National Aperitif Day is today May 18! If you're unfamiliar with this European tradition, here's everything you need to know to enjoy the pre-dinner drink known as the aperitif.
Unlike many other alcoholic beverages, the aperitif label doesn't indicate a specific production method. Instead, it's all about when the drink is consumed. Aperitifs are always a pre-meal drink, typically before an evening meal.
Like so many beverage traditions, it's hard to pinpoint the exact origin of the aperitif. But we can point to Turin, Italy, in the late18th century, where wine flavored with an infusion of herbs and spices transitioned from a small-batch recipe passed down in families to the modern, industrialized version we know as vermouth today.
Cafés in Turin began serving vermouth and other aromatized wines. From there, the idea spread across Europe and eventually to the U.S. before Prohibition.
Today in Italy, Spain, and France especially, the aperitif is an integral part of the local culture. It's less about what one drinks than the moment of winding down from a busy day and spending time with friends and family.
Generally speaking, aperitifs have lower alcohol and sugar content, so you may consider them healthier than other spirit-heavy cocktails. But the real benefit of drinking an aperitif is its effect on digestion.
The word aperitif, or aperitivo in Italian, is derived from the Latin verb aperire, “to open," as in preparing your stomach to digest a tasty dinner. Research shows that an aperitif revs up your appetite and your digestive system. But one of the main health benefits of the aperitif is that it helps slow down the eating process.
Starting a meal with a drink and accompanying bite makes you more likely to relax and eat slower. And that definitely helps your digestion.
Most traditional aperitifs are aromatized or fortified wines or bitter liqueurs such as Campari and Aperol. But because the aperitif category is so broad, any low-proof (or no proof!), slightly bitter drink works.
Most traditional aperitifs are aromatized or fortified wines or bitter liqueurs such as Campari and Aperol. But because the aperitif category is so broad, any low-proof (or no proof!), slightly bitter drink works.
Aromatized wines include types of vermouth, americano, and quinquina. Some of the most well-known include:
• Lillet - a French brand that fortifies a blend of Bordeaux grapes with citrus liqueurs
• Cocchi Rosa and Cocchi Americano - Italian rose and white wine, respectively, flavored with botanical and citrus flavors
Sherry and Madeira are the most common fortified wines consumed as aperitifs. Choose a dry, less sweet version for your pre-dinner drink.
Herbal liqueurs are also popular aperitifs, and they include:
• Aperol
• Campari
• Cynar
• Amaro
Other typical aperitifs include anise-flavored spirits like ouzo and Pernod.
You can serve any of these liqueurs on their own or as part of a simple mixed drink. Top the apertivo of your choice with a craft soda, prosecco, or tonic water, and you've got a light, refreshing pre-dinner cocktail.
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