In the United States, many people choose ‘happy hour’ as a way to unwind after a hectic day at work. A routine that involves heading to a lively bar with pals, and ordering cheap drinks and food within a small window of time.  However, in Italy this end of day ritual is called aperitivo, and no offense to all of the happy hour frolickers, but it tends to be a bit more civilized. Our contributor Shauna Sever spoke with Marisa Huff, the author of Aperitivo: The Cocktail Culture of Italy, to understand the spirit of aperitivo.

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Broadcast dates for this episode:

• July 10, 2018