Italians Say There’s a “Right Time” to Drink a Spritz... and Americans Aren’t Having It
A viral TikTok has sparked a surprisingly passionate debate about Aperol etiquette, cultural pride, and who really gets to decide how we drink.
Every few months, the internet finds a new battleground — and somehow, it always involves food. From pineapple on pizza to how long pasta should be boiled, nothing stirs national pride quite like a recipe. This time, it’s the Aperol Spritz under fire.
A video by Italian creators Benedetta and Valeria (@localaromas) has reignited an age-old question: Is there a right time to enjoy a spritz? According to them, absolutely. In Italy, a spritz isn’t something you sip alongside your meal.
It’s an aperitivo, meant to awaken the appetite — not accompany your pasta.
“The bitterness serves the purpose of opening your stomach to then go have dinner,” they explained, encouraging viewers to keep the drink confined to the pre-dinner hour.
That alone was enough to set off an international stir. Americans flooded the comments with defiance, Italians doubled down, and TikTok became the digital version of a café argument in Rome. The debate wasn’t really about cocktails anymore. It was about freedom, culture, and who gets to decide what counts as “authentic.”
Just take a look...
The original clip might have been meant as a cultural lesson, but it quickly became a masterclass in how traditions evolve — or refuse to.
“Well… I’m an adult… I’ll do what I want when I want, thank you,” one commenter shot back. Another echoed, “I'll eat and drink however I please.”
To some, the Italian rules felt too rigid. One user wrote, “At this point, these customs are silly. One of the many things I loved about Greece is how they’re so flexible with food and customs — they encourage you to be flexible and do what you want!”
But others came to Italy’s defense, arguing that rules like these protect what makes a cuisine special. “If you throw the rules out,” one commenter warned, “we’ll all be eating carbonara with cream, and all pizza will be like Domino’s.”
Even Italians in the comments couldn’t agree. “I am Italian, born and raised — do whatever you want!” one said, while another added, “I’ve been in Italy for a week and I realize you can do what you want.” The responses showed that even within the culture, tradition isn’t a monolith.
Food anthropologists often point out that debates like this reveal more than culinary preference. They show how people tie identity to what’s on their plates. As Dr. Sara Galli, a sociologist specializing in European culture, once put it, “Food rituals are language — when outsiders change them, locals feel misunderstood.”
Still, on platforms like TikTok, that friction is part of the charm. What starts as a spritz argument often turns into a global conversation about respect, identity, and the joy of bending the rules.
The great spritz debate might never be settled... and maybe that’s the point. For some, sticking to tradition keeps culture alive; for others, breaking it is how it stays relevant. Either way, the Aperol Spritz has managed something most cocktails can’t: it got people talking.
So next time you order one, maybe it’s not about when you drink it, but what you’re drinking it for: connection, comfort, curiosity, or just because you can.
Share this with a friend who drinks their spritz at dinner and see which side they’re on!
Cultural Perspectives on Drinking Etiquette
Dr. Michele Gelfand, a cultural psychologist, notes that drinking customs often reflect deeper societal values. In Italy, the timing and context of drinking a spritz are closely tied to social rituals and cultural pride. This nuanced understanding can help bridge the gap between Italian traditions and American interpretations.
Gelfand emphasizes the importance of respecting local customs while also allowing for personal expression. Encouraging Americans to explore the cultural significance of drinks like the spritz might foster greater appreciation and understanding of Italian heritage.
Social media has transformed how cultural practices are shared and debated. A communication expert at the University of Southern California explains that platforms like TikTok amplify discussions around cultural norms, inviting both celebration and critique. This dynamic can lead to misunderstandings, particularly when cultural symbols are appropriated or misrepresented.
To navigate these conversations more effectively, experts recommend fostering cultural sensitivity through education. This involves actively learning about the traditions and significance behind customs, which can enrich personal experiences and promote respectful engagement across cultures.
Therapeutic Insights & Recovery
In conclusion, the debate over the right time to enjoy a spritz highlights the broader conversation about cultural respect and appreciation. Experts like Dr. Michele Gelfand advocate for understanding the cultural significance behind traditions, suggesting that education and open dialogue can help bridge gaps. As we navigate these social media-fueled discussions, it’s essential to approach them with both curiosity and respect.
By fostering a willingness to learn about and appreciate different customs, we can create a more inclusive and respectful culinary landscape, celebrating diversity rather than dividing it.
