer. They are made with a local rustic bread, baked in a wood-fired oven, and generously filled. The fillings often vary, ranging from local cured meats and grilled vegetables to cheese and various condiments. Easy to eat and delicious, ” puccie ” are a perfect choice for a light and versatile appetizer.
Polpette: meatballs with multiple flavors
In the Puglia region, you can also discover the famous ” polpette “. These meatballs can be prepared in different ways: with meat, cheese, potatoes (in which case they are called crochette) or even eggplant.
For seafood lovers, Puglia offers a wide variety of fried seafood delicacies, such as octopus and squid. Whether made with meat, vegetables, or fish, polpette are a must-have appetizer in Puglia .
What drink should you choose for your aperitif in Puglia?
In Puglia, the aperitif is an extraordinary experience where you can enjoy a variety of cocktails, wines and local beers.
Your evening can begin with a classic Spritz , a well-known cocktail from northern Italy. This cocktail, traditionally made with Prosecco, Aperol or Campari (which has a more bitter taste), and soda, also exists in a Pugliese version. In this version, the Prosecco can be replaced with a local sparkling wine , and the Aperol or Campari with a local Amaro, such as Mirto (made from myrtle). Of course, there are other variations that offer an alternative to the classic Spritz .
For those who prefer wine, the region offers a wide variety. For an aperitif, a local sparkling wine would be ideal. For example, try a San Severino DOC or a Delle Piccolebolle from Duca Carlo Guarini .
And for beer lovers, there are numerous craft breweries in Puglia producing excellent local beers. Among the most famous are Birra Salento , Raffo , and Birranova . These breweries offer a variety of styles, including lagers, ales, and specialty beers brewed with local ingredients.
There are also many delicious non-alcoholic alternatives available for an aperitif in Italy. One example is the legendary crodino, a non-alcoholic aperitif made with herbs, spices, and fruit, which is often served with soda and a slice of orange.
The art of the aperitif in Italy, and in Puglia in particular, is a moment of sharing and conviviality. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast, a wine lover, or a passionate beer drinker, you’ll always find a drink to your liking, alcoholic or not. The aperitif is always accompanied by taralli (a type of flatbread) , olives , a rustic dish to share, panzerotti (small flatbreads), puccie (small sandwiches ), and polpette (meatballs )… the aperitif in Puglia is a true invitation to explore authentic and generous flavors. Cheers!
It’s up to you: order your aperitif
