Italian-style aperitif: the culture of Aperol Spritz and Italian cocktails in Old Quebec

April 29, 2026Carrera Café

Cocktails & Buvette

Italian aperitif: the culture of Aperol Spritz and Italian cocktails in Old Quebec

Italy invented the art of the aperitif. Campari, Aperol, Amaro, Negroni: an entire culture dedicated to the suspended moment between work and dinner. At Carrera Café in Petit-Champlain, we believe in it.

The Italian aperitif

A lifestyle art imported to rue du Petit-Champlain

In Italy, the aperitif is not optional. It’s a social ritual as fundamental as lunch. Between 5pm and 8pm, Italians settle in bars, order a Spritz or a Negroni, nibble on something, and take time to unwind before dinner.

Carrera Café imported this ritual directly to Quebec. Not as an imitation: as a conviction. The Italian aperitif is taught and experienced here. We teach it. And we make you live it.

Italian sprezzatura: effortless elegance. That’s exactly what aperitif time at Carrera Café is.

Aperol Spritz

The cocktail that conquered the world

The Aperol Spritz was born in Venice in the 1950s. A mix of Aperol (a bitter and sweet orange-based liqueur), sparkling prosecco, and sparkling water. Served on ice with an orange wedge. Simple, light, festive.

★ Our version

Paddock Spritz

Aperol, artisanal prosecco, sparkling water, fresh orange, ice cubes. The Carrera Café version: a bit more generous, a bit less sweet. Perfect.

Alcohol

Light (11%)

Calories

~180 kcal

Price

13 $

Amaro

The digestif before the meal

Amaro is a bitter liqueur made from herbs, spices, and plants. There are dozens in Italy, each with its unique aromatic profile. Amaro is usually drunk after a meal as a digestif, but Italians don’t hesitate to have it before, mixed with prosecco or alone on ice.

At Carrera Café, we offer a selection of Amari (plural of Amaro) for the curious who want to explore the Italian bitter tradition.

Our Italian menu

Italy in a glass at Petit-Champlain

Paddock Spritz

Aperol, prosecco, sparkling water, orange. Venice's aperitif at Petit-Champlain.

13 $

★ Signature

Negroni Carrera

Quebec gin, Campari, red vermouth. The connoisseurs' aperitif.

15 $

Americano Pit Stop

Campari, red vermouth, sparkling water, lemon. The Negroni without strong alcohol.

13 $

Aperitif time

At Carrera Café

From 5pm to 7pm, Carrera Café switches to aperitif mode. Cocktails are discounted, the atmosphere changes, and the terrace (in season) becomes the most pleasant spot in Petit-Champlain. It's the moment of truth: yours and ours.

Happy hour

5pm to 7pm

Discount

Selected cocktails

With that

Snack boards

Italy awaits you

Italian aperitif at Petit-Champlain

Carrera Café, rue du Petit-Champlain. Happy hour 5pm-7pm, 7 days a week.

See the cocktail menu

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