Apéritif, a French word derived from the Latin verb aperire, means “to open.” An apéritif stimulates the appetite. Since sugar limits our appetites, apéritifs generally remain dry. One consumes an apéritif before a meal, as a result, these drinks often feature lower ABVs, but in the case of the martini, not always.
Common apéritif ingredients include amaros, amontillado (a dry sherry), champagne, fino, gin, pastis, vermouth, and dry white wines. Cocktails commonly used as apéritifs include the Aperol Spritz, Campari with soda, and the martini.
« Back to Glossary Index