An apéritif (plural, apéritifs) is a French phrase meaning “to open, or expose.” These fragrant, quick drinks whet the appetite and prepare your palate and stomach to absorb the flavors in food.

The Italians call it aperitivo (plural aperitivi). They are parlor drinks common in Europe, particularly in France and Italy. In many restaurants, they serve apéritifs along with the dinner service, and you do not have to have a complete meal. Many countries also make it a practice to enjoy drinks with friends after work, perhaps with light appetizers—it’s a time to unwind. It’s like the American happy hour.

What is an Apéritif?

It is an alcoholic drink you serve before a meal to stimulate your appetite. Liquid appetizers are also perfect for entertaining guests during the pre-dinner mingling session. You can also do this at home when preparing dinner—it’s an ideal way to wind down from your day. The pleasures of drinking apéritifs come in many forms, from Campari and Aperol to cocktails like the martini.

Do They Work and How?

Since aperitifs stimulate appetites, the drink should be dry (low in sugar) to avoid limiting appetite and soft in alcohol since no one wants to get drunk before dinner. The high alcohol content of wines can also dull our taste buds—California Zinfandels need bold and aggressive flavors to break through—otherwise, the high alcohol content will mask all flavors.

Classic aperitifs include dry vermouth, gin, bubbles, and dry white wine. For an apéritif, a dry martini is a perfect drink. Just don’t indulge in too many, as the apéritif may lose its purpose and lessen your appetite once you’ve become intoxicated.

Are There Different Types?

Yes! The key ingredients of apéritifs are wine and spirits. Fortified and sparkling wines are excellent pre-dinner drinks, as well as light cocktails. Here are some examples of wine-based apéritifs.

What are the Most Common Aperitifs?

North Americans consume aperitifs in a typical cocktail form or as part of a cocktail. Several classic cocktails, including the Martini, Manhattan, Negroni, Americano, Bronx, and Vesper Martini, use French or Italian spirits mixed with whiskey, gin, or vodka.

However, in their native regions, people enjoy these light, effervescent, spirit- or wine-based beverages straight or diluted with soda, juice, and ice. You can serve an apéritif alone. Many are best served chilled in snifters or small cordial glasses to enhance the aromatics. Serve them over ice to soften and open up in flavor and aroma. The traditional apéritif time is 30-60 minutes before your reserved dinner time.

For those looking to order an aperitif the next time you are at Fine & Rare, we have put together a guide to help you choose.

Apéritifs Wine

Spirits to Enjoy as an Apéritif

As an apéritif, spirits are often bitter and low in sugar. The alcohol content of apéritif spirits is also relatively low compared to other types of spirits. Apéritif blends well with spirits in cocktails, or you can consume straight up on the rocks.

Apéritif Cocktails

Having an apéritif cocktail before dinner is also an option. Many of these cocktails are extremely dry, sometimes with a hint of bitterness.