The Aperitif is back!

For some, the aperitif never left but thanks to the current cocktail renaissance and a drink-better culture the aperitif is back with a roar.

In simple terms an aperitif is a beverage taken before them meal designed to stimulate the appetite. The word aperitif is derived from the Latin aperire, or “to open.”

The aperitif is often enjoyed with an hors d'œuvre or two and it is customary and wise to limit yourself to no more than two drinks while one is often just right. This is the introduction to the evening after all.

Aperitifs come in many forms from Wine, to Spirits & Cocktails, and even Beer – yes Beer! A great wine aperitif is always crisp, refreshing and typically white or sparkling while fortified wines like Fino Sherry and Vermouth are classics. Vermouths are among the very first aperitifs.

In the Beer department we like a crisp and tart Lambic, while light and citrus influenced wheat Beers can make excellent aperitifs as well.

However, cocktails offer the greatest number of possibilities as they can combine all of the above in an endless number of delicious combinations. While there are many great choices we have narrowed our list to the Top Five Cocktail Aperitifs. Enjoy!


1. Negroni – When in Rome… or anywhere for that matter the Negroni makes a great aperitif. It is the combination of sweet Vermouth with the tart and herbal bitters Liqueur that act as the perfect accompaniment to a complex London Dry Gin. A squeeze of lime adds a fresh citrus element further preparing the palate for the culinary adventures ahead.
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2. Aviation – Our second favorite aperitif features Gin as well. The fresh and tart nature of the cocktail with a well proportioned sweet and fruity note is the perfect antidote to a busy day. Luckily this cocktail is once again popular and it is relatively easy to construct at home.
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3. Margarita – This classic Tequila drink is so often abused that we had to debate its inclusion on this list. When the dust settled it was clear that the classic Margarita made with fresh limejuice is just too good to omit. Please do omit the sticky sweet and blended versions still being offered by far too many outlets that should know better by now. Limejuice comes from a lime, not a bottle.
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4. Whisky Sour – The classic proves that brown Spirits can be the base of an excellent aperitif as well. It’s dead easy to make utilizing jut two ingredients and a little technique with the cocktail shaker. Use a fresh and preferably home-made sour mix, we provide a tasty and easy recipe below.
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5. Daiquiri – This classic cocktail inspired the identical argument created by the inclusion of the Margarita. The great Daiquiri has been made over more often than Joan Rivers and the results are often just as scary. Sweet fruit concoctions are often the base flavor of this cocktail making it an awful aperitif. However, the original based on quality White Rum with a touch of sugar balanced with fresh limejuice will get the palate jumpstarted every time.
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