5 minute read
Campari Group - Aperitivo Time with Delphine Kong
from ItalianCham Vol.19
by icchkmacao
Buongiorno! I’m Delphine Kong, and I’m honoured to be writing for this exclusive column on Aperitivo Time. As an aperitivo advocate based in Hong Kong, I had the pleasure of being a part of the recently concluded Italian Week Hong Kong 2023 and the Aperitivo Festival in Milan. With the excitement and energy still fresh in my mind, I’m thrilled to explore the world of aperitivo with you and share my insights into promoting the Italian drinking culture in this vibrant city.
But first, let’s talk about how aperitivo is perceived in Hong Kong. In Italy, aperitivo is a popular tradition that combines light bites, drinks, and good company. Similarly, in Hong Kong, we have our own beloved tradition of “Yum Cha,” where families gather to eat “Dim Sum” and drink tea at Cantonese restaurants during breakfast or lunch. Just like the Italian aperitivo ritual, it’s not just about drinking alcohol or tea, but about the experience, occasion, and socializing with people. It’s about enjoying a moment with friends or family.
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By sharing this commonality with the city, we’re seeing a growing interest in aperitivo among young adults in Hong Kong. This is also because low ABV aperitivo cocktails like Aperol Spritz are perfect for Hong Kong’s vibrant and social culture. By cultivating a deeper appreciation for the art of aperitivo, we can create a more vibrant and inclusive drinking culture in Hong Kong.
I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Aperitivo Festival in Milan, where I was able to immerse myself in the authentic Italian drinking culture first-hand. I found it fascinating how food and aperitivo always go hand in hand in Italy. They have this Italian Style “Happy Hour” called “Aperitivo Time”, where they serve unlimited light bites with drinks as long as you buy an aperitivo. This experience got me thinking about how we can bring this part of aperitivo culture to Hong Kong and make it resonate with locals? I love to experiment with different local delicacies to provide the perfect canvas for creativity. For example, I’ve paired Aperol Spritz with local street food, such as egg waffles and fish balls, to create a playful and engaging experience. It was a great way to showcase how aperitivo can be adapted to suit different palates and cultures.
To cater to the sweet and sour, fruity and floral palate that is preferred by most of Hong Kongers, I have created a range of Spritz variations that incorporate local ingredients such as lychee and passion fruit. These drinks have become quite popular among locals because they are perfect for Hong Kong’s hot and humid climate. They complement the city’s vibrant and colourful food scene. Recently, I had the opportunity to showcase the “Passion Fruit Spritz” on stage during the APERITIVO AROUND THE WORLD talk session at Aperitivo Festival in Milan. I had the honour to join other foreign mixologist in sharing the aperitivo experience in our respective region. I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by the great success of this drink. Our Italian counterparts enjoyed it just as much as Hong Kong people, and I even received requests for recipe from the audience.
To further enhance the Hong Kong style aperitivo experience, I have also brought local food like five spice pork cubes from Hong Kong to pair with this drink, which has also received great feedback. I have found that the key to successful pairings is to find a balance between the flavours of the food and the aperitivo drink. The food should complement the drink without overpowering it, and vice versa. It’s a delicate balance, but when done right, it can create a truly memorable experience. By pairing aperitivo with local food, we can create a more immersive and engaging experience that appeals to the local palate. It also helps to introduce people to new flavours and expand their culinary horizons. It was a great way to demonstrate how aperitivo can be adapted to suit different palates and cultures while still staying true to the essence of this beloved Italian tradition.
Aperitivo culture has indeed become a global phenomenon, and it’s fascinating to see how it has been embraced and transcends borders and cultural differences. Whether you are in Hong Kong or Milan, you can enjoy aperitivo in your own unique way and yet still share the same love for this Italian tradition. Through my work as an aperitivo enthusiast, I have had the pleasure promoting this beloved ritual and creating unique aperitivo experiences that cater to the Hong Kongers.
