Turin is synonymous with elegance, history, and good taste. But beyond its majestic architecture and museums, there is a tradition that defines the soul of the city: the aperitif. This ritual, which combines gastronomy, social interaction, and sophistication, has its birthplace and highest expression in Turin.
Where it all began: Historic cafés with a story
Walking through the centre of Turin is like travelling through time. And there’s no better way to experience this than by sitting in one of its historic cafés. Caffè Mulassano, in Piazza Castello, is considered the birthplace of modern vermouth and, with it, the Italian aperitif. It is said that this herb-infused liquor was first served here, a creation that would go on to shape the history of global mixology.
Another temple of the aperitif is Caffè Torino, with its iconic bull embedded in the floor (stepping on it is said to bring good luck), and the refined Baratti & Milano, where golden mouldings and Belle Époque mirrors provide the perfect setting for a vermouth with a rich history.
Turin, the birthplace of vermouth
Turin wouldn’t be Turin without vermouth. This drink, created in the 18th century by Antonio Benedetto Carpano, combined white wine with herbs and spices, giving birth to a digestive elixir that soon became a staple of the aperitif. At the end of the 19th century, legendary brands like Martini & Rossi were born, bringing the taste of Turin to the world from their headquarters in Pessione. A visit to Casa Martini, just a few kilometres from the city centre, lets you discover this story of flavour, innovation, and elegance.
The art of the contemporary aperitif
Today, the tradition remains alive and is reinvented in the city’s trendy bars. In the vibrant San Salvario district, places like La Drogheria combine creative cocktails with author’s tapas in a young and cosmopolitan setting. Other venues, such as Smile Tree and Casa del Barolo, offer a full aperitif with an Italian buffet, including artisanal focaccia, cold pasta, local cured meats, and cheeses.
The Turin aperitif is not just a drink before dinner: it’s an experience. That’s why many opt for the so-called “apericena,” a formula that allows you to have an informal dinner while socialising with a drink in hand.
What to drink and eat during a typical Turin aperitif
The undisputed star is vermouth, served straight, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails such as the Negroni, the Americano, or the elegant Spritz, which is becoming increasingly popular. To accompany, bars offer a carefully selected range of snacks: olives, Piedmontese cheeses, focaccia, grissini, pickles, pasta salads, and, in the most traditional venues, a few hot delights.
Tips for enjoying it like a local
The ideal time to enjoy an aperitif in Turin is between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Arriving early guarantees a better selection at the buffet, which is usually abundant and delicious.
If you’re looking for a classic experience, the historic centre is the place to be, as those elegant cafés and refined atmosphere can’t be found anywhere else. For a more modern and vibrant setting, the districts of Quadrilatero Romano or San Salvario will become your new haven.
And what should you order? Start with a house vermouth, the drink that, in case you didn’t know, was born in Turin. If you prefer something lighter, try a spritz made with vermouth instead of prosecco: a local variant with plenty of style.
A ritual with a taste of history
The aperitif in Turin is much more than a gastronomic tradition: it’s a way of life. From the cafés that witnessed the birth of vermouth to the bars that reinvent the ritual every night, everything in this city invites you to sit down, toast, and enjoy the moment. Because here, every sip tells a story, and every corner hides a toast to the magic of this city.
Discover the art of the aperitif in Turin and let yourself be seduced by an experience that only this city can offer.