An apéritif is a beverage served before meals to stimulate appetite and prepare the digestive system. It can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic and includes various types like vermouth, sherry, and cocktails.
Types and styles
Apéritifs are divided into three groups: single, combined, and mixed. Single apéritifs consist of one drink, such as vermouth or mineral water. Combined apéritifs involve multiple beverages served simultaneously, like mineral water, juices, and wine. Mixed apéritifs are specially prepared mixtures, including cocktails. Popular alcoholic apéritifs include vermouth, sherry, Campari, rakia, Becherovka, ouzo, pastis, amontillado, and kir.
History
Drinks consumed before meals have a long history, mentioned as early as the 5th century by Diadochus of Photice. In 1796, Turin distiller Antonio Carpano invented vermouth. Apéritifs became popular in France after 1846 when chemist Joseph Dubonnet created a drink by adding quinine to a wine base to combat malaria, then softened the bitterness with herbs and spices. They spread throughout Europe in the 19th century and reached the United States in the early 20th century.
How it is served
Apéritifs can be served neat, with food, or in cocktails. Popular cocktails using apéritifs on this site include Vesper, 20th Century, Corpse Reviver, and French Negroni.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Аперитив, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Kinds of apéritif
Other styles
- Quinquina
- GET 27
- Vino cotto (Italy)
- Hriate (Slovakia)
Well-known brands
- Cocchi Americano (Italy)
- Hesperidina (Argentina)