The aperitivo: a Milanese rite.

Although the word aperitivus derives from the Latin “that opens”, linked to the widespread ancient Rome habit of “open the stomach” and whetting the appetite with aromatised wines, it is in the Lombardy capital that this typically Italian tradition took flight much later.
We are in the year 1815. Ausano Ramazzotti, in his small laboratory a couple of paces from the Duomo, began experimenting on a new aromatised drink with ingredients coming from all over the world, perfect for every moment of the day. Two centuries pass, and while the happy hour spreads elsewhere, Milan invents the apericena, a fixed cost cocktail appointment which allows free unlimited access to a gourmet buffet. A unique step up in quality in the worldwide landscape, accompanying friendship, business and naturally, romantic meetings. 
Without its sophisticated apericena, Milan would not be the same.