Aperitifs & Antipasti: Salters’ Favourite Summer Pairings
Aperitifs & Antipasti: Salters’ Favourite Summer Pairings
There’s something unmistakably elegant about aperitifs and antipasti. It’s that golden hour moment, the clink of chilled glasses, the buzz of conversation, and small, exquisite bites that awaken the appetite. In summer, when long evenings beg for outdoor dining and lighter fare, this classic Italian tradition feels right at home in London gardens, rooftops, and terraces.
At Salters Events, we love creating thoughtful food and drink pairings that elevate an afternoon into a memorable experience. Whether you're planning a garden party, a client reception or a wedding welcome hour, here are a few of our favourite aperitif and antipasti combinations, and why they work so well together.
The Art of the Aperitif
An aperitif is more than just a pre-dinner drink. It’s an invitation to relax, to transition from day to evening, and to set the tone for the meal ahead. The best aperitifs are dry, refreshing, and lightly bitter — designed to stimulate the palate, not overwhelm it.
Some of our go-to summer options include:
Crisp white vermouth with orange peel
Aperol or Campari spritzes with prosecco and soda
Dry rosé with fresh strawberries
Ginger and cucumber spritz (non-alcoholic, but full of flavour)
Every drink we serve is chilled to perfection, beautifully garnished, and often pre-mixed for ease of service — especially for larger groups.
Antipasti Done Right
Antipasti is more than just a platter of bits and bobs. A well-curated spread should offer variety, balance, and beauty. It should excite the eyes as much as the taste buds, offering guests a chance to nibble, graze, and linger.
Our favourite combinations for summer include:
Grilled courgette rolls with whipped feta and lemon zest
Marinated artichokes and roasted peppers with herbed oil
Bresaola with rocket and shaved parmesan
Stuffed cherry peppers with soft cheese and herbs
Olives, house pickles, and warm focaccia with rosemary salt
We build our antipasti around texture and contrast — soft and crunchy, salty and creamy, bold and delicate — so every bite feels satisfying.
Pairing with Purpose
Great pairings are about harmony. A slightly bitter spritz cuts through the richness of cured meats. A crisp white wine brightens creamy cheese. A fruit-forward rosé sings with sweet summer tomatoes.
For example:
Our elderflower gin spritz pairs beautifully with citrus-marinated prawns and shaved fennel.
A dry prosecco balances out the saltiness of prosciutto and olives.
Campari & soda works surprisingly well with tomato focaccia and pickled chillies.
We love helping clients build bespoke pairings that reflect the mood, the menu, and the season — whether it's for 20 guests or 200.
Make It a Moment
Aperitifs and antipasti naturally encourage mingling and movement. They're ideal for welcome drinks at weddings, pre-dinner receptions at corporate events, or even as the main affair for a relaxed summer gathering. Guests can wander, chat, and snack without needing to sit, a detail that helps keep things flowing without the formality of a full meal.
At Salters, we often serve these from beautiful grazing tables, passed platters, or curated canapé stations, whatever suits the style of the event.
Closing Thought
In the height of summer, the best catering doesn’t shout — it whispers. Aperitifs and antipasti offer a light, luxurious start to any gathering, without weighing things down. They encourage conversation, create atmosphere, and show your guests that you care about the little details.
If you're planning an event this summer, and want to begin with something beautiful, refreshing and utterly delicious — we’d be delighted to help.